PRESS RELEASE

Liberals focus on the defense of human rights in Burma and China

At the Liberal Party Assembly held in Wolverhampton members pledged their support for those campaigning for Human Rights in Burma and China.

Councillor David Morrish of Exeter presenteda Motion submitted by the Tiverton and Honiton Liberals. The Motion, which was carried unanimously, stated the Liberal Party’s support for “the Amnesty International led campaign for China to demonstrate its commitment to human rights in advance of the 2008 Summer Olympics”. The Motion called for reforms on:

1. The Death Penalty
2. Fair trial and prevention of torture and ill treatment
3. Protection of Human Rights defenders
4. Freedom of expression and information.

On the initiative of Wyre Forest Liberals an Emergency Motion was presented by Councillor Fran Oborski of Kidderminster.

The Liberal Party deplores the actions of the illegal, unelected, militaristic Burmese regime in their vicious attacks and repression of the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators. Whilst we welcome the intervention of the UN envoy we call upon Her Majesty’s Government to:

1. work in partnership with our EU colleagues to bring pressure within the UN to implement sanctions against the Burmese regime;
2. urge EU governments to take action against businesses who are actively trading with Burma.

The Liberal Party further deplores the attitude currently being taken by both Russia and China within the UN Security Council that the actions of the Burmese regime are a purely internal matter and thus urges HM Government, in partnership with our EU colleagues, to bring every possible pressure on Russia and China to prevent their vetoing UN action.

The Motion was carried unanimously.