In a statement released on the Global Day of Action for Tibet, the President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Sharan Burrow, has called for China to respect the human rights of the Tibetan people, allow unrestricted media access and permit independent investigation into recent events in Tibet.

Australian Council of Trade Unions
Media Release
Monday 31 March 2008

The Chinese Government should open a dialogue with the Dalai Lama over the future of Tibet and give independent media and international observers unfettered access to the country says the ACTU.

The ACTU also calls on the Chinese Government to respect the Tibetan people’s rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly and to ensure proper treatment of all protesters and others detained in recent weeks.\

ACTU President and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) President Sharan Burrow said:

“Unions are disturbed by reports that media have been barred from entering or forced to leave areas with large Tibetan populations. Human rights groups have expressed fears that this is being done in preparation for a large scale crackdown on Tibetan communities.

“Journalists and the working media play an essential role on behalf of the international community in volatile situations like this where human rights are at risk.

“We understand the Chinese Government has escorted international media to Tibet, but their access was restricted and this does little to assure local people or the international community that the rights of Tibetans are being respected.

“Independent observers are our eyes and ears, and their ability to carry out their role professionally and safely must be guaranteed.

“Unions support the call from human rights groups for the Chinese authorities to respect the right of people to protest peacefully and we add the voice of Australian unionists to concerns for the welfare and safety of people in Tibet and its neighbouring provinces.

“In particular, the Chinese Government should invite the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to Tibet so that it can begin a thorough and independent investigation into alleged human rights abuses in recent weeks.

“Unions also welcome Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s call for the Chinese Government to meet with the Dalai Lama. It is important that China engages in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the Tibetan people in order to achieve a lasting resolution of problems in Tibet.

“The ACTU supports the call by Australian Federal parliamentarians from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet for an independent investigation into recent events in Tibet”, said Ms Burrow.

END