china, the olympics and human rights · the olympics and human rights: topics for discussion and...

_________________________________________________________ 1 China, human rights and the Olympics www.amnesty.org.au/humanrightstoday

CHINA, THE OLYMPICS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

CURRICULUM RESOURCES FOR THE MIDDLE YEARS

Warren Prior


CHINA, THE OLYMPICS AND HUMAN RIGHTS Author: Warren Prior Reviewers: Sophie Peer, Sarah Trotter and Dr Carmel Desmarchelier Editing and design: Don McArthur Published by: Amnesty International Australia Locked Bag 7 Collingwood VIC 3066 © Amnesty International Australia 2008

These materials may be reproduced by teachers free of charge for classroom use

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Contents

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The Olympic Games: sport, ideals and society in the ancient world and today Teacher notes 5

Student materials:

� The Olympic Games: sport, ideals and society in the ancient world and today 11 � The Olympics and human rights: topics for discussion and research 13

Internet censorship in China: ‘the Great Firewall’ Teacher notes 15 Student materials:

� Imprisoned for sending an email: the case of Shi Tao 21 � Supporting human rights in China: what you can do: Free Shi Tao 22 � What is censorship? 23 � Internet censorship in China: “the Great Firewall” 24

Human rights in China today: exploring some key issues Teacher notes 27 Student materials:

� The death penalty 32 � Fair trials, torture and imprisonment without charge 33 � The rights of human rights defenders 34 � Media freedom 35 � The Case of Ye Guozhu 37 �

Supporting human rights in China: what you can do

� Sign the China pledge 26 � Free Ye Guozhu 38 � Help Tear Down the Great Firewall of China 39 � Search for Freedom 40 � Help Nu Wa End Internet Censorship: Join ‘Uncensor’ on Facebook 41 � Upload your photos and videos! 42


China must live up to the challenge it has set itself to aspire to the ideals of the Olympics. The founders of the Olympic Charter envisioned the Olympics Games as being centred firmly on the preservation of human dignity and respect for ethical principles. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights promotes dignity for every person. China, as host of the Beijing Olympics, should honour these principles. This is a time to be proud of the Olympic Games, but if that pride is tarnished with human rights violations, it is bad for China, it is bad for the Olympic Games and it is bad for the international community.

Irene Khan, Secretary General,

Amnesty International

Teacher notes: Sport, Ideals And Society In The Ancient World And Today

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THE OLYMPIC GAMES

SPORT, IDEALS AND SOCIETY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD AND TODAY

Year level(s): Middle Years Focus issue/questions:

• How have human rights and the Olympic Games been linked in the past?

• What were the key features of the ancient Olympic Games?

• Why were the modern Olympics founded? • What promises did China make to improve human

rights when it made its bid to host the 2008 Olympics?

• Should the Olympic Games be used as platform to promote human rights?


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Learning Outcomes Students will be able to:

1. Show an understanding of the key Olympic Games goals, ideals and symbols

2. Develop skills of investigation by examining major aspects of the ancient Olympics.

3. Develop mapping skills by locating the cities that have staged the Olympic Games since 1896.

4. Analyse current issues in relation to the original ideals of the Games and of the modern Olympic movement

5. Investigate and form an opinion about issues and controversies that have impacted on the running of a number of Olympic Games, including, boycotts, the use of drugs, political interference and violence, and funding the Games.

6. Utilise the Internet and other sources for information about the Olympic Games

7. Appreciate that many of the questions confronting the Olympic Games are related to issues of human rights.

Curriculum links Humanities:

• History • Geography • Economics • English

Health and Physical Education Civics and Citizenship The Arts Interdisciplinary skills

Key Ideas and Concepts

• The Ancient Olympics • The modern Olympic movement • The Olympic Charter • The Olympic Truce • Opening Ceremonies • Sport and politics • Boycotts • Drugs in sport • Values • Human Rights

Student materials in this section � The Olympic Games: sport, ideals and society in the ancient world and today � The Olympic Games and human rights: some topics for discussion and research

Previous page: Temple of Zeus at Olympia ARKNTINA


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INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE The Olympic Games capture the imagination of the world. Although not many of us can ever hope to actually participate, we usually follow the contest with interest and enthusiasm. It is a time of both national pride and global goodwill. Because of the intense public scrutiny affecting all aspects of the Games, including the bidding process, the management of the Games and the post-Games analysis, the spotlight is often on the host country and its history, culture, values and style of government. A useful context for students to investigate the next Olympic Games in China in August 2008 is a study of the origins of the Olympic Games. The student materials in this section of the resource examine human rights and the ancient Olympics.

Studying the Olympic Games Studying the Olympic Games is worthwhile for a number of reasons:

• it focuses on sport – an interest of many young people • it opens doors to investigate the culture and history of the host country,

as well as current social issues in that country • it is highlighted in the media and provides opportunities for students to

examine current issues in the news • it provides opportunities to explore issues of participation, inclusion and

exclusion (for example, the Olympic Games are now such big business, that many countries cannot hope to host the event due to the huge costs involved.)

• it links with the history of the ancient Olympics and the modern Olympic movement

• it provides us with a vehicle to examine our own cultural practices. For example, how important is sport in Australia compared to other cultural pursuits? Does Australia provide opportunities for all people to compete based on equal opportunity?

The Olympic Charter The Olympic Charter governs the Olympic Games and includes the following fundamental principles:

• Principle 1: “Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.”

• Principle 2: The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.

• Principle 4: The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. The organisation, administration and management of sport must be controlled by independent sports organisations.

Manuela Bosco, Sydney Olympics 2000 © LEHTIKUVA / HEIKKI SAUKKOMAA


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• Principle 5: “ Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.”

(emphasis added.) Some conflicts over the Olympic games in history • The Antwerp Games, 1920. Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and

Turkey were not invited because of their part in the first world war. The Olympic flag with its symbol of five interlocking circles was introduced at these games.

• The Berlin Olympics in 1936. The Games were awarded to Germany in 1931 before Hitler came to power. Hitler's dictatorship was already well established, including political executions without trial and the Nuremberg Laws of 1935, which removed all civil liberties from German Jews. The question of a boycott was raised but was narrowly rejected. The Nazi regime promoted itself to foreign spectators and journalists. Visitors were unaware that the Nazis had temporarily removed their anti- Jewish signs. As part of a “clean up” ordered by the German Ministry of Interior, the Berlin Police arrested all Gypsies prior to the Games.

• The Melbourne Olympics, 1956. 1956 was the year of an uprising against the Soviet-backed government in Hungary which was brutally put down by the Soviet military. At the Games in Melbourne, Hungary and the USSR met in the waterpolo finals in what became known as the "Blood In The Water" match. Before a passionately pro-Hungarian crowd, Hungary won 4-0 and later went on to win gold. See “Cold War violence erupts at Melbourne Olympics” at http://www.smh.com.au/news/175-years/cold-war-violence-erupts-at-melbourne-olympics/2006/04/17/1145126047088.html

• South Africa and apartheid. In 1964 South Africa was barred by the

I.O.C. from taking part in the Tokyo Olympics because of its apartheid policy. Under apartheid, the Olympic team was limited to white athletes. The ban on South Africa continued for 28 years. Sporting sanctions played an important role in exerting pressure to dismantle apartheid.

• The Moscow Olympics, 1980. In 1980 the US and 60 other countries boycotted the Moscow Olympics after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The question of boycotting the games was hotly contested in Australia, however in the end Australia chose to participate in the Games. Lisa Forrest, who was in Year 11 at high school when she captained the Australian swimming team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics was among a small group of high-profile athletes which led a successful campaign for Australia to participate.

Chinese students celebrate after Beijing was declared the host city for the 2008 Olympic

Games, Friday, July 13, 2001 © Greg Baker/AP/PA Photos


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Some useful weblinks (Also listed online under “China, the Olympics and Human Rights” at www.amnesty.org.au/humanrightstoday) Ancient Olympics website: http://ancientolympics.arts.kuleuven.be Includes: * Olympia: the site of the ancient games * the ancient games * events and athletes * background information about Greek sport * the impact of the ancient games The Ancient Olympic Games International Olympic Committee site http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/index_uk.asp Olympia and the Origin of the Olympic Games http://www.physicaleducation.co.uk/Alevelfiles/origins%20of%20olympics%20article.htm History of Olympia http://www.sikyon.com/olympia/history_eg.html

The story of Kyniska "The Only Woman in All Greece": Kyniska, Agesilaus, Alcibiades and Olympia http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/JSH/JSH2003/JSH3002/jsh3002g.pdf Fabulous Females and Ancient Olympia http://www.helleniccomserve.com/docs/Kylehandout.doc Hellenic museum Olympic site http://www.hellenicmuseum.org/exhibits/ancientgrk/olympics.html includes: * Olympics: A Day in the Life of an Ancient Greek * Olympic Program of Events Cold War violence erupts at Melbourne Olympics http://www.smh.com.au/news/175-years/cold-war-violence-erupts-at-melbourne-olympics/2006/04/17/1145126047088.html The Olympic Movement http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/ The Olympic Charter http://en.beijing2008.cn/spirit/symbols/charter/ Olympic Truce Centre http://www.olympictruce.org/


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The Olympic Games: sport, ideals and society in the ancient world and today _____________________________________________________________________________________


The Olympic Games began in ancient Greece as a religious festival to honour Zeus and Hera, king and queen of the Greek gods. The ancient Greeks believed these and other gods lived on top of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. The Games were held every four years in the city of Olympia, beginning in 776 BCE. Originally only one event was held, a foot race over about 200 metres. Sacrifices were included in the ceremonies. By about 650BCE there were other events, including running, wrestling, horse riding, chariot racing and the pentathlon. Winners of events were presented with a crown of olive leaves as sign of hope and peace. The games continued until 393 CE, when the Emperor Theodosius banned all “pagan” festivals, including the Olympic Games.

The Olympic Truce During the ancient Olympics, the “Olympic truce” allowed athletes and spectators to travel safely to and from the Olympic Games, even if their state was at war with the regions they passed through. As the opening of the Games approached, the truce was proclaimed by special messengers from the state of Elis as they passed on the news about the approaching Olympic festival and games. No-one could enter Olympia with weapons.

Reviving the Olympics: “peace through sport” In1894 a Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, revived the idea of an international sporting event. Coubertin believed in "Peace Through Sport" – he looked to sport to bring people together and believed that this could ultimately make a contribution to world peace. The first International Olympic Committee was formed, and it decided to hold the first ‘Modern’ Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Winners at the 1896 Games received a silver medal and an olive branch. In the next Olympics, held in Paris, women were allowed to compete. Events included croquet, tennis football, polo, rowing and tug of war.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

SPORT, IDEALS AND SOCIETY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD AND TODAY

The Greeks used the date of the first Olympic Games to count years, making the year of the first games, 776 BCE the year “0”. Only naked male athletes were allowed to compete during the first centuries of the games: women and slaves were forbidden to attend. In 396 BCE a woman called Kyniska of Sparta won an Olympic victory. Women were allowed to enter their horses and chariots, and Kyniska, daughter of the King of Sparta, trained horses that won at the four-horse chariot race at the Games in 396 BCE. She repeated her victory at the following Games in 392.

Top: the Philippeion at Olympia Neil Carey

Above: hurdling barbed wire © AI



The Olympics, global cooperation and human rights Coubertin’s vision of the Olympics as a way to promote global cooperation continues today. The International Olympic Committee’s work is based on the Olympic Charter, which states that one of the Fundamental Principles of Olympism is to promote a "peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity." In 1999 Australian and world swimming champion Daniel Kowalski made a speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations entitled “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal". At this meeting the 180 members of the United Nations unanimously voted to call for an Olympic Truce during the Sydney Olympics. To promote these ideals, the International Olympic Truce Centre has been established in Athens. Today, the goals of the Olympic movement provide a basis by which people around the world are calling China to account for its human rights record. ___________________________________

ACTIVITIES (1) Based on the information above, make a list of the main differences between the ancient and modern Olympic Games. (2) True or false?

a) The ancient Olympics were held to honour the Greek god Olympus b) Everyone could participate in the ancient Olympics c) Weapons were not allowed at the ancient Olympic games. d) Discrimination against women in sport only happened in ancient times e) Winners at the ancient Games were given symbols of hope and peace f) The Olympics were revived in modern times by sporting promoters like

Coubertin who saw the huge potential to make money from sport (3) Form groups and use the Internet to find out more about the ancient Olympic games, eg: � sporting events � athletes and spectators � what the ancient Games tell us about the beliefs of the ancient Greeks � daily life in ancient Greece (eg dress, attitudes, social conditions.) Use this information to make a poster to invite people to attend an event at the ancient games. (4) When China made its bid for the 2008 Olympic Games, what promises did it make to improve human rights? See Amnesty International’s “Uncensor” website, http://uncensor.com.au. (5) Imagine you are an athlete or spectator at the ancient Olympics who is suddenly transported into 2008. (You can do this activity regardless of whether you are male or female. The rules that prevented women from participating were not always kept: an example is Kallipateira, who disguised herself as a trainer and brought her son to Olympia to compete.) You visit Australia during the 2008 Olympics, and watch them live from Beijing on TV. You then suddenly find yourself back in your own time. After you have amazed your friends and family with stories of digital communication and 21st century music etc, they ask you “What is the difference between our Games and theirs?” Write or act out a conversation between you and your friends. They also ask, “Why is there such a debate during the Olympics about human rights in China?” Discuss this in class, making a list of main points about what you know about human rights in China.

Gymnasium, Olympia Feuillu

Manuela Bosco, Sydney Olympics 2000 © LEHTIKUVA / HEIKKI SAUKKOMAA



1. Goals of the Olympic movement Using the Internet and other sources, investigate the goals of the Olympic movement. To what extent do you believe that these goals are being achieved? What criteria might be used to measure the extent of success?

2. Human rights and sport When the Olympic Games are awarded to a particular country, is it legitimate for the international community to put the spotlight on human rights issues in that country? Are the Olympics Games solely a sporting event? Can it be legitimate to prevent a country from participating in the Games because of human rights issues?

3. Opening ceremonies Compare the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic Games in Beijing and the Sydney Olympics. What are the similarities? What are the differences?

4. The modern Olympics: host countries Using the Internet and other sources, construct a table and world map locating the host countries of the Olympics held since 1896. Is there a pattern to the locations? What might be the benefits to a country of hosting the Olympic Games, and what do these locations suggest about where the Olympic Games are held and who benefits? 5. Controversial issues and the Olympics In groups, investigate controversies associated with modern day Olympic Games, including the Melbourne and Sydney Games. Controversies may include the use of drugs, funding for the Games and their location (e.g. why were the Melbourne and Sydney Olympic Games held within fifty years of each other?) and calls for international boycotts (e.g. the 1936 Games in Berlin and the 1980 Games in Moscow.)

THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND HUMAN RIGHTS: TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND RESEARCH



6. Athletes at the ancient Olympics in art Using sources such as the Internet, art books, locate a photo of a statue, painting or drawing showing an athlete in action in the ancient Olympic Games. To what extent do you think it is realistic – or an ‘idealised’ representation? What do you notice about how the content and style of the work differs from modern images of athletes? Why might the artist have used this kind of image to depict athletes in ancient Games?

7. The story of Kyniska Using the Internet, find out more about the story of Kyniska, (also spelt Cynisca) the woman who won the four-horse chariot race. Make notes using the following headings: � facts about Kyniska’s life � the place of women and girls in her culture � what happened when she won the event. Use your notes to write a television interview between you and Kyniska after she wins the event.

8. The Olympic Truce Form groups of three and investigate actions that have been taken to pursue the ideal of the Olympic Truce � in ancient Greece � in the movement to launch the modern Olympics (eg the work of Coubertin) � today (eg the Olympic Truce Centre and calls for an Olympic ceasefire.) As a class, discuss the statement “We need to find realistic ways to implement the ideal of the Olympic Truce in today’s world.”

Follow-up activity Begin a class media watch of the staging of the 2008 Olympic Games in China. Create a collage of print media reports under topic headings.

Supporters of the human rights group, the Tiananmen mothers, demonstrate during the Chinese President’s visit to Hong Kong, 2001

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Teacher Notes: Internet Censorship in China: the ‘Great Firewall’ _____________________________________________________________________________________


INTERNET CENSORSHIP IN CHINA: ‘THE GREAT FIREWALL’

Year level(s): Middle Years Focus Issues/questions:

• What is censorship? • How is the Internet censored in China? • How have global Internet companies made

online censorship possible in China? • What rights are violated by Internet

censorship? • What can people do to promote freedom of

expression on the Internet?




• Human Rights • Culture • Values • Censorship • Surveillance • Globalisation • Internet • Text messaging • Cyberspace • Electronic security • Digital privacy


1. Show an understanding of the concept of censorship, in particular online censorship.

2. Explore how online censorship abuses human rights. 3. Appreciate the complexities in the reasoning behind why individuals

and groups impose censorship. 4. Understand who is currently imposing online censorship in China. 5. Understand the types of online censorship in China and the impact this

is having on restricting communication. 6. Develop skills of investigation and analysis by examining a range of

resources. 7. Explore the extent of censorship in Australia. 8. Understand their own right to free expression, and utilise this right if

they choose to.

Curriculum Links Humanities


Civics and Citizenship Information Technology The Arts Interdisciplinary skills Global futures Environment

Previous page: Chinese police raid an illegal Internet cafe

© private

Student materials in this section: � What is censorship? � Imprisoned for sending an email: the case of Shi Tao � Supporting human rights in China: what you can do: Free Shi Tao

� Internet censorship in China: “the Great Firewall”



INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE

Censorship Censorship is the removal or withdrawal of information from the public by a controlling group or body. It can involve stopping people from expressing their views in an email, handing out a flyer, publishing an article on a website or in print and owning certain books. Usually the controlling of information is done by governments, but it can also be done by other groups, including religious groups, owners of the mass media and Internet companies who collude with governments.

Online censorship in China In 2008 China surpassed the USA as the world’s largest Internet market, with well over 210 million users. The number is increasing by six million each month. Gamers in rural areas play with city dwellers. Boys in major cities connect with girls on the other side of the country. The Chinese Community Party, with the assistance of Western Internet firms, has established a sophisticated filtering system, known as the “Great Firewall” or the “Golden Shield.” It blocks and censors countless websites from within China and overseas, physically monitoring all information coming in and out of the country. In China, searching online for terms like “democracy”, “Tibet”, “Taiwan” or “Tiananmen Square”, results in an error message, or being re-routed to an authorised government site. Citizens can be imprisoned for sending emails, posting blogs or passing on information deemed to be sensitive, a threat to national sovereignty or a state secret. Cartoon police icons now warn many of China’s Internet users to stay away from “illegal” websites. These virtual police are designed to encourage self-censorship by reminding users that the authorities closely monitor web activity. China also operates arguably the most extensive, technologically sophisticated and broad-reaching system of Internet censorship and filtering in the world. Text messaging is also being monitored. In 2007, Beijing authorities issued a notice stating that those who use text messages to “endanger public security” or “spread rumours” will be investigated. Global Internet companies such as Yahoo!, Google and Microsoft have signed a pledge with the Chinese Government which allows the companies to operate in China, but only under conditions that involve censorship of their users. Tests have shown that Microsoft prohibits users of MSN spaces in China from using certain terms such as "human rights", "Falun Gong" or "Tibet independence" in their account name or blog title. Google announced in January 2006 the launch of www.google.cn, a self-censoring search engine as an alternative to its existing search engine based outside China, www.google.com. Chinese journalist Shi Tao is serving 10 years in gaol after Yahoo! gave the authorities his personal email account-holder information. His 'crime' was emailing to a contact in the US part of the Chinese Government's instructions on how to report the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests. For this Shi Tao, now 39 years old was convicted of "illegally providing state secrets to foreign entities'. Chinese Internet companies Sohu and Baidu also censor information that is available to Internet users in China.

Sign posted at entrance to Internet cafe © Elizabeth Dalziel-AP-PA Photo

ACTION STUDENTS CAN TAKE Western Internet companies such as Yahoo!, Google and Microsoft have the power to stand up for human rights in China. Students can write polite letters to these companies, calling on them to: • use the opportunity of the Beijing Olympic Games to publicly call on the Chinese government to release Shi Tao, Yang Tongyan, Huang Jinqiu and all others detained for peaceful and legitimate use of the Internet. • publicly affirm their support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the commitment to respect and protect freedom of expression and privacy rights • take all possible legitimate action to avoid complying with government requests that may have a negative impact on human rights and challenge government policies and practices that violate human rights in the context of the Internet • commit to independent monitoring and evaluation of their compliance with

human rights principles.



As well as calling on Internet companies to take action, Amnesty International is calling on the Chinese authorities to:

• ensure that there is an end to unwarranted Internet censorship and that urgent measures are taken to prevent the arbitrary detention, harassment or unfair dismissal of reporters and journalists in violation of their rights to freedom of expression.

• ensure that no-one is arrested and/or tried for the legitimate use of the Internet, including human rights defenders and journalists

• ensure the immediate release of those detained or imprisoned for using the Internet

Background on the right to freedom of expression The right to freedom of expression (Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 19) is the right most obviously associated with issues of censorship, however consider how censorship might be linked to the following rights from the Universal Declaration:

• Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security. • Article 21: You have the right to take part in the government of your

country and have equal access to services in your country. Free and fair elections should be held on a regular basis.

• Article 22: You have the right to have your basic needs met. Everyone is entitled to live in economic, social and cultural conditions that allow them dignity and let them develop as individuals. All countries should do everything they can to make this happen.

• Article 27: You have the right to participate freely in the cultural life of your community.

• Article 29: We all have a responsibility to the community we are part of: we can only develop fully as individuals as part of our community. All rights in this declaration can be limited only by law and then only if necessary to protect other people’s rights, meet society’s sense of right and wrong, maintain order, and to look after the welfare of society as a whole.

Source: Simplified Version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. http://action.amnesty.org.au/images/uploads/hre/Tuning_in_to_human_rights.pdf The full

version of the Declaration is available at the UN website at http://www.un.org/rights

Other human rights documents relevant to censorship Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights:

1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. 2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. 3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: (a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others; (b) For the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals.

Source International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/b3ccpr.htm

Anti-drug education by a Chinese policewoman in a compound at the Kunming Municipal Compulsory Rehabilitation Centre

© Guang Niu/Getty Images

ACTION STUDENTS CAN TAKE Students can stand up for Freedom of Expression in China by joining Amnesty International’s UNCENSOR cause on Facebook. See the Facebook link at http://uncensor.com.au _________________________

ONLINE CENSORSHIP WORLDWIDE The web is a great tool for sharing ideas and freedom of expression. However, efforts to try and control the Internet are growing. Internet repression is reported in countries like China, Vietnam, Tunisia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Syria. People are persecuted and imprisoned simply for criticising their government, calling for democracy and greater press freedom, or exposing human rights abuses, online. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. It is one of the most precious of all rights. We need to protect it.

Source: http://irrepressible.info



Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution: Freedom of speech, press, assembly

Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration.

Source: Chinese government website

http://www.gov.cn/english/2005-08/05/content_20813.htm7

The 1989 protests at Tiananmen Square: background Before considering the many issues in this case study it would be good to introduce students to the protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Tiananmen Square is a traditional location for demonstrations in China. In 1989, protestors, who were mainly students, occupied the square for seven weeks demanding democratic reforms. Millions of people from all walks of life joined in the demonstrations, which rippled out to cities across China. The government declared martial law, and on the night of 3 June 1989 and the following morning, sent in army tanks and the infantry to crush the protest. Estimates of civilian deaths vary from the 23 recorded by the Chinese Communist Party to 2,600 reported by the Chinese Red Cross. Between 7,000 and 10,000 people were injured.

A paramilitary policeman keeps watch near the Olympic countdown clock displaying 500 days to the Olympic Games in Beijing: March 2007 © private

CENSORSHIP AND GLOBALISATION One impact of globalisation has been the ability to communicate and share information rapidly. Information technologies have challenged the ability of governments to hide or censor information that they may prefer to keep out of the public arena. The censorship of online communication is particularly serious, given the huge impact of information technologies and their use as arguably THE major supplier of information and media to the world. An investigation of large scale on-line censorship by the Chinese government was brought to the world’s attention before the 2008 Olympic Games were awarded to China, and the focus on online censorship in China is part of a broader effort to defend the right to free expression.



The failure of the authorities to address what happened at Tiananmen square in 1989 continues to tarnish China’s human rights record and the image of Beijing on the international stage. Global experience shows that long-term stability is best ensured by addressing injustices of the past, thereby strengthening the rule of the law and the principle that no one is above the law. The Chinese government continues to stifle public debate over the issue, which remains erased from magazines, newspapers, school text-books and internet sites in China. Over the last year in particular, official policies on media control and censorship have been intensified, preventing any public analysis or discussion of 3-4 June 1989 or other politically sensitive periods in China’s recent history.

Human Rights Defenders: the Tiananmen Mothers The Tiananmen Mothers, founded by Ding Zilin, a retired university professor, is a group of around 130 human rights defenders – mainly women – whose children and other close relatives were killed or injured during the military crackdown on the 1989 prodemocracy movement. While the authorities have moved away from branding the events of 1989 as a “counter-revolutionary rebellion” towards labelling it a “political incident”, they have refused to respond to long-standing calls for justice by the victims or their families. The Tiananmen Mothers have compiled a list of names of more than 180 people who were killed in the military crackdown and at least 70 who were injured. They regularly submit appeals and petitions calling on the Chinese authorities to allow victims’ families the right to mourn in public, to allow them to accept humanitarian aid from organizations and individuals, to end persecution of victims and their families, to release all those still imprisoned for taking part in peaceful protests, and to implement a full and open inquiry into events of 3-4 June 1989. Subsequently they have been subjected to harassment, discrimination and arbitrary detention.

Pro-democracy protestors in Shanghai, June 1989. © Private



Students can respond by sending polite letters to Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China, urging him to ensure the Tiananmen Mothers can carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, in line with their human rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. Welcome the fact that some members of the Tiananmen Mothers were allowed to grieve their loved ones in public and organize an informal seminar in June 2007, but urge the authorities to broaden this approach by allowing full public debate of the events of 3-4 June 1989. Call for the immediate and unconditional release of those still imprisoned in connection with the 1989 protests, and for a full and impartial inquiry into the events on 3-4 June 1989, with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice and providing compensation to the victims or their families. WRITE TO: President of the People’s Republic of China HU Jintao Guojia Zhuxi The State Council General Office 2 Fuyoujie Xichengqu Beijingshi 100017 People’s Republic of China Salutation: Your Excellency

For more details on the 1989 protests at Tiananmen Square, see (1) material from Amnesty International Australia: http://action.amnesty.org.au/China/comments/tiananmen_square_protests/ (2) The Gate of Heavenly Peace, a website to accompany video of the same name: http://tsquare.tv/

This site includes: • Tour of Tiananmen Square • Themes: Democracy, Reform and Revolution, Human Rights, Making

the News, Making History, Nationalism, Parallel Cultures • Chronology of 20th century China • Media Library (video and audio clips, gallery of posters and stills) • About the film, The Gate of Heavenly Peace: • Media Studies (Making the News) • Additional Readings and Links

(“The Gate of Heavenly Peace” is the English translation of Tian An Men)

The Tiananmen Mothers © HRIC

Internet Censorship in China: the ‘Great Firewall’ _____________________________________________________________________________________


Chinese journalist Shi Tao is today serving 10 years in gaol for sending one email.

He used his Yahoo! email account to write to a friend in the United States about

Chinese Government’s instructions on how to report the 15th anniversary of the

Tiananmen Square protests. Official Chinese Internet monitors read the email and

approached Yahoo!. The Internet company gave authorities Shi Tao's personal

email account-holder information. Shi Tao was then convicted of “illegally

providing state secrets to foreign entities”: the information supplied by Yahoo!

helped secure his conviction.

In 2004, Chinese officials were anxiously preparing for the anniversary of pro-democracy protests held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing which had been crushed by army tanks and soldiers fifteen years earlier. They were keen to prevent discussion of what happened: (the Chinese government bans discussion of the issue from school textbooks, magazines, newspapers and the Internet. The Chinese Central Propaganda Department issued instructions to journalists on how they should report on the anniversary. Journalists were instructed to “correctly direct public opinion” and to “never release any opinions inconsistent with central policies”. Shi Tao attended a meeting and took notes about the government’s instructions. He emailed this information to his US contact, who runs a pro-democracy website. An article was published the same day under the name “198964”. Shi Tao sent the email using his Yahoo! email account. Seven months later, police arrested him, charging him with “illegally providing state secrets to foreign entities.” Email account holder information which was supplied by Yahoo! was used to convict him and sentence him to 10 years in prison. Although he was convicted of disclosing ‘state secrets’, it is no secret that China does not want the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests to be discussed. Spokespeople for Yahoo! later claimed the company was simply following local laws and, at the time, did not have information about the nature of the Chinese investigation. However, a Chinese police notice to Yahoo! has since been

IMPRISONED FOR SENDING AN EMAIL:

THE CASE OF SHI TAO

Top: Shi Tao © ICPC Above: a paramilitary policeman keeps

watch near the Olympic countdown clock displaying 500 days to the Olympic Games

in Beijing March 26, 2007 © private



uncovered. It suggested that the company was, at the very least, aware of the nature of the alleged crime. Yahoo! was called to appear before the United States Congress twice to explain its actions. On the second occasion it was found that they had misled the Congress about their involvement in the case. In November 2007 Yahoo! settled a lawsuit with the families of Shi Tao and another gaoled dissident. The lawsuit alleged the company aided and abetted human rights violations by handing over information about their online activities. The terms of the settlement are not public. Shi Tao has reportedly been forced to work under harsh conditions. He appealed his sentence, however in 2005 the appeal was dismissed and he remains in prison, though following international attention there have been some improvements in his conditions. Source: Amnesty International’s “Uncensor” website, http://uncensor.com.au

___________________________________

ACTIVITIES

1. Briefly outline the case made by the Chinese authorities against Shi Tao. 2. To what extent did Yahoo! contribute to Shi Tao’s imprisonment? 3. Why might the Chinese government want to prevent discussion of the

events that occurred in 1989? 4. Can the actions of the Chinese authorities be justified in any way? 5. Use Amnesty International’s “Uncensor” website, http://uncensor.com.au to

research how Internet companies have worked with the Chinese government to censor information on the Internet. What can Internet companies to do differently - and how would this make a difference to people in China?

6. Investigate the background to the Tiananmen Square protests and create text for or develop your own website drawing attention to what happened there. Issues you could focus on include: • key events that happened at Tiananmen Square in 1989 • profiles of people who were involved • the objectives of the demonstrators and of the Chinese leadership • the role of groups such as the Tiananmen mothers in seeking justice • the story of Shi Tao • the need for freedom of expression in China • action people can take to support human rights in China

SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA: WHAT YOU CAN DO FREE SHI TAO! Please send polite letters to Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China, calling for Shi Tao’s immediate and unconditional release. Urge President Hu Jintao to ensure that Shi Tao is not tortured or otherwise ill-treated while in custody and that he is given adequate medical treatment. Also call on him to ensure that no one is arrested and/or tried for the legitimate use of the Internet in China, including human rights defenders and journalists. WRITE TO:

President of the People’s Republic of China HU Jintao Guojia Zhuxi The State Council General Office 2 Fuyoujie Xichengqu Beijingshi 100017 People’s Republic of China Begin your letter with the salutation, “Your Excellency”

Yahoo Inc Headquarters ©APGraphicsBank

Global Internet companies such as Yahoo!, Google and Microsoft have signed a pledge with the Chinese Government which allows the companies to operate in China, but only under conditions that involve censorship of their users. Chinese Internet companies Sohu and Baidu also censor information that is available to Internet users in China. By complying with official censorship demands companies are aiding or sanctioning government efforts to control the free flow of information. They are also going against established international norms and values and comprising their own principles. Around 30 journalists and 50 Internet users are known to be behind bars in China. Media freedom organisations have labelled the country the world’s leading gaoler of journalists. In the build-up to the Olympics, Chinese authorities are intensifying their already strict

controls over media outlets, including newspapers, magazines and websites.



As a class, discuss the following scenarios and whether they are examples of censorship: • a publisher removes sections of a book before publication • an organisation refuses to allow someone to speak at a public rally • a piece of art is removed from an exhibition • an organisation is required to remove a flag that is not Australian from their

building. • the Chinese government controls what material can be accessed through

Internet search engines such as Google, Microsoft and Yahoo. Using materials from Amnesty International, the Internet and other sources, explore the various definitions of ‘censorship’ and in groups come up with a workable definition highlighting its key characteristics. Construct a five-column table using the following headings: • what (your definition of censorship) • who (organisations/individuals who might engage in censorship) • where (where in the community might censorship be practiced) • when (In what context/conditions might censorship be implemented) • why (What might be the motives for introducing censorship) What Who Where When Why

Above: sign at Internet café, Beijing . It reads: "Please come with me because

you published materials to harm the unity of the nation"

© Elizabeth Dalziel/AP/PA Photo

WHAT IS CENSORSHIP?

TAKE ACTION What would you see if you were online in China right now? Visit “Search for Freedom” at http://uncensor.com.au where you can look for a list of banned words and see what comes up!



Censorship of the Internet and media in China shields a range of human rights issues and abuses from the public gaze and creates a climate of fear. Chat rooms are monitored, blogs are deleted, websites blocked, search engines restricted. Search terms result in error messages. People are imprisoned for simply posting and sharing information. This is all part of online life in China. Without transparency and information flows human rights abuses can continue unchecked. Harsh laws restrict the media, particularly the kind of reporting that is permitted and what online postings are possible. Academics, those in favour of democracy, religious groups, ethnic minorities, lawyers defending the human rights of others, and people wanting to share their accounts of human rights abuses - are all silenced online in China. Gaol, torture and the death penalty are risks for those who exercise their human right to free expression in China. Who is responsible? The Chinese Government has a complex system of censorship in place that is actively assisted by Google, Microsoft and Yahoo! These companies have entered into a pledge with the Chinese Government, the contents of which are not public. The pledge allows the three companies to operate in China, but only under conditions that involve the censorship of their users. Sohu and Baidu, two of the largest Internet companies in China, also censor their content. How does it happen? If users enter blacklisted search terms, they may receive an error message, or may be re-routed to authorised government sites – or a page that resembles search results where the links do not work. If users continue, their searching can result in their Internet connection 'timing out'.

INTERNET CENSORSHIP IN CHINA:

“THE GREAT FIREWALL”

Above: Policemen carry out computers from an unauthorized Internet cafe in Beijing.

© EyePress/AP/PA Photo

Global Internet companies such as Yahoo!, Google and Microsoft have signed a pledge with the Chinese Government which allows the companies to operate in China, but only under conditions that involve censorship of their users. Tests have shown that Microsoft prohibits users of MSN spaces in China from using certain terms such as "human rights", "Falun Gong" or "Tibet independence" in their account name or blog title. Google announced in January 2006 the launch of www.google.cn, a self-censoring search engine as an alternative to its existing search engine based outside China, www.google.com. As a result of the agreement between Yahoo! and the Chinese government, Chinese journalist Shi Tao is serving 10 years in gaol after Yahoo! gave the authorities his personal email account-holder information.

TAKE ACTION Visit http://uncensor.com.au



Up to fifty thousand state security personnel are reportedly monitoring websites, chat rooms and private email. They can block certain websites, delete blogs and conduct surveillance on “targeted persons” - such as those who continue to post or access information that the Chinese Government considers to be sensitive or a “state secret”. It is reported that Internet cafes in China are subject to surveillance and that many have introduced an extra layer of censoring software to ensure that their business is not closed down due to customer behaviour. Cafe customers must provide their full name before using the computers and authorities sometimes conduct random checks. “They're just words - is it really a human rights abuse?” The Internet is a new frontier in campaigning for human rights. The Chinese Government, together with the assistance of some of the biggest IT companies in the world, are denying people their right to freedom of expression. Without transparency and free flowing information, it is impossible to fully understand the human rights situation in China. Facts about the real situation in the country are concealed and those whose rights have been violated are silenced. ___________________________________

ACTIVITIES 1. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. How is experiencing (or not experiencing) this right relevant to you and your friends? How does support for this right contribute to a just society?

2. Is there censorship of information by governments and other organisations

in Australia?

3. Is censorship always an abuse of human rights? Or is some censorship necessary?

4. The image above refers to “harming the unity of the nation”. As a class,

discuss how calls for “national unity” or the “national interest” can be used for or against human rights.

5. Create a presentation for your school assembly, or a display for your

school or local library about freedom of expression on the Internet using sources such as Amnesty International’s “Uncensor” website, http://uncensor.com.au, which includes material such as

• Net censorship: the Basics” • What is Internet censorship?

In small groups identify � 3 or 4 key messages � the best way to communicate them to your audience � what you would like your audience to do in response to your presentation � what will motivate them to do it. Discuss your groups’ ideas in class and plan who will do what!

Sign posted at entrance Internet cafe in Beijing. It reads: top: "You should not spread antisocial material on the Internet" and bottom: "Please

come with me because you published materials to harm the unity of the nation"

© Elizabeth Dalziel/AP/PA Photo

SIGN THE CHINA PLEDGE You can show your support for ending Internet censorship in China by signing the China pledge at uncensor.com.au. We will also keep you updated with the latest news and ideas to help create a more transparent society in China. "I believe the Internet should be a

vehicle for freedom not repression.

People have the right to seek and

receive information and to express

their peaceful beliefs online without

fear or interference.

I call on the Chinese Government

and large Internet companies to stop

the unwarranted restriction of

freedom of expression on the

Internet." You can join Uncensor on Facebook and participate in “Search For Freedom“ at the same site.

Teacher Notes: Human Rights in China Today: Exploring Some Key Issues _____________________________________________________________________________________



Year level(s): Middle Years Focus Issues/questions:

• Do individuals and groups have the right to oppose government policies and practices?

• What forms of opposition are appropriate and effective?

• Do governments and other organisations have the right to limit the freedoms of human rights defenders?

• In order to protect both individual rights and the national interest, what government actions are acceptable?

• Is there evidence of the abuse of human rights in China?

• Should the Olympic Games be used as platform to promote human rights?

HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA TODAY: EXPLORING SOME KEY ISSUES



• Human Rights • Culture • Inclusion • Exclusion • Values • National interest • Persecution • Death penalty • Torture


1. Show an understanding of the concept of culture and the role that history and culture play in framing a country’s policies and practices, with emphasis on China and Australia.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of key features of a just society, framed for the common good.

3. Develop skills of investigation by examining a range of resources. 4. Utilise materials from Amnesty International Australia, the Internet, the

media and other sources for information about abuses of human rights in China.

5. Appreciate links between the Olympic Games in China and human rights issues.

6. Be willing to express a well-informed opinion about the extent of dissent that is acceptable in a harmonious democratic country.

7. Be willing to take some action about human rights abuses in China.

Curriculum Links Humanities:


Civics and Citizenship Information Technology The Arts Interdisciplinary skills

Previous page:

Above: inmates at meal time in a 're-education through labour' facility © www.thebeijingnews.com Below: Police patrol Tiananmen Square on China’s National Day, 1 October 2005. The banner behind them reads ‘socialist, harmonious society’. © Dubin

Student materials in this section: � The death penalty � Fair trials, torture and imprisonment without charge � Media freedom � The rights of human rights defenders

� Human rights defenders in China: the case of Ye Guozhu



INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE The international spotlight is on China as it hosts the 2008 Olympics. During their campaign to secure the 2008 Olympics, the Chinese authorities declared that the human rights situation in China would improve if Beijing were chosen as host. Wang Wei, Secretary General of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee, stated,

"We are confident that the Games coming to China not only promotes our economy but also enhances all social conditions, including education, health and human rights,"

This was a sentiment echoed by other members of the Committee. Liu Qi, Mayor of Beijing, said in 2001,

"[The Olympic Games] will help promote all economic and social projects and will also benefit the further development of our human rights cause."

The Chinese authorities have a unique opportunity to honour the pledges they made to advance human rights. China’s international human rights commitments, as well as the spirit of Olympism which assert that "the practice of sport is a human right," and avow respect for "universal fundamental ethical principles," suggest that respect for human rights lies at the heart of the Olympic movement. Amnesty International believes that improvement of human rights in China can be one of the positive legacies of the Games, however without such improvements, not only will the Games fail to be remembered in a positive light, but China’s image will remain one of a country that represses its citizens. It is China’s choice and a responsibility shared by the Olympic movement. Four of the issues that Amnesty International is highlighting are:

� the death penalty � fair trials, torture and imprisonment without charge � media freedom � the rights of human rights defenders

While some reforms have been made on the death penalty, China remains the world’s top executioner. Human rights activists continue to be detained and harassed. Internet users are censored. Individuals are subjected to detention without trial called "Re-education Through Labour", and "Enforced Drug Rehabilitation". Reform of these two provisions has long been promised but now they have been extended to "clean up" Beijing ahead of the Games…. An Olympic Games characterized by serious human rights violations would be an affront to the core principles of the Olympic Charter. China has promised to make human rights improvements. China must live up to the challenge it has set itself to aspire to the ideals of the Olympics. The founders of the Olympic Charter envisioned the Olympics Games as being centred firmly on the preservation of human dignity and respect for ethical principles. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights promotes dignity for every person. China, as host of the Beijing Olympics, should honour these principles. This is a time to be proud of the Olympic Games, but if that pride is tarnished with human rights violations, it is bad for China, it is bad for the Olympic Games and it is bad for the international community.

Irene Khan, Secretary General,

Amnesty International

Amnesty International action calling for human rights in China, 2008 © AI



Individual rights and community needs: exploring the issues There are sometimes tensions between allowing individuals and groups the right to protest against the decisions of others while simultaneously protecting the rights of the whole community. For a harmonious community, there have to be some limits and protections given to BOTH those who wish to protest and those who make and enforce the laws. What are these limits for a citizen in a democratic community? In Australia:

• is it acceptable to join a public rally to protest against a decision or action of a government?

• can people aged 18 years and over choose not to vote in an election? In China:

• can the Chinese Government imprison and/or torture individuals who protest against the lack of religious freedom?

• is it acceptable for the Chinese government to impose lengthy gaol penalties for those who use the Internet to criticise their government?

• when someone like Ye Guozhu uses an official form to protest against his eviction for construction works for the 2008 Olympics, is it acceptable for the government to detain him for four years for “picking quarrels”?

Living in a harmonious democratic community involves all citizens being given the right to participate in decision making and being respectful of individual and group differences. How can the rights that make it possible for communities to be harmonious be protected? Is the use by governments of arbitrary detention, torture, persecution and the death penalty ever acceptable in the ‘national interest’?

Human rights, laws and beliefs In any country, the development and features of the legal code usually reflects factors including: • community beliefs • internationally-agreed standards and • belief in universal principles of human rights Community beliefs Community beliefs and values are often based on historic cultural beliefs and practices. In Australia we draw on the English legal code and have been influenced by the traditions of countries like France and the USA. In Australia, writing graffiti on public spaces is generally seen as a lesser crime than, say, burglary, and it therefore warrants a lesser penalty. In other words, there is a gradation of crimes and a corresponding gradation of penalties. These are local legal decisions. In contrast to Australia, more than sixty-eight crimes are punishable by the death penalty in China. International standards In some cases the Australian legal system reflects its support for world conventions or rules. For example, in Australia the definition of a refugee draws on a number of United Nations Conventions that we have signed and ratified.

© AI



For an overview of how international treaties are made, designed for use with year 9 and 10 students, see “Tuning In the Human rights, the sample chapter of “Human Rights today”, a curriculum resource developed by Curriculum Corporation for Amnesty International Australia - see “advice to teachers”. Universal principles of human rights Above these local and world factors is the even broader factor of a belief in universal human rights. This is the valuing of human dignity, the common good.

PROFILES OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS For profiles of human rights defenders in China, see the case studies at: http://uncensor.com.au/uncensor/casestudies/ See also profiles of Wei Jingsheng, dubbed “China’s Mandela”: (1) Arts for Amnesty http://www.humanrightspaintingproject.com/detail.php?id=203 (2) moreorless: heroes and killers of the 20th century http://www.moreorless.au.com/heroes/wei.html

"If there is no human dignity or human rights, then there can be no real Olympics. For the sake of China and for the sake of the Olympics, defend human rights" - human rights defender Hu Jia, detained in 2008

Human Rights In China Today: exploring some key issues _____________________________________________________________________________________


In China the death penalty continues to be applied to people for around sixty-eight offences, including crimes such as tax fraud and drug offences. Chinese academics estimate that between eight and ten thousand people are executed each year. No-one sentenced to death in China receives a fair trial: failings include lack of prompt access to lawyers, no presumption of innocence and the use of evidence extracted under torture. Executed prisoners are sometimes used as a source of organs for transplant. In a positive development, the power of the Supreme People's Court to review and decide on all executions has been reinstated. This will hopefully lead to a reduction in death sentences: executions had previously been carried out at local level without access to a higher court, and generally took place immediately after a trial.

ACTIVITIES

1. “No-one sentenced to death receives a fair trial…” What obstacles to fairness are listed in the text above? If someone is accused of a crime where the death penalty is applied, how would these obstacles affect them?

2. Do State and/or Federal governments in Australia impose the death penalty? If not, why not?

3. What are the arguments used by those who support the death penalty? 4. What are the arguments against the death penalty? Why do

organisations like Amnesty International oppose it? 5. How does returning power to the Supreme People's Court to review

and decide on all executions improve the rights of people in China? 6. Using the Internet, research the cases of Nie Shubin who was executed

in Hebei for a crime he did not commit, and of Hao Jin’an who was released after spending almost ten years in prison for after being wrongfully convicted of murder. Present your findings as a poster to inform other students about the death penalty in China.

THE DEATH PENALTY

For background, case studies and more information, see “Human Rights in China: the facts” at Amnesty International’s “Uncensor” website: http://uncensor.com.au/

uncensor/facts/

Amnesty International is calling on the Chinese authorities to reduce the use of the death penalty in China as part of a process of abolishing it. This should include: • regularly publishing official statistics on death sentences and executions • ensuring access for all families and lawyers of those sentenced to death • reducing the number of offences

which carry the death penalty

Anti-death penalty protest, in Hong Kong © AP Photo/Anat Givon



It is believed that hundreds of thousands of people are being held without being charged in 're-education through labour' facilities and other forms of imprisonment without charge across China. People assigned to Re-education Through Labour (RTL) are forced to work for long hours as part of their "re-education". Police have unchecked power to impose sentences of up to four years for 'minor offences'. People are often sent to RTL if police believe there is not enough evidence to convict them of criminal charges, including “serious cases” of unlawful advertising or leafleting, driving unlicensed taxis and begging. RTL was once described in an official legal newspaper as punishment for actions which fall somewhere between crime and error. In 2006, the Beijing city police announced that Re-education Through Labour would be used to "clean up" the city’s image ahead of the Olympics. It has been used to rid Beijing of beggars, vagrants, drug users, peddlers and unlicensed taxi drivers. ___________________________________

ACTIVITIES

1. What is the meaning of ‘re-education through labour’? 2. Many people in prisons in Australia undertake education or work

programs while in prison. Is this different from the use by Chinese authorities of ‘re-education through labour’? How?

3. Can the use of torture be justified in order to obtain valuable information? Develop a survey instrument to ask other students their views about the use of torture. Collate the data and discuss in class the findings. You could submit your findings to your local member of parliament.

4. Research the stories of people who have been assigned to RTL: examples are housing rights activist Wang Ling, rural activist Liu Jie and Wang Guilin and Yu Changwu, both rural land rights activists.

FAIR TRIALS, TORTURE AND IMPRISONMENT WITHOUT CHARGE

Amnesty International is calling on the Chinese authorities to ensure that all forms of detention in China are in accordance with international human rights law and standards, including measures to uphold the rights to fair trial and to prevent torture. This should include: � abolishing Re-education Through Labour and Enforced Drug Rehabilitation � ensuring that decisions on detention are handled by the courts, not just the police, and that they are made in accordance with universal standards of fair trials; � cease using these systems to "clean up" Beijing for the Olympics.

Above: Inmates at meal time in a RTL facility © www.thebeijingnews.com



Human rights defenders in China who attempt to report on human rights violations, challenge policies which are deemed politically sensitive, or try to rally others to their cause, face serious risk of abuse. Harsh laws and vague definitions of 'crime' mean that thousands of people in China are imprisoned for defending basic human rights. Vaguely-defined “crimes” such as "inciting subversion", “disturbing public order” or "leaking state secrets abroad" are often used to detain and imprison human rights defenders. Many activists are imprisoned after politically motivated trials, while others have been detained as prisoners in their own homes by the police conducting intrusive surveillance and standing guard outside their home. Several activists based in Beijing have faced growing harassment and surveillance as the Olympics approach. Abuses against human rights defenders in other parts of China also appear to be rising as attention is focused on Beijing during the year of the Olympics. ___________________________________

ACTIVITIES

1. Looking at examples above, explain how Chinese authorities could use vague language in the law to detain people engaged in peaceful acts of protest or opposition to the government.

2. “People who participate in rallies that disrupt the public are a nuisance and should be put in prison.” Discuss.

3. To what extent are the rights of individuals and groups are less important than the rights of the whole community?

4. Research the stories of human rights defenders such as those listed opposite. You could present your findings about their work and events in their lives through: � creating a cartoon � acting out their story at a school assembly � making posters to display at your school.

5. Consider this scenario: the Principal of a school has decided to totally ban the use of i-Pods in school, including the use to and from school. How might students go about responding to this? Plan a campaign. What actions are possible? Who would be involved? What would be likely to gain support and be effective?

Amnesty International is calling on the Chinese authorities to ensure that human rights defenders are free to carry out their peaceful activities. This should include: � ensuring that human rights defenders are able to speak out without penalty � releasing gaoled human rights defenders � changing vaguely-worded clauses in the Criminal Law which are used to suppress human rights activities.

Some human rights defenders

�� Zeng Jinyan: a blogger whose efforts in exposing the activities of China’s secret police have led her to be dubbed “Tiananmen 2.0.” Her Internet connection has been cut and police guard her home. �� Hu Jia: Zeng Jinyan’s husband and human rights activist, environmentalist, and writer for HIV/AIDS websites. Sentenced to prison in April 2008. Using his web-cam, he told a European Union hearing in 2007 that China had failed to fulfil its promises to improve human rights in the run-up to the Olympics. �� Tiananmen Mothers: relatives of victims of the 1989 crackdown in Tiananmen Square who campaign for justice for their relatives �� Bu Dongwei (“David Bu”): sentenced to “Re-education Through Labour” in Beijing for possessing Falun Gong literature. �� Yang Tongyan: imprisoned because of his writings in support of political change. In 2007 he was reportedly forced to make footballs and basketballs in an apparently toxic environment for 8- 10 hours per day.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Zeng Jinyan with a placard in front of a police car © Hu Jia and Zeng Jinyan



With around thirty journalists and fifty Internet users known to be behind bars, media freedom organisations have branded China "the world’s leading gaoler of journalists". According to the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists, at least twenty-nine journalists are in prison as a direct result of their work which typically involves reporting and commentary that is deemed to promote democracy or embarrass Chinese Communist Party leaders. Domestic censorship remains in full force across the whole country and, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, all media face bans on covering stories about ethnic conflicts, unofficial religious activity, particularly Falun Gong, and the internal workings of the Chinese Communist Party and government. Foreign correspondents working in China have faced assault, harassment, destruction of tapes and detention in the course of their work of reporting on China. With the aid of Western-provided technology, up to fifty thousand Internet police monitor websites and emails. The "Golden Shield" or "Great Firewall of China" is a censorship and surveillance project that allows the government to block and filter Internet content and monitor Internet users. Research suggests that the censorship system put in place by the Chinese government has often failed to consistently block and filter Internet content but that the idea of the firewall led to self censorship by Internet users. On 24 January 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao reportedly ordered officials to regulate the Internet better and "purify the online environment" ensuring that online information is "healthy" and "ethically inspiring". This has been followed by censoring of certain websites, blogs and online articles. Search results are

Amnesty International is calling on the Chinese authorities to end the unwarranted censorship of the Internet and media in China. This should include: � ensuring that no one is arrested and/or tried for legitimate use of the Internet � releasing people detained or imprisoned for legitimate use of the Internet, including human rights defenders and journalists. � ensuring journalists can report on legitimate news items without fear or threat.

MEDIA FREEDOM

Above: police raid an Internet café © Eyepress/AP/PA photo

"We will give the media complete freedom to report when they come to China.... We are confident that the Games coming to China not only promotes our economy but also enhances all social conditions, including education, health and human rights."

- Wang Wei, secretary general of the Beijing Olympic Bid Committee, China Daily, 13 July 2001.



filtered, with many websites censored, including those using words like "freedom", "human rights", "Tibet" and "Amnesty International". The Chinese authorities have intensified their controls over media outlets, including newspapers, magazines and websites. One case was the temporary closure and sacking of the editors of ‘Freezing Point’ (Bingdian), a popular supplement to the China Youth Daily, after it carried an article criticising the official interpretation of certain historical events, such as the 1900 Boxer Rebellion. The paper was closed down for five weeks, resuming publication only after its editor Li Datong and deputy editor, Lu Yuegang had been dismissed. ___________________________________

ACTIVITIES

1. What evidence is there that media freedom is restricted in China? 2. In a country like China where the majority of people do not have access

to the Internet, does it really matter if the authorities block websites? 3. In the letter opposite, the writers describe their objective of creating “a

cyber world where rationality and freedom of speech reign”. Discuss their view that Internet freedom is beneficial for “equality, freedom… and other crucial factors for modern society.”

4. Create a role play showing your understanding of the situation in China, based on the following scenario: a teenager who is a friend of Li Datong works from an illegal Internet café to create a new website which invites school students from around the world to pressure the Chinese government to promote media freedom. Chinese Internet police intervene.

5. Investigate who owns the major media sources that you listen to, watch, or read. Discuss the extent to which these media outlets are influenced by governments. Who decides what will be published?

6. Using the Internet and other sources, investigate if there are any restrictions placed on what Australian citizens can say or do in public.

7. Do school authorities block access to certain websites? How is this done? Is it effective? Who decides which website will be blocked? Are students consulted? Should school authorities have the right to block access to certain websites? Compare this with the actions of authorities in China when they block certain websites in terms of • the purpose of blocking sites • its impact on people.

Sources:

The Olympics countdown – failing to keep human rights promises http://asiapacific.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170462006?open&of=ENG-CHN Amnesty International Media Kit: Legacy of the Beijing Olympics http://archive.amnesty.org/library/pdf/ASA170432007ENGLISH/$File/ASA1704307.pdf The Olympics countdown – crackdown on activists threatens Olympics legacy http://asiapacific.amnesty.org/apro/aproweb.nsf/pages/Olympics/$File/ASA170502008.pdf

OPEN LETTER ON INTERNET FREEDOM

“a cyber world where rationality and freedom of speech reign” In 2006, 103 Chinese scholars, writers and lawyers published an open letter calling for an end to Internet censorship in China. This was sparked by the closure of a popular website, Century China, which had reportedly received a notice from the authorities accusing it of ‘illegally providing news information and violating Internet regulations.’ Li Datong, editor of “Freezing Point” was among those who signed the letter. Below is an extract.

"Ever since its establishment, our website has aimed to construct a cyber world where rationality and freedom of speech reign. For six years we made great efforts to attain this goal because we believe that such a public space is beneficial to developing equality, freedom, rationality and other crucial factors for modern society, and that we could do our part to accelerate China’s academic advancement and cultural development." Source: One Hundred Intellectuals’ Appeal Letter: http://www.rsf.org/IMG/html/ccintellectualappeal-en.html

Australia and China: compare the coverage As a class, compare coverage of the Olympics and human rights issues in China in the Australian media and through Xinhua, China’s official press agency: see http://www.chinaview.cn and http://news.xinhuanet.com/english..

Experience Internet censorship for yourself Visit Search for Freedom at http://uncensor.com.au Search results from China will be displayed alongside the results for the same search carried out on non-Chinese search engines.

Shi Tao, a journalist imprisoned for emailing details of government instructions on how the anniversary of 1989 protests at Tiananmen

Square should be reported © ICPC



After Beijing won its bid to hold the 2008 Olympics, the Chinese government initiated large-scale construction projects that displaced people from their homes. Ye Guozhu is one of the many Beijing residents who were evicted from their homes to make way for Olympic building and construction work. He applied to hold a protest against this, and for doing so he is now serving four years in gaol. Ye Guozhu’s home and businesses were demolished when Chinese officials and property developers in Beijing’s Xuanwu district reportedly colluded to force a large number of residents to move. He, like his neighbours, didn’t receive any compensation. The following year Ye Guozhu applied for official permission to stage a public demonstration. He planned to hold the demonstration at the same time as the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee was holding its annual meeting. Three days after making the application he was detained. After a secret trial, he was convicted of “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble” and sentenced to four years in prison. According to reliable reports received by Amnesty International, Ye Guozhu has been tortured in detention. He has twice been sent to Qingyuan prison for periods of ‘discipline’, apparently because he tried to appeal his conviction. Amnesty International considers the charges against Ye Guozhu to be a politically motivated attempt to prevent him from exercising his human rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN CHINA: ___________________________

THE CASE OF

YE GUOZHU

Above: A woman stands in the ruins of houses in Beijing, March 2006.

© Greg Baker/AP/PA Photo

Top: Ye Guozhu © Boxun



The Beijing Olympics and the right to housing Beijing is set to look beautiful by August 2008. Reports are flooding in of state of the art sporting facilities, electric buses and trees being planted. Yet the side we are not seeing is how many peoples' homes and livelihoods are forcibly removed to make way for these developments. Without transparency and without completely free and unrestricted media access (as promised in the Beijing bid for the Olympic Games) the stories of those evicted and the reality of their lives today is not reaching the rest of the world. In the build up to the Olympics there has been intense development of Beijing city. Houses have been demolished in various parts of the city to make way for new construction projects. More than 1.25 million Beijing residents have been displaced by urban development projects, some directly related to the Olympics, according to estimates from the Geneva-based Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions. It states that number is likely to rise to 1.5 million by August this year. Many of those evicted have reportedly been forced out without due process and without adequate compensation. Usually they are relocated to poor-quality housing on the city outskirts. Real estate companies, which are often owned or linked to the authorities, who evicted the tenants, can then sell the land to developers for a large profit. Forced evictions – those carried out without appropriate legal protection – are in violation of human rights including the right to adequate housing which is established in Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which China has ratified. ___________________________________

ACTIVITIES

1. Why was Ye Guozhu arrested? Was this an action that warranted an arrest? What was his sentence?

2. List the abuses of human rights which are highlighted in his story. 3. Does the International Olympic Committee have a responsibility for this

situation since his imprisonment is a direct result of the Games? 4. Why do you think the Chinese authorities acted the way they did? 5. In what other ways might the authorities have responded to Ye

Guozhu’s initial request for permission to hold a rally? 6. What does it mean when Amnesty International considers Ye Guozhu

‘a prisoner of conscience’? 7. What does this story tell us about human rights in China?

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

FREE YE GUOZHU! Please send polite letters to the Director of the Qinghe Sub-bureau of the Beijing Municipal Prison Management Bureau explaining that Amnesty International considers Ye Guozhu to be a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release. Urge him to guarantee that Ye Guozhu is not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment while he remains in prison and that his conditions of detention improve. Encourage him to ensure that Ye Guozhu is granted regular visits by his family and has access to lawyers and any necessary medical treatment. Ask the Director to provide further information on Ye Guozhu’s state of health and conditions of detention. Write to:

Director of Chaobai Prison Address

Yuzhang

Postbox 109

Jingshanxian Chadianzhan

Tianjinshi 300481 People’s Republic of China Salutation: Dear Director

Ye Guozhu using a traditional form of protest to make his demands public © Boxun

Supporting human rights in China: what you can do _____________________________________________________________________________


China operates arguably one of the most complex Internet censorship regimes in the world. This censorship regime in China is known as the Golden Shield or Great Firewall of China. To represent this, Amnesty International Australia has prepared kits for groups to construct huge yellow ‘walls’ all over the country. Each ‘brick’ in the wall will contain a postcard targeting one of the companies involved in maintaining China’s Internet censorship regime. Participants will be invited to take down a brick from the Wall and sign their name on the bottom of the postcard to send to the companies. The companies that Amnesty International is focussing on are Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Sohu and Baidu. The Wall is fun and easy to assemble. You can order a Great Firewall kit through your local Action Centre. Get your school involved in our action and help tear down the Great Firewall of China!

SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA:

WHAT YOU CAN DO

HELP TEAR DOWN THE GREAT FIREWALL OF CHINA

ORDER THE KIT

You can order the ‘Great Firewall’ action kit from the Amnesty International Action Centre in your state/ region:

ACT / Southern NSW Phone: (02) 6202 7500 email: [email protected] NSW Phone: (02) 8396 7670 email: [email protected] Queensland / Northern NSW Phone: (07) 3136 6400 email: [email protected] South Australia / Northern Territory Phone: (08) 8110 8100 email: [email protected] Tasmania Phone: (03) 6221 1000 email: [email protected] Western Australia Phone: (08) 9476 4800 email: [email protected] Victoria Phone: (03) 9412 0700 email: [email protected]

Police patrol Tiananmen Square on China’s National Day, © Dubin



INTERNET CENSORSHIP

Chat rooms monitored. Blogs deleted. Search results re-routed. Websites blocked. Try to search for blacklisted organisations like Amnesty International in China and you will get an error message or be re-routed to an authorised government site. The same thing happens when you search for terms like democracy, Tibet, Taiwan or Tiananmen Square: redirected…. timed out…. connection reset.

Behind what has been dubbed the 'Great Firewall of China' citizens can be imprisoned for sending emails, posting blogs or passing on information deemed to be sensitive, a threat to national sovereignty or a state secret. Major search companies like Yahoo! and Google, Baidu and Sohu comply with Chinese Government regulations and block search terms and results.

BE PART OF THE SEARCH! Amnesty International Australia's Search for Freedom is a quick and easy way to send a message to the Chinese search engines. Just go to uncensor.com.au and 1. select a search term from a list of human rights related search terms in a drop down menu. 2. click "Go". This will send your chosen search words to either Yahoo! or Google in China. The search results from China will be displayed alongside the results for the same search carried out on non-Chinese search engines. Compare the two sets of results and experience Internet censorship for yourself. You can also join Uncensor on Facebook.

Top: Sign posted at entrance to Internet cafe © Elizabeth Dalziel-AP-PA Photo

Above: Chinese police raid an illegal Internet café © private

SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA:

WHAT YOU CAN DO ___________________________________

SEARCH FOR FREEDOM

HOW IT WORKS Every time you use a search engine, the words you search for are recorded in a server log. This provides search engine companies with information they use to sell advertising to clients. Through Search For Freedom, the human rights message goes to the place where it will receive most attention from the search engine companies – the server logs themselves. Through searching for censored topics on search engines in China, we can flood the server logs with terms such as ‘human rights’ and ‘democracy’.

There’s also a chance that this will shield Chinese citizens from scrutiny when they search for these terms.



Like the monkey in traditional Chinese culture, Nu Wa is strong willed, cheeky, energetic, sporting and intelligent.

His name means “outraged, angry young boy”.

It sounds like “Fuwa” – the name of the official mascots of the Beijing Olympics. Fuwa means “The Friendlies”. Their happy and cute demeanour contrasts with the worsening human rights situation in China today, symbolised by Nu Wa being gagged.

Nu Wa is working on setting the record straight by speaking about the human rights abuses which are suffered by people in China. Find out more at http://uncensor.com.au

SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA: WHAT YOU CAN DO _________________________________________________

HELP NU WA END INTERNET CENSORSHIP IN CHINA:

JOIN ‘UNCENSOR’ ON FACEBOOK

Sign posted at entrance to Internet cafe © Elizabeth Dalziel-AP-PA Photo

“Hi – I’m Nu Wa, the mascot of UNCENSOR, Amnesty

International’s campaign for Internet freedom.

Together we can make a difference to human rights in

China!

Find out more and become my friend on Facebook –

I’m always looking for more friends!”



Are you holding an action or event on human rights in China such as a school Assembly or “Tear Down the Great Firewall”? Why not take photos and videos of the event and share them with us! Upload your photos to Flickr – click on the Flickr badge on the Uncensor website (http://uncensor.com.au) or go to Flickr directly: http://www.flickr.com. If you’ve taken video footage of your action/ event, please upload it to Youtube (www.youtube.com.) Don’t forget to tag your photos and videos with “Uncensor” and “China”. Please also send us a link – we’d love to see what you have done! See the contact details below. Before planning an event or action, make sure you contact the Amnesty International Community Campaigner in your region – see the contact details listed opposite. They can send you the latest information and campaign materials, and provide you with any support you need in organising or promoting your event. They may also be able to help you with funding, insurance and publicity – eg mentioning your event on the Amnesty website or newsletter!

SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA: WHAT YOU CAN DO _____________________________________

UPLOAD YOUR PHOTOS & VIDEOS!

Photos © AI

Contacts:

ACT / Southern NSW Phone: (02) 6202

7500 email: [email protected]

NSW Phone: (02) 8396 7670 email:

[email protected]

Queensland / Northern NSW Phone: (07)

3136 6400 email: [email protected]

South Australia / Northern Territory

Phone: (08) 8110 8100 email:

[email protected]

Tasmania Phone: (03) 6221 1000 email:

[email protected]

Western Australia Phone: (08) 9476 4800

email: [email protected] Victoria Phone: (03) 9412 0700 email: [email protected]

china, the olympics and human rights · the olympics and human rights: topics for discussion and...

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