To Stephen Smith

Dear Minister,

I'm currently living in Taiwan and have been greatly disturbed by recent media reports about Chinese police reaction to peaceful demonstrations in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.

The Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi has publicly called upon the Chinese Government to provide information on the welfare of the detained Buddhist monks and to facilitate access by international human rights monitors to Tibetan areas.

Has the Australian Government done the same? It would be a shame to fall behind the USA whose Human Rights record leaves so much to desired.

What can we do to encourage the Chinese Government to respect the human rights of every Tibetan?

Also, with the Beijing Olympics only months away, can we use this rare opportunity to bring about some real improvement in the lives of the Tibetan people.

I look forward to receiving your reply as this situation is happening directly on my doorstep.

Yours sincerely


A

Write to Mr Smith:

Stephen.Smith.MP@aph.gov.au