Emergency hearing for blind attorney Chen Guangcheng, report on woman killed for having 2nd child
WASHINGTON, DC – China’s One-Child Policy will be in the spotlight three days in a row as Chai Ling, founder of humanitarian organization All Girls Allowed, testifies in three congressional hearings Nov. 1-3.
Tuesday’s hearing is an emergency hearing, devoted to exposing the case of Chen Guangcheng, a blind human rights activist under house arrest for his public criticism and exposure of the One-Child Policy. Chen and his wife were recently beaten almost to the point of death, in front of their elementary school-age daughter. Chai Ling will ask U.S. leaders to take action.
Wednesday’s hearing is with the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement. Members will hear more about the China Democracy Promotion Act of 2011 (HR 2121) and why this proposed bill (that gives the U.S. president the right to deny entry to human rights abusers) is so important. 2 weeks ago, a mother pregnant with an “over-quota” child was killed in China along with her 7 month old fetus: the full report will be given at the Wed. hearing.
Thursday’s hearing is before the full Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss the new CECC 2011 Annual Report. This report reveals shocking details about gender imbalance, forced abortions and other human rights abuses throughout China.
“What a way to start a new month, with three back-to-back One-Child Policy hearings,” says Ling. “We have never seen so much attention given in one week and are thankful to all the Members of Congress who find time to attend these important meetings.” Chai Ling says that the bill would make a deep impression on human rights abusers in China, especially high-ranking party officials whose children study in the U.S., as the bill extends to family members of these certain wrongdoers.
“When it comes to human rights in China, it’s time for a change,” says Ling. “Not saying a word when government officials kill mothers like Ma Jihong and hold blind fathers captive is making a statement, and the silence has been deafening.”
Chai Ling was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize for her role as Commander-in-Chief of students in the Tiananmen Square Student Democracy Movement. In her new memoir, A Heart for Freedom, Ling shares details of her personal story: the building of a movement, the escape, and her current quest to free China’s girls and mothers.
Events:
Hearing on Chen Guangcheng’s Disappearance and Beatings
Before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)
Tuesday, November 1st @ 2:30pm, Location 2118 Rayburn House Office Building
Hearing on H.R.2121 (China Democracy Promotion Act of 2011)
Before the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
Wednesday, November 2nd @ 3:30pm in 2141 Rayburn HOB
http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/hear_11022011_2.html
Hearing on CECC 2011 Annual Report
Before the full Foreign Affairs Committee
Thursday, November 3rd @ 10am in 2172 Rayburn HOB
http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/hearing_notice.asp?id=1375
Contact: Tessa Dale (Director of Communications): 617-275-9176, tessa@allgirlsallowed.org, www.allgirlsallowed.org.
