(Minghui.org) Eight British government officials sent letters to Falun Dafa practitioners, expressing their congratulations on World Falun Dafa Day and their appreciation for their adherence to the values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. May 13, 2023, is the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction and the 24th World Falun Dafa Day.
Benedict Rogers, Vice-Chairman of the Human Rights Commission
Benedict Rogers, Vice-Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, stated in his letter, “On this World Falun Dafa Day, I am delighted to offer this statement of solidarity and to express my respect for and friendship with you.
“As you mark the 31st anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public, and the 24th year in which World Falun Dafa Day has been recognized by millions of people around the world, I wish to express my deep appreciation for your courage in standing by your important values of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.’ These values are not only Falun Dafa values, but universal values, human values, and values that everyone who believes in the dignity and freedom of human beings can admire and share.
“Falun Gong practitioners have suffered unbelievable, horrifying, and intense persecution since the crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime against Falun Gong began in 1999. Over the past ten years or so, I have learned more about the shocking atrocities perpetrated against Falun Gong practitioners by the CCP regime, and I have played a small part in trying to help shine a light on the suffering of Falun Gong practitioners.
“In the course of my work for human rights I have had the privilege of coming to know several Falun Gong practitioners personally, and I have always been deeply impressed by their kindness, hospitality, intelligence, spirituality, compassion, and goodwill － truly living according to “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
“You should be able to enjoy the freedom to practice and share your beliefs, as every human being should, and I will continue to work with and for you until the day when everyone in China can enjoy that freedom.
“I congratulate you on the events you have organized around the world for World Falun Dafa Day, and I congratulate you on your perseverance in the face of appalling injustice and inhumanity.”
Lord Hilton
Lord Hilton wrote in his message, “I salute the members of Falun Dafa for their strong defense of freedom of conscience and belief. They have suffered persecution for daring to differ from atheist communism, as developed in China.”
Anthony Browne, Member of Parliament (MP), and his letter.
Anthony Browne MP wrote, “The UK remains deeply concerned about the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners and other groups in China. The testimonies of their experiences are incredibly distressing and their treatment is one of many reasons why China is one of 31 human rights priority countries for the UK.
“As befits its priority status, HM Government (HMG) regularly raises human rights concerns, including on the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, directly with the Chinese authorities and in multilateral fora, including the OSCE, Council of Europe, International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance. This was done in a statement at the UN Human Rights Council, and in the then Foreign Secretary's personal address to the UN Human Rights Council, in March 2022.”
Marie Rimmer MP
Marie Rimmer MP wrote, “Falun Gong practitioners have been unfairly and unjustly targeted for far too long. Whether it’s forced organ harvesting by the Chinese Communist Party or general interference in freedom of religious belief, it is completely unacceptable. Nobody should be persecuted for their religious beliefs.
“I want to wish you all a happy Falun Dafa Day and I hope one day that it can be freely practiced in China.”
Feryal Clark MP and her letter
Feryal Clark MP wrote, “As you are aware, I remain deeply concerned about the persecution of people on the grounds of their religion or belief in China, be it Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, Christians, Buddhists, or Falun Dafa practitioners. The freedom to practice, change or share one's faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy. I am therefore pleased that you are able to celebrate your practice here in the UK and are able to celebrate it on 13th May.”
Patrick Grady MP
Patrick Grady MP wrote, “Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghur Muslims, and other minorities in China must be allowed to express their beliefs and practice their faiths free from persecution and intimidation. The UK Government and other democracies must take whatever steps they can to identify and challenge those responsible for persecution, arbitrary arrest and detention, unfair trials, torture, summary executions, and forced organ harvesting. Many MPs across the House of Commons support practitioners of the Falun Gong and their right to practice their faith without fear, and we send our support and solidarity in the fight for freedom and an end to persecution.”
Ian Murray MP
Ian Murray MP wrote, “During my 13 years as Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South, a dedicated group of campaigners in my constituency have kept me updated on the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. I remain deeply concerned about the persecution of people on the grounds of their religion or belief in China, be it Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, Christians, Buddhists, or Falun Gong practitioners. The freedom to practice, change or share one’s faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy and it is unacceptable that it is still allowed to take place. The Chinese Government should be held to account on accusations of organ harvesting and the exposure of the treatment of the Uyghur people is more evidence that their actions are against all international law and norms. Furthermore, the international community should come together with one voice to oppose the persecution of Falun Gong and to stand united against all forms of racism and persecution.”
Baroness (Ruth) Lister
Baroness (Ruth) Lister wrote, “As someone who knows the benefits of practicing Tai Chi, I very much support your campaign for a peaceful environment in which you have the right to practice Falun Gong.”
About Falun Dafa Day
World Falun Dafa Day was first designated on May 13, 2000, to celebrate the Falun Dafa spiritual discipline and its positive impact on the health and spirit of millions around the world. The occasion also highlights practitioners' efforts to uphold their freedom of belief in the face of brutal persecution by the Chinese communist regime. May 13 marks both the anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction and the birthday of its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi.
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