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News item | 07-08-2008
Taken as a whole, human rights in China have not improved in recent months. Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen noted that the Netherlands' concerns 'are undiminished'. He intends to pursue an open dialogue with the Chinese government.
Mr Verhagen wrote this in a letter to the House of Representatives.
Clearly the Chinese authorities are eager to ensure the success of the Olympics, Mr Verhagen wrote, 'so they are doing everything they can to limit the risk of incidents and the negative publicity that these could entail'. This has an impact on human rights.
He mentioned as areas of concern freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the death penalty and the position of human rights defenders and ethnic Tibetans.
'The path of dialogue is the only one that can bear fruit in the long run,' the minister stated. For this reason, he believes it is important to remain 'resolutely critical, constructive and committed' with regard to human rights in China.
He sees no reason in this approach to upset the plans of Prime Minister Balkenende and State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport Jet Bussemaker to attend the Olympic opening ceremonies.
'The government will persist in systematically raising human rights issues
with the Chinese authorities, bilaterally and multilaterally,' wrote Mr
Verhagen. 'Our consistency in pursuing an open, frank and constructive
dialogue will enable us to carry on the discussion at every level.'