91998E2241

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2241/98

by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission

(16 July 1998)

Subject: Human rights in China

Noting the stance taken by the European Union at the annual meeting of the Human Rights Commission in Geneva on the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is the Commission of the view that the European Union is exerting optimum pressure on China to improve its human rights record?

What steps are being taken by the Commission to monitor abuses of human rights in China and has the Commission taken any action with regard to relations with the Chinese authorities to promote the universality of human rights?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(8 September 1998)

Since October 1997 the European Union and China have been engaged in a series of regular, detailed meetings covering all aspects of human rights in China. Even the most sensitive issues have been covered by the dialogue and it is supported by a range of Community funded projects designed to help reinforce the respect for human rights in China. In addition, every opportunity is taken to raise the plight of individual dissidents imprisoned in China.

The Commission has always placed great emphasis on the universality of human rights in all discussions with the Chinese. It has welcomed the signature by China of the United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and continues to press China for an early ratification of this covenant as well as an early signature of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Indeed, various measures are being developed to make European expertise available to the Chinese authorities to provide assistance aimed at ensuring China's full adherence to international norms and standards in human rights.

The human rights situation in China is continually monitored both by the Commission and by the Member States.

It is the Commission's firm view that a policy based on such concrete measures is the most effective way to urge the Chinese authorities to take further steps in the right direction towards the full respect for human rights.