The Global Human Rights Torch Relay – Toowoomba Visit

What: The Global Human Rights Torch Relay – Toowoomba Visit

Where: Gallery Park, Corner of Ruthven and Little Streets (4.00 p.m.): Welcome ceremony followed by relay through the CBD. Alford Place, Corner of Margaret and Victoria Streets (6.00p.m.): Candlelight vigil, concert and passing of torch to Brisbane.

When: Thursday 1st November 2007 from 4.00 p.m.

Who: Dignitaries, officials, international media, torch bearers, Toowoomba country music artist Mick Landsay with other local and Brisbane artists, Toowoomba school students including poetry competition winners, community representatives, the Toowoomba community.

The Global Human Rights Torch Relay aims to raise awareness of China's continued human rights violations against Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists. These violations breach the Olympic charter even though Beijing will host the 2008 Games.

The Olympic charter states that “any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.”

The torch is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. For more information contact Yan Zhao on 0433 430 830 or visit hrtorchtoowoomba.blogspot.com and www.humanrightstorch.org .