Brussels, Belgium – The European Union accused China and Iran of human rights abuses Tuesday, but said it will not censure either nation at an upcoming U.N. meeting.
The EU foreign ministers issued a declaration expressing concern about “the lack of respect for human rights” in China, citing use of the death penalty, torture and arbitrary detention.
The EU urged Beijing to ease restraints on pro-democracy, labor and internet activists, members of underground Christian churches and the spiritual movement Falun Gong, and political activists in Tibet and Xinjiang, an Islamic region in northwestern China.
On Iran, the EU said it “remained deeply concerned … by continuing serious violations of human rights.”
They noted continuing problems with freedom of opinion and expression, and the press, and restrictions against students, intellectuals, journalists and reformers in parliament.
The EU also criticized Iran for its continued practice of the death penalty and especially the use of stoning and public executions.
The EU said it would not seek resolutions condemning either country at the U.N. Human Rights Commission meeting in Geneva next Monday. It did not, however, rule out backing such motions if proposed by another country.
