New South Wales' Manufacturing Trade Union of Australia Strongly Condemns China for Persecuting Falun Gong

Consulate- General for the People's Republic of China

539 Elizabeth St.

Surry Hills NSW 2010

11 December 2000-12-19

Your Excellency:

I am writing to you on behalf of a number of our members who are practitioners of Falun Dafa.

I am advised by our members that their fellow practitioners in China are the victims of ongoing persecution, torture and imprisonment because of their beliefs.

Trade Unions throughout the world have historically defended the human rights of all people, regardless of their nationality or beliefs. On this basis, I am very disturbed to hear allegations that members of Falun Gong are suffering violation of their very basic human right to practice within their own beliefs.

It is of great concern to the State Council of our Union that there are continuing allegations of imprisonment without trial of Falun Gong practitioners and the torture of those who are imprisoned. We are also greatly concerned at reports by Amnesty International of sexual abuse of Falun Gong prisoners and the deaths in custody of at least 73 practitioners.

It appears from the Amnesty reports that these very gross violations are supported and perpetrated by the Government of the People's Republic of China.

The State Council of the AMWU unequivocally condemns these human rights violations and asks that you should convey our concerns to your Government as a matter of urgency.

I look forward to your response and advice on this matted at your earliest possible opportunity.

Yours Sincerely

Paul Bastian

State Secretary