10 April 2008
UN experts urge full access for independent observers, media in Tibet
(UNNS) Concerned about reports of mass arrests in the TAR and Tibetan areas of the PRC, a group of United Nations human rights experts have called for unhindered access for independent observers and journalists to those areas and full transparency on the part of the authorities. The six independent experts, who report to the UN Human Rights Council, "are deeply concerned by reports of security forces firing on protestors and alleged killings", according to a statement issued in Geneva. They urged China to "fully conform to its commitment to freedom of expression and assembly, and to distinguish between peaceful protestors and those committing acts of violence". In addition, "they urge restraint and non-violence by all parties, greater and unfettered access to the regions concerned for journalists and independent observers, guarantees for the free flow of information, and full implementation of international standards in regard to the treatment of protestors and those detained, both in the People's Republic of China and in other countries in which protests are taking place", the statement added. The Chinese Government was called on "to lift restrictions imposed on the media, including Internet websites that limit access throughout China to information concerning the TAR".