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HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, SPEAKING ON SENTENCING OF CHINESE DETAINEES, SAYS SHE WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS FOR FAIR-TRIAL STANDARDS

The following statement was issued today by High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson:

I have learned of the conviction and sentencing today in China of Qin Yongmin and of Xu Wenli and Wang Youcai yesterday.

On 5 October 1998 I urged the Chinese Government in a public statement to apply, even before ratification, the standards enshrined in the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights, which China has signed. I have followed the trials of the three and have had occasion to make representations to the Chinese authorities and to urge that the proceedings be open to international observers. I have also supported measures to guarantee the right to a fair trial. I have been promised written information about the trials. Other mechanisms of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights have also requested information about the situation of Xu Wenli, Wang Youcai and Qin Yongmin.

I will continue to press for respect of internationally recognized standards on the rights to freedom of opinion, expression and association and the right to a fair trial.