The Chinese delegation to the Human Rights Council succeeded in blocking all criticism of their actions in Tibet by invoking a series of 12 points of order during statements by the United States, Switzerland and Slovenia (for the European Union) while several states including Zimbabwe, Cuba and Pakistan raised points of order in favour of China. As the general debate degenerated, point of order followed point of order until the Chairman, Ambassador Costea of Romania called for a 10 minute adjournment to allow tempers to cool.

Whereas, the International Humanist and Ethical Union affirms the worth and dignity of every human being and has, through past resolutions expressed its opposition to all cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and

Whereas, the continuation of the death penalty on the statute books is in dissonance with the right to life recognised by Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and

The Persecution of Xiao Xuehui

THE IHEU is starting a campaign to help a humanist who is being persecuted by the Chinese government.

Whereas students and workers of the People's Republic of China were engaged in a peaceful demonstration, and,
Whereas the demonstrators were dispersed by force and violence, and
Whereas some demonstrators have been executed, and
Whereas the Chinese government has further restricted freedom of expression and other basic freedoms,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of the IHEU officially condemns the action of the government of the People's Republic of China for their use of force and violence to repress essentially non-violent demonstrations, and