Nov 26, 2007

China: Hamburger Has Beef


The Dutch human rights ambassador, Mr. Hamburger, has visited China and discussed the country’s human rights record with officials.

The Dutch human rights ambassador, Mr. Hamburger, has visited China and discussed the country’s human rights record with officials.

Below is a translation of a statement by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

The Dutch Human Rights Ambassador Mr. Arjan Hamburger has returned from a trip to China, where he met government officials, journalists, and human rights activists.

In the meeting with government officials, Mr. Hamburger voiced strong concern over the use of the death penalty, freedom of expression, the position of human rights activists, the situation for minorities, and the freedom of religion, especially of the Uyghur muslims living in East Turkestan.

In what is arguably a strong statement for diplomats dealing with China, Mr. Hamburger expressed hope that China would improve on its human rights commitment, which to date has not seen the progression many had desired.