15 May 2007, The Hague – UNPO attended and addressed on 14 May 2007 a Conference organised by the Forum for a Democratic China and Asia (FDCA) at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Conference aimed to promote and consolidate global support for the process of democratisation in Asia, with a specific focus on China. Topics discussed included; the role of the EU in promoting democracy; the rule of law and human rights in China; Asian democratisation in the context of regional security; as well as topics related to freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

The Conference successfully convened experts and activists from a variety of fields, including parliamentarians, academics, diplomats, and prominent dissidents.

Contributions were made by amongst others; Mr. Li-wen Tung, Vice President of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Mr. Roger Garside, former British Diplomat in Beijing, Mr. Makino Seishu, Former Japanese Vice-Minister of Justice, Mr. Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), Ms. Ona Jukneviciene MEP, Dr. Michael Ying-mao Kau, Taiwan/ROC Representative to the EU and Belgium, and Mr. Guo Guoting, exiled Chinese human rights lawyer.

UNPO discussed the nature of its work with respect to promoting democracy and human rights in China and Asia, focusing in particular on its work with and support of prominent grass-roots human rights defenders. Raising the case of amongst others Ms. Rebiya Kadeer, President of the World Uyghur Congress, UNPO argued that the European Union and the international community in general should do more to protect those at the forefront of democracy promotion across Asia. Ms. Kadeer was herself a long-time prisoner of conscience, and has since her release also seen two of her children jailed in retribution for her continued activism overseas.

UNPO hopes this conference will continue to strengthen both local and international campaigns to promote human rights and democracy for the people of China, as well as in other repressive regimes across Asia.

The conference takes place from 14 to 16 Match 2007.