As the global community prepares for the 2024 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) an important event is scheduled to take place on January 22 at 11 am in Room XXVI of the Palais des Nations. This event, which combines both virtual elements will shed light on China’s persistent denial of universal human rights with a particular focus on the troubling persecution and forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners within its borders. A coalition of governmental organizations (NGOs) some with ECOSOC status and others without have come together to organize this event aiming to prompt a critical examination of China’s human rights track record and the need for international intervention.
The concept note for this conference emphasizes the escalating persecution faced by Falun Gong practitioners in China since the UPR in 2018. Over the last five years, minghui.org has documented a disturbing increase in human rights abuses. Startling statistics reveal many Falun Gong practitioners enduring illegal imprisonment, torture and even death while in custody.
Further emphasizing the seriousness of this issue are reports regarding state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting in China. These reports have been acknowledged by international governments including the European Parliament back in 2022 aligning with findings, from the China Tribunal in 2020. The recent judgment by the tribunal has clearly stated that forced organ harvesting is happening in China. It appears that Falun Gong practitioners are the main targets.
The lack of action and silence from the community regarding the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners has not only given confidence to the Chinese government but has also contributed to a wider range of human rights violations. From the spread of Covid 19 to their actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea China’s impunity has global repercussions.
The upcoming conference serves as a platform to review recommendations made by various UN member states during previous UPR sessions regarding the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. In addition to addressing concerns, this event aims to explore the historical roots of this oppression, which experts have described as a form of silent genocide.
The conference is scheduled to conclude with a discussion on how China’s disregard, for rights directly impacts the world. Its goal is to encourage efforts aimed at rectifying China’s human rights record.
NGOs holding ECOSOC status like the Coordination of Associations and Individuals for Freedom of Conscience and the Romanian Independent Society for Human Rights well as NGOs without ECOSOC status such as Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) Taicot Taiwan Association for International Care of Organ Transplants Kaeot Koran Association for Ethical Organ Transplants TTRA Transplant Tourism Research Association and Association Initiative Citoyenne will play a crucial role in this joint plea for justice.
As the conference draws near both participating NGOs and the international community are filled with anticipation. The combination of in-person and participation underscores the urgency and significance of the issues at hand. The virtual accessibility ensures that voices from around the world can come together to demand accountability and justice.
The event scheduled on January 22 is more than a discussion; it is a call to take action. The attention of the community will be focused on Room XXVI of Palais des Nations as they stand united in their determination to address human rights violations in China seek justice for Falun Gong practitioners and reaffirm their commitment to universal human rights. The countdown, towards achieving justice has already begun.
