Unfortunately, the world has short memories and so appears to be OK to promise anything to get what you want.
China promised to improve human rights as a condition of receiving the Olympics and what we see is that they are going in exactly the opposite direction, as we get closer to the date.
If they do not perform, the Olympics should be withdrawn and given to Athens (who organised the last Olympics) with the financial assistance necessary to upgrade their existing facilities.
Not only China is under the microscope but the Olympic movement as well.
Will each of these perform? Remember Tiananmen Square will be used for events. Remember Tiananmen Square!
See an Amnesty International speech on this matter.
Onésimo Alvarez-Moro
See Press release:
As the one year countdown to the Beijing Olympics begins, time is running out for the Chinese government to fulfil its promise of improving human rights in the run-up to the Games.
Amnesty International's latest report finds that several Beijing-based activists continue to face 'house arrest' and tight police surveillance, while those in other parts of China are facing increased abuse. Award-winning housing rights activist Chen Xiaoming died in Shanghai on 1 July, shortly after his release from prison, where reports indicate he was tortured in detention.
There is also an ongoing crackdown on the media; with continued imprisonment of journalists and writers, forced dismissal of media staff, publication closures and pervasive internet censorship.
"Unless the Chinese authorities take urgent measures to stop human rights violations over the coming year, they risk tarnishing the image of China and the legacy of the Beijing Olympics," says AI Secretary General, Irene Khan.
See full Press Release.
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