China Tribunal

China Tribunal is an independent people's tribunal that was established to inquire into the allegations of organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China, particularly focusing on practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned by the Chinese government in 1999, and other religious and ethnic minorities such as Uighurs, Tibetans, and House Christians. The tribunal was initiated by the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC), a non-governmental organization concerned with the ethical standards in organ transplantation practices.

Background

The allegations of forced organ harvesting in China first came to international attention in the early 2000s. Reports suggested that prisoners, especially those practicing Falun Gong, were being killed for their organs, which were then sold in China's lucrative organ transplant market. Despite repeated denials by the Chinese government, investigations and reports by journalists, human rights organizations, and medical professionals have continued to bring evidence supporting these claims.

Formation

The China Tribunal was convened in December 2018, with Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, who previously led the prosecution of Slobodan Milošević at the International Criminal Tribunal, serving as its chair. The tribunal's panel consisted of experts in international law, human rights, transplantation medicine, and Chinese history and politics. Over the course of a year, the tribunal reviewed written and oral submissions from witnesses, including medical professionals, investigators, and individuals who claimed to have been victims of forced organ harvesting.

Findings

In June 2019, the China Tribunal announced its findings, concluding beyond reasonable doubt that forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience has been practiced in China on a significant scale. The tribunal found that Falun Gong practitioners were likely the main source of organs for many years, and there was evidence to suggest that Uighurs were also targeted. The tribunal described the practice as one of the worst mass atrocities of this century and called for international action to address the issue.

Reactions

The findings of the China Tribunal have been met with a mix of support and skepticism. Human rights organizations and advocates for the persecuted groups welcomed the tribunal's report as an important step in bringing attention to the issue. However, the Chinese government has categorically denied the allegations, describing the tribunal and its findings as politically motivated. The international community, including governments and health organizations, has been cautious in its response, with some calling for further investigation and others questioning the tribunal's methodology and conclusions.

Impact

The China Tribunal has played a significant role in raising awareness about the issue of forced organ harvesting in China. Its findings have been cited in various international forums, including the United Nations, and have influenced discussions on organ transplantation ethics and human rights. The tribunal has also called for international legal and policy responses to address the allegations of organ harvesting and to prevent complicity in such practices.

See Also

• Human rights in China
• Falun Gong
• Organ transplantation
• Ethics of organ transplantation

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