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China In China, a government campaign aimed at closing down virtually every possible source of opposition, in the name of preserving "social stability," accelerated over the past year and into 2000. Related Materials Rights Group Deplores U.N. China Move HRW Press Release, April 18, 2000 China's No-Action Gambit U.N. Rights Commission Urged to Act on China, Chechnya HRW Press Release, March 17, 2000 1999 Vote on China No Action Motion China Talks Sweet on Human Rights HRW Commentary March 23, 2000 Human Rights Deteriorate Religion in the Service of the State Draft text of US resolution on China to be presented at the UNCHR European Parliament resolution on the human rights situation in China There has a been a clear deterioration of human rights conditions that requires a strong multilateral response. We urge the Commission on Human Rights to adopt a resolution condemning widespread violations in China and calling on the government to take prompt action to end these abuses. Social organizations and political parties, such as "Corruption Watch" (an NGO) and the China Democracy Party, have been singled out for detentions and in some cases, severe prison sentences. Leaders of worker and peasant organizations, as well as those trying to peacefully organize workers or protesting corruption, have been arrested. The crackdown on the Falun Gong movement that began last July has resulted in widespread violations of basic rights of free expression, association and belief. At least 111 Falun Gong members, according to Chinese officials, have been formally arrested, charged with establishing an illegal organization, organizing illegal gatherings, and using the Internet to promote Falun Gong's message. Many other Falun Gong followers have been sentenced administratively. We are also deeply concerned about serious abuses in Tibet, including beatings, torture and government interference with Buddhist religious activities, as well as the impact of draconian measures imposed against alleged terrorists in Xinjiang such as increasing executions and lengthy prison terms for suspected splittists. The arbitrary detention and then formal arrest of a respected Chinese scholar late last year, combined with tighter official supervision of the publishing and print media and the Internet, have raised serious concerns about freedom of expression.