Backs resolution condemning China’s human rights record ahead of Summer Games-

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today took to the House floor in support H. Res. 1370, legislation calling on the Chinese government to immediately cease human rights abuses ahead of next week’s Summer Olympic Games.  Woolsey has been an outspoken critic of China’s human rights record, and is a member of the House Human Rights Caucus.  Below are Woolsey’s remarks from the House floor:

“In about a week, all eyes will turn to China. Athletes from around the world will converge on Beijing, except, it appears, seven of the 10 Iraqi athletes who are not allowed into the country for some reason.  Many world leaders--such as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and German Chancellor Angela Merkel--are taking a very bold step next week by boycotting the opening ceremonies. I am still hoping that our President will reconsider his decision to attend in light of China's poor human rights record.

“It's no secret that China has long sought to sweep its human rights violations under the rug. With the help of western companies, the Chinese government blocks or scrubs Web sites that it deems as troublemakers. Sites like CNN and certain Google searches are being censored. Try looking up Tiananmen Square while in China. No pictures of the 1989 student protest, certainly not the iconic picture of one man facing down a tank. In fact today many students at Beijing University couldn't even identify the photo.

“As Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, I'm especially concerned about the treatment of Chinese workers. We have learned that reeducation labor camps and dire working conditions are the norm, not the exception, in China. This year's Olympics offered China the opportunity to turn a corner, but instead China turned backward.

“I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and call on the President to stand up for human rights in China.”