Recently, two highly respected politicians paid a fleeting visit to New Zealand with a serious message:
"That Chinese surgeons are involved in taking organs from Falun Gong prisoners-of-conscience and I have first-hand evidence. This is genocide. The world's democracies have a duty to insist on the truth—and ultimately on justice," said Edward McMillan-Scott.
Mr McMillan-Scott, the European Parliament vice-President, travelled with Mr David Kilgour former Canadian Secretary of State, on an awareness-raising tour to speak out about the practice of organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese regime.
David Kilgour and respected international human rights lawyer David Matas, neither Falun Gong practitioners themselves, carried out a two-month independent investigation into the allegations. They released their report in July, which came to the conclusion, to their regret and horror, that the claims were indeed true. Their report can be downloaded from http://organharvestinvestigation.net
With burgeoning trade with China and the 2008 Beijing Olympics approaching, their hope is to urgently stop such humanitarian atrocities.
The Epoch Times talked with David Kilgour about his experience in New Zealand:
ET: What were your expectations of New Zealand's response compared with the reality you faced?
Kilgour: Both Edward McMillan-Scott and I were hoping we could achieve in NZ what happened in Australia – which was an all-Party agreement in Parliament to call for an independent international investigation into the organ harvesting.
In hindsight, since we spent almost two weeks in Australia and only two days in NZ, we were hoping for too much.
ET: The media coverage seemed scant during your visit, how does this relate to the coverage in other countries?
Kilgour: Electronic media has been marvellous in other countries, so we are disappointed with the lack of TV coverage in NZ. I was on the Radio NZ morning show and 95bFM in Auckland.
In comparison, we had four days coverage on Australia's Lateline show, which was very helpful to the cause of stopping the killing in China.
The UK media has also been extremely helpful with the BBC showing four stories in one day.
ET: Why the lack of response from NZ media?
Kilgour: Some New Zealanders have suggested the lack of TV coverage had to do with the current trade agreement being negotiated with China. I would hope not, of course, because trade and human rights are closely connected and we should never trade human rights for goods.
A number of refugees I have spoken to said they were making export products for 15 hours per day. One was making Christmas decorations, one sweaters and one making products for Nestle.
I was told by government officials in Wellington that NZ has a customs official in Beijing who will prevent the export of products through forced labour camps to NZ.
With respect, a customs official will never get in a labour camp. No doubt this is well-intentioned, but it's highly unlikely to stop the flow of products made by forced labour. The government of China would never allow this.
ET: A meeting was held to discuss your report on organ harvesting with MPs—what was the response?
Kilgour: The four MPs who attended in the Parliament buildings seemed both knowledgeable and concerned about the Matas-Kilgour report and I am sure will do much to push the government to help stop the organ harvesting practise quickly.
Edward McMillan-Scott and I are both grateful to Wayne Mapp for calling the meeting and Keith Locke, Pita Paraone and Tariana Turia, who also attended.
ET: Are you disappointed with the turnout from the MPs?
Kilgour: Yes, I would have liked to have seen more MPs, it was surprising to me that nobody from the Labour Party showed. But one never knows where the ripple effect of those we met will stop.
ET: You also met with Amnesty NZ. How do you see Amnesty fitting in with the report and recommendations?
Kilgour: We are frequently asked by foreign ministeries what the position of Amnesty is on our report. Until now, Amnesty has not taken a public position on the report, although they are well aware that we want them to come out in support of part or all of the report—a public statement.
Ced Simpson of Amnesty New Zealand stressed that governments do not need to wait for them to confirm the allegations before supporting an independent investigation
ET: What happens now in New Zealand?
Kilgour: We hope the public will press MPs, put pressure on governments to stop the organ harvesting practice in China ASAP.
If New Zealanders get on their emails and spread the message and call MPs I am confident New Zealand's government will join the international campaign to stop these organ harvesting practices.
From my knowledge of Helen Clark, Winston Peters and Phil Goff, it would be surprising if the government did not make a stand similar to what appears to be happening in Australia.
I hope to write to all three about this.
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