DATE=4/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RIGHTS / CHINA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261470
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  China has once again succeeded in blocking 
discussion of its alleged human-rights abuses at the 
U-N Human Rights Commission.  Lisa Schlein in Geneva 
reports the commission voted not to act on a U-S 
resolution denouncing China's human-rights record.

TEXT:  China once again evaded scrutiny of its human-
rights record by using a procedural measure - a motion 
that the commission simply take no action on the 
proposed resolution.  

The Nepalese chairman of the Human Rights Commission 
announced the results to loud applause.

            /// CHAIRMAN ACT //

      The "No Action" motion on resolution L-30 has 
      been adopted with a role call vote of 22 in 
      favor, 18 against with 12 abstentions.  
      (Applause) 

            /// END ACT ///

China and its supporters from developing countries 
were pleased with the outcome.  The Chinese ambassador 
accused the United States, which sponsored the 
resolution, of making unwarranted attacks on China and 
of engaging in anti-China political farce that was a 
mockery toward the commission and its members.  

The U-S representative expressed regrets that debate 
was cut off.  He said China's human-rights record has 
deteriorated markedly during the past 12-months.  

A representative from Human Rights Watch, Joanna 
Weschler, said the commission's decision to take no-
action on the China resolution shows what she calls a 
deplorable lack of political will.  She says the 
victims of China's repressive policies would now feel 
abandoned.  And she says China's victory at the 
commission could result in more deterioration of human 
rights in China.

            /// WESHCLER ACT ///

      One other disappointing element of this event 
      that just finished at the commission is the fact 
      that the United States was there alone with the 
      resolution.  The European Union and several 
      other countries, which had professed their 
      concern for human rights in China, in their 
      statements even here just days ago, in some 
      cases, chose not to co-sponsor the resolution.  
      The United States was alone. 

            /// END ACT ///

Although the European Union did not sponsor the China 
resolution, all seven E-U nations that are members of 
the commission cast separate votes against the 
proposal to take no action.  

This is the ninth time since the 1989 killings of 
protesters in Tianenman Square that China has escaped 
censure at the main U-N human-rights forum.   (SIGNED)

NEB/LS/JWH/rae



18-Apr-2000 11:03 AM EDT (18-Apr-2000 1503 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.