The Australian Council for Overseas Aid (ACFOA) is a body representing approximately 95 non-governmental organizations (NGO). Its mission is to achieve a just and equitable society through the pursuit of sustainable human development. Below are some relevant excerpts from a resolution they passed this month.

Date: 6 Oct 2001
Decision: 20/C21/01 tbc

ACFOA recognises:

That the following rights are being violated:

• the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and of freedom of expression as guaranteed by Articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

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• the right to freedom of association with others in accordance with Article 22 of the ICCPR;

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• that detainees or prisoners should not be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment contrary to Article 7 of the ICCPR.

AGREED that ACFOA calls on:

The Australian Parliament to institute an inquiry into human rights in China through the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Human Rights Sub-Committee;

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ACFOA members to call for the release from detention of all Falun Gong practitioners ...

ACFOA member agencies to closely monitor and share information on the human rights situation in China through the Human Rights Sub-committee.