Document - China: Mission by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture postponed

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Public Statement

AI Index: ASA 17/029/2004 (Public)

News Service No: 156

17 June 2004

China: Mission by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture postponed

Amnesty International was extremely disappointed to learn that the planned mission to China by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has been postponed at the request of the Chinese government. Torture and ill-treatment remain widespread within China's criminal justice system, and the Chinese government has itself acknowledged the need to address the problem. There were high hopes that the invitation to the Special Rapporteur would form part of attempts by the Chinese authorities to address such abuses in the context of domestic and international pledges to improve China's human rights record. China originally issued its invitation in 1999, but for many years no agreement could be reached on the terms of the visit. The Special Rapporteur's visit was finally due to take place at the end of this month.

"The last-minute postponement of the visit raises serious questions about the Chinese government's stated commitment to open and transparent exchange on human rights issues with international monitors," Amnesty International said.