London: Solidarity vigil for Hong Kong, Uyghurs and Tibetans

Benedict Rogers and Fr Dominic Robinson SJ who spoke at the Chinese Embassy vigil

A solidarity vigil for the people of Hong Kong, the Uyghurs, the Tibetans, and all oppressed people in China took place outside the Chinese Embassy in Portland Place on Sunday.

Representatives from faith and human rights groups came to voice their concern about China's recent brutal clampdown in Hong Kong, as well as the ongoing savage occupation of Tibet and harsh treatment of the Uyghurs. UN reports estimated that between one and three million Uyghur Muslims are currently incarcerated in Chinese 're-education camps'. Tibetan and Uyghur women are often subjected to forced abortions. Prisoners are used for organ transplants.

Speakers included Benedict Rogers, founder of Hong Kong Watch and East Asia Team Leader at Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Father Dominic Robinson SJ, chair of Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace Network, Luke De Pulford human rights activist, Dalha Tsering from Tibet community in Britain, torture survivor Simon Cheng formerly a UK consulate employee, Sheldon Stone from the Jewish Community, Peter Tatchell, Imam Ajmal Mansoor, and Rehime from the Uyghur Community.

In his speech Benedict Rogers, who is also deputy chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, said that he has personally written to the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to appeal for actions from the UK government with regards to the crisis in Hong Kong. He added that he is a Hongkonger in spirit because he believes in freedoms and Hong Kong is the new frontline of freedoms.

Fr Dominic Robinson brought a message of support from the Justice & Peace Commission of Diocese of Westminster. He said: "As Christians we share in that vital human belief that violence, repression and violation of human rights is never the answer. Pope Francis, in his Message for World Day of Peace on January 1st, urges us instead to search for peace and justice which is based on dialogue and mutual trust. We call for that spirit of dialogue and respect in Hong Kong in the midst of an extremely worrying situation. The people of Hong Kong deserve this; every human being created with a special dignity deserves this; society as a whole if it seeks to promote the common good deserves this."

Peter Tatchell tweeted: " Two struggles, one fight for democracy & human rights - against Beijing's tyranny, including its oppression of Chinese citizens. Sanction China's leaders! Travel ban & assets freeze. Issue international arrest warrants. Put them on trial."

"Britain must condemn China's crimes and sanction those who commit human human rights abuses."

A representative from the One World Movement said: "Help us show our government we will not sell our souls for Chinese blood money."

LINKS

Hong Kong Watch - www.hongkongwatch.org/

Tibet Society - https://tibetsociety.com/

Campaign for Uyghurs - https://campaignforuyghurs.org/