Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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 .
Toowoomba says the Olympics and Crimes Against Humanity Don't Mix
News Release
For Immediate Release
31 October 2007
Toowoomba says the Olympics and Crimes Against Humanity Don't Mix
People across the city and region will take a stand tomorrow (Thursday, 1 November) when the Global Human Rights Torch Relay comes to town.
The torch arrived Down Under in Sydney on Saturday 27 October and will make its first Queensland stop in Toowoomba on tomorrow (Thursday, 1 November 2007). As it travels around the world, it is hoped that the relay will raise enough awareness that world leaders will apply pressure on China's ruling regime to end human rights violations against political and religious prisoners of conscience.
Spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Torch – Toowoomba Network, Emmy Pfister said Beijing still carries out systematic organ harvesting on some people.
“Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists face persecution, imprisonment and torture.
“To make matters worse, as the Chinese economy grows and China is seen more and more as an ideal business partner, less leaders in the West are making a stand.
“This is reminiscent of the lack of a stand the West had against Apartheid in South Africa during the eighties,” Ms Pfister said.
The torch is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Before reaching our shores the torch had visited over 20 European cities including Athens, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Geneva, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London and Dublin.
Ms Pfister said it would have been good if a similar Human Rights Torch existed in the lead up to 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
“The Olympic charter actually 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,” Ms Pfister said.
The stop will take place on Thursday 1st November starting at 4.00 p.m. With a welcome ceremony at Gallery Park, Corner of Ruthven and Little Streets, followed by the relay through the CBD.
The torch will end up at Alford Place, Corner of Margaret and Victoria Streets at 6.00 p.m. where it will be passed on to Brisbane during a candlelight vigil and concert. The concert will feature many of the region's top artists headed by Toowoomba country music star Mick Lindsay with involvement also from local secondary and tertiary students.
For more information contact Yan Zhao on 0433 430 830 or visit hrtorchtoowoomba.blogspot.com and www.humanrightstorch.org .
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For Immediate Release
31 October 2007
Toowoomba says the Olympics and Crimes Against Humanity Don't Mix
People across the city and region will take a stand tomorrow (Thursday, 1 November) when the Global Human Rights Torch Relay comes to town.
The torch arrived Down Under in Sydney on Saturday 27 October and will make its first Queensland stop in Toowoomba on tomorrow (Thursday, 1 November 2007). As it travels around the world, it is hoped that the relay will raise enough awareness that world leaders will apply pressure on China's ruling regime to end human rights violations against political and religious prisoners of conscience.
Spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Torch – Toowoomba Network, Emmy Pfister said Beijing still carries out systematic organ harvesting on some people.
“Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists face persecution, imprisonment and torture.
“To make matters worse, as the Chinese economy grows and China is seen more and more as an ideal business partner, less leaders in the West are making a stand.
“This is reminiscent of the lack of a stand the West had against Apartheid in South Africa during the eighties,” Ms Pfister said.
The torch is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Before reaching our shores the torch had visited over 20 European cities including Athens, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Geneva, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London and Dublin.
Ms Pfister said it would have been good if a similar Human Rights Torch existed in the lead up to 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
“The Olympic charter actually 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,” Ms Pfister said.
The stop will take place on Thursday 1st November starting at 4.00 p.m. With a welcome ceremony at Gallery Park, Corner of Ruthven and Little Streets, followed by the relay through the CBD.
The torch will end up at Alford Place, Corner of Margaret and Victoria Streets at 6.00 p.m. where it will be passed on to Brisbane during a candlelight vigil and concert. The concert will feature many of the region's top artists headed by Toowoomba country music star Mick Lindsay with involvement also from local secondary and tertiary students.
For more information contact Yan Zhao on 0433 430 830 or visit hrtorchtoowoomba.blogspot.com and www.humanrightstorch.org .
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A very powerful program on the human rights situation in China by a UK journalist
Hi everyone,
Please take a look and forward it to your friends. It is very powerful, yet also very sad .
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1357069DKZqmaty
Please also sign the pledgeTake the human rights pledge for Chinahttp://action.amnesty.org.au/centre/action/take_the_human_rights_for_china_pledge1/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=25Oct2007
Please take a look and forward it to your friends. It is very powerful, yet also very sad .
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1357069DKZqmaty
Please also sign the pledgeTake the human rights pledge for Chinahttp://action.amnesty.org.au/centre/action/take_the_human_rights_for_china_pledge1/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=25Oct2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Runners, Poets, Colouring and Blogs.
News Release
For Immediate Release
25 October 2007
Runners, Poets, Colouring and Blogs.
Young and old across the city and region are proudly supporting Human Rights Torch Relay in there own style.
As well the many runners to run the torch through the city, high school students are busy writing there entries for the Human Rights Poetry Competition. The winners will receive book vouchers donated by Clive Berghofer and will have there entries published and also displayed at the Toowoomba City Library along with a colouring display by primary school students.
Toowoomba organisers are also happy to announce a blog site to keep residents informed in the lead up to the event next Thursday. The blog site can be found at hrtorchtoowoomba.blogspot.com .
The torch is in London today (Thursday 25 October) and is set to arrive in Sydney on Saturday 27 October. The torches first Queensland stop will be in Toowoomba on Thursday 1 November.
The Global relay aims to raise awareness of China's continued human rights violations that breach the Olympic charter even though Beijing will host the 2008 Games and is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
Spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Torch – Toowoomba Network, Emmy Pfister says Toowoomba is a vital stop on this World tour.
“Together we can help raise enough awareness that everyday Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists face persecution, imprisonment and torture,” Ms Pfister said.
“The Olympic charter actually 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,” Ms Pfister said.
The visit will take place on Thursday 1st November starting at 4.00 p.m. With a welcome ceremony at Gallery Park, Corner of Ruthven and Little Streets, followed by Toowoomba City relay around the CBD area, finishing at Alford Place, Corner of Margaret and Victoria Streets. There will be a candlelight vigil and concert from 6.00 p.m at Alford Place.
Anyone interested in running a leg of the torch relay, the poetry competition or colouring in should call Yan on 0433 430 830.
---Ends---
For Immediate Release
25 October 2007
Runners, Poets, Colouring and Blogs.
Young and old across the city and region are proudly supporting Human Rights Torch Relay in there own style.
As well the many runners to run the torch through the city, high school students are busy writing there entries for the Human Rights Poetry Competition. The winners will receive book vouchers donated by Clive Berghofer and will have there entries published and also displayed at the Toowoomba City Library along with a colouring display by primary school students.
Toowoomba organisers are also happy to announce a blog site to keep residents informed in the lead up to the event next Thursday. The blog site can be found at hrtorchtoowoomba.blogspot.com .
The torch is in London today (Thursday 25 October) and is set to arrive in Sydney on Saturday 27 October. The torches first Queensland stop will be in Toowoomba on Thursday 1 November.
The Global relay aims to raise awareness of China's continued human rights violations that breach the Olympic charter even though Beijing will host the 2008 Games and is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
Spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Torch – Toowoomba Network, Emmy Pfister says Toowoomba is a vital stop on this World tour.
“Together we can help raise enough awareness that everyday Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists face persecution, imprisonment and torture,” Ms Pfister said.
“The Olympic charter actually 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,” Ms Pfister said.
The visit will take place on Thursday 1st November starting at 4.00 p.m. With a welcome ceremony at Gallery Park, Corner of Ruthven and Little Streets, followed by Toowoomba City relay around the CBD area, finishing at Alford Place, Corner of Margaret and Victoria Streets. There will be a candlelight vigil and concert from 6.00 p.m at Alford Place.
Anyone interested in running a leg of the torch relay, the poetry competition or colouring in should call Yan on 0433 430 830.
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Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Toowoomba City Date Claimer - 1 Torch - 5 Continents - 100 Cities - Human Rights on the Olympic Agenda
1 Torch - 5 Continents - 100 Cities - Human Rights on the Olympic Agenda
The Global Human Rights Torch Relay (HRTR) will arrive in Australia on Saturday 27th October 2007, and will come to Toowoomba on Thursday 1st November.
Inspired by the Olympic torch, the HRTR is an international campaign that seeks to put human rights on the Beijing Olympic agenda.
The 12-month global relay calls for an end to all human rights violations supported by the Chinese regime. It highlights the persecution of Falun Gong, the most severely persecuted group in China today, the plight of Tibetans, Christians, democracy campaigners, outspoken lawyers and reporters, as well as the fueling of oppression and slaughter in Darfur, Burma, Zimbabwe and North Korea.
During the run up to the 2008 Olympics, the HRTR will visit more than 100 cities on five continents to publicise its founding premise: The Olympics and crimes against humanity cannot co-exist in China.
The Toowoomba community is warmly invited to join this great event for the betterment of humanity.
Date: Thursday 1st November
4:00 pm - Welcome ceremony at Aboriginal Gardens, Cnr of Ruthven and Little Sts, followed by Toowoomba City relay around the CBD area, finishing at Alford Place, Cnr of Margaret and Victoria Sts.
6:00 pm - Candlelight vigil / concert, participated by local music artists at Alford Place, Cnr ofMargaret and Victoria Sts.
Schools are also invited to participate in poem-writing and colouring-in projects, which will be displayed in Toowoomba City Library. Contact: Liz Derouet 4688 6670
The HRTR flame was first lit at a torch-lighting ceremony in Athens, Greece on 9th August 2007 and has traveled to many cities in Europe. Toowoomba will be the first city in Qld to welcome the torch. All are welcome to join this great global event on 1st November.
Website: http://www.humanrightstorch.org/
Blog: http://hrtorchtoowoomba.blogspot.com/
For more information, contact 0433 430 830
QUEENSLAND RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR THE 2008 OLYMPICS
QUEENSLAND RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR THE 2008 OLYMPICS
Well known Queensland identities and community groups representing varying interests and causes are standing up for human dignity in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics.
As the arrival of the Global Human Rights Torch Relay in Australia draws nearer, the list of renowned ambassadors, community groups and average Australian citizens committed to support this international movement is vastly growing. These people join a global initiative inspired by the Olympic Torch relay to express concern about human rights abuses taking place in China, particularly the persecution and forced organ harvesting from practitioners of the Falun Gong spiritual practice.
Some of the supporters and networks coming together for the HRTR include the Burmese community, Darfur Australia Network, Sudanese Lost Boys Association, the Tibetan Community, Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants, the Polish Community and a host of others.
The Global Human Rights Torch Relay is gaining momentum in Australia with the increasing support of local communities, and the Toowoomba leg of the HRTR looks set to make human dignity a priority in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics.
The Human Rights Torch will arrive in Australia on 27 October. Toowoomba will welcome the flame to Queensland on November 1 at the Village Green next to City Hall, Ruthven Street with a magnificent ceremony. Further details to follow.
BRISBANE RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR THE 2008 OLYMPICS
BRISBANE RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR THE 2008 OLYMPICS
Well known Brisbane identities and community groups representing varying interests and causes are standing up for human dignity in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics
As the arrival of the Global Human Rights Torch Relay in Australia draws nearer, the list of renowned ambassadors, community groups and average Australian citizens committed to support this international movement is vastly growing. These people join a global initiative inspired by the Olympic Torch relay to express concern about human rights abuses taking place in China, particularly the persecution and forced organ harvesting from practitioners of the Falun Gong spiritual practice.
Some of the supporters and networks coming together for the HRTR include the Burmese community, Darfur Australia Network, Sudanese Lost Boys Association, the Tibetan Community, Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants, the Polish Community and a host of others.
The Global Human Rights Torch Relay is gaining momentum in Australia with the increasing support of local communities, and the Brisbane leg of the HRTR looks set to make human dignity a priority in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics.
The Human Rights Torch will arrive in Australia on 27 October. Brisbane will welcome the flame to Queensland on November 3 at the Suncorp Piazza, South Bank with a magnificent ceremony. Further details to follow.
Media Contact: Shar Adams 0417 740 780
Register to run with Human Rights Torch in Toowoomba - News Release: 19 October 2007
News Release
For Immediate Release
19 October 2007
Register to run with Human Rights Torch in Toowoomba.
Making a stand is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other when the Global Human Rights Torch Relay comes to Toowoomba.
The torch was in Dublin on Wednesday and will be heading to Queensland in late October/early November to raise awareness of China's continued human rights violations that breach the Olympic charter even though Beijing will host the 2008 Games.
The global human rights torch relay is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
The Human Rights Torch Relay – Toowoomba Network are seeking expressions of interest from potential torch bearers when the torch visits Toowoomba on Thursday, 1 November 2007.
Spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Torch – Toowoomba Network, Emmy Pfister says Toowoomba is a vital stop on this World tour.
“Toowoomba is a major city, not just in Queensland but in Australia as it's the largest inland city second only to Canberra.
“People from the Toowoomba Region can be apart of something very big and yet so very grassroots.
“Together we can help raise enough awareness that world leaders will apply pressure on China's ruling regime to end human rights violations such as systematic organ harvesting against political and religious prisoners of conscience.
“Everyday Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists face persecution, imprisonment and torture,” Ms Pfister said.
The torch has already been to over 20 European cities including Athens, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Geneva, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, with its next stop to be in London on 25 October.
“The Olympic charter actually 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,” Ms Pfister said.
Anyone interested in running a leg of the torch relay in Toowoomba or being apart of the torch relay street team should call 0433 430 830 or visit www.humanrightstorch.org for more information.
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www.humanrightstorch.org
Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and soon… Toowoomba - News Release: 11 October 2007
News Release
For Immediate Release
11 October 2007
Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and soon… Toowoomba
The Global Human Rights Torch lit in Athens in early August is coming to Toowoomba to raise awareness of China's continued human rights violations that also breach the Olympic charter.
The torch relay will stop in Toowoomba on Thursday, 1 November 2007. As it travels around the world, it is hoped that the relay will raise enough awareness that world leaders will apply pressure on China's ruling regime to end human rights violations against political and religious prisoners of conscience particularly Falun Gong practitioners.
Spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Torch – Toowoomba Network, Emmy Pfister said Beijing still carries out systematic organ harvesting on some people.
“Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists face persecution, imprisonment and torture.
“To make matters worse, as the Chinese economy grows and China is seen more and more as an ideal business partner, less leaders in the West are making a stand.
“This is reminiscent of the lack of a stand the West had against Apartheid in South Africa during the eighties,” Ms Pfister said.
The global human rights torch relay is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
Ms Pfister said it would have been good if a similar Human Rights Torch existed in the lead up to 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
“The Olympic charter actually 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.
“So far the torch has been to 20 European cities including Athens, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Geneva, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Copenhagen
We all look forward to seeing the torch Down Under in Toowoomba on Thursday, 1 November,” Emmy said.
Anyone interested in being apart of the torch relay team or running a leg of the torch relay in Toowoomba should call 0433 430 830.
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www.humanrightstorch.org
Human Rights Torch coming to Toowoomba - New Release: 31 August 2007
News Release
For Immediate Release
31 August 2007
Human Rights Torch coming to Toowoomba
The Global Human Rights Torch lit in Athens in early August is coming to Toowoomba to raise awareness of China's continued human rights violations that also breach the Olympic charter.
The torch relay will stop in Toowoomba on Thursday, 1 November 2007. As it travels around the world, it is hoped that the relay will raise enough awareness that world leaders will apply pressure on China's ruling regime to end human rights violations against political and religious prisoners of conscience.
Spokesperson for the Global Human Rights Torch – Toowoomba Network, Emmy Pfister said Beijing still carries out systematic organ harvesting on some people.
“Falun Gong followers, members of the underground Christian Church, Chinese defectors and pro-democracy activists face persecution, imprisonment and torture.
“To make matters worse, as the Chinese economy grows and China is seen more and more as an ideal business partner, less leaders in the West are making a stand.
“This is reminiscent of the lack of a stand the West had against Apartheid in South Africa during the eighties,” Ms Pfister said.
The global human rights torch relay is stopping in 25 countries and more than 100 cities in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
Ms Pfister said it would have been good if a similar Human Rights Torch existed in the lead up to 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
“The Olympic charter actually 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 has just been to Berlin and will stop at Prague in the Czech Republic next Wednesday.
We all look forward to seeing the torch Down Under in Toowoomba on Wednesday, 31 October,” Emmy said.
Anyone interested in supporting this event or running a leg of the torch relay in Toowoomba should call Yan on 0433 430 830 or sign up at the torch relay stand at the Languages & Cultures Festival in Queens Park this Sunday, 2 September.
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www.humanrightstorch.org
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