ATHENS, Greece, August 5 – The International Tibet Support Network (ITSN) today released a report documenting human rights abuses in Chinese occupied Tibet. ‘China Plays Games with Human Rights’, concludes that IOC President Jacques Rogge’s 24 April 2002 statement; “We are convinced that the Olympic Games will improve human rights in China” is very far from being fulfilled. Moreover, there is a danger that the Games will exacerbate China’s brutal control of its people and be used as propaganda to endorse the Communist regime.
“Sustained international pressure is required to bring about progress on Tibet and human rights in China,” said ITSN Representative Alison Reynolds. “However, despite ‘taking a bet’ that the Olympics will lead to change, the IOC appears unwilling to provide that pressure, and we call on them to take action now, or let China know that they risk losing the Games.”
Campaigners will tomorrow present the report to IOC members and demand they take steps to realise their ‘bet.’ The report examines how the Olympics and Olympic Truce could have a positive impact in the peaceful resolution of the 54-year occupation of Tibet, in promoting freedom of expression and easing China’s control of dissent.
Wangpo Tethong appealed to the people of Athens for their support. “Representatives of the Tibet movement will discuss this afternoon what kind of peaceful protests will be staged in Athens. We call on the people of Athens and the athletes to join us in our protests and to show China’s leaders that the world cares about truth and human dignity.”
Report available on www.2008-freetibet.org
Contact:
Wangpo Tethong: +41/78/744’30’10 (engl./german)
Alison Reynolds: +44/7711/843’884 (engl.)
Hara Kalomiri: +30/6932/904’302 (greek)
