Incorporating Responsibility 2008

[Human Rights and the Olympics: What you can do!]

Take Action on Press Freedom

On this page:

Letter Writing on Foreign Media Regulations

In December 2006, China introduced new regulations, reportedly to facilitate reporting by foreign journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and its preparatory period. These regulations, however, do not apply to domestic journalists, and will expire on October 17, 2008. In addition, there are reports that the regulations are not being enforced and harassment of foreign journalists continues.

Send appeals to China's prime minister urging:

Expansion of the new regulations to cover domestic journalists
Extension of the new regulations beyond the Olympics, with no expiration date
Investigation of reports of harassment of journalists

Sample letter to Prime Minister Wen Jiabao:

Printer-friendly letter

Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China
WEN Jiabao Guojia Zongli
The State Council, 9 Xihuangcheng Genbeijie
Beijing 100032
People's Republic of China
Fax: +86 10 65292345 (c/o Ministry of Communication)
E-mail: gazette@mail.gov.cn

Your Excellency,

While I was pleased to see the new "Regulations on Reporting Activities in China by Foreign Journalists During the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period," I am writing to urge that they be made permanent and the current expiration date of October 2008 be removed.

I am also concerned that these regulations only apply to foreign journalists. I urge you to extend the freedoms in these regulations to domestic journalists and thereby safeguard the right to freedom of the press as enshrined in Article 35 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China.

I am alarmed at reports that foreign journalists have been harassed and even detained after these regulations came into force on January 1, 2007. I urge the PRC government to investigate these reports, hold those responsible for unlawful acts accountable, and ensure that the new regulations are comprehensively implemented.

Sincerely,
[your signature]

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Letter Writing Action on Host City Contract

Press the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) to make public the Beijing Host City Contract, ensure freedom of the press, and respect the people's right to know.

Sample letter to BOCOG:

Printer-friendly letter

President Liu Qi
Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG)
Beijing Olympic Tower
267 Beisihuanzhonglu
Haidian, Beijing, 100083
People's Republic of China
Fax: +86 10 66699229
E-mail: mishubu@beijing2008.cn or 2008@beijing-olympic.org.cn

Dear President Liu,

I am writing to express my concern that the Beijing Host City Contract, which sets out the legal, commercial, and financial rights and obligations of the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG), has not yet been publicly released.

"One World One Dream" reflects the values entrenched in the ideas of a free and open People's Olympics, as promised in the Beijing Action Plan. I urge you to release the Beijing Host City Contract as a foundation for the Games as open and transparent, and to meet the demands of the press and the Chinese people. Increasing concerns about the cost of the Games are being expressed in China and abroad, and the people have a right to information concerning Beijing's role as host.

I sincerely hope that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be successful and will benefit the Chinese people, and I believe that by releasing the Host City Contract, you can help realize the goals of transparency and openness as stated in the Beijing Action Plan.

Sincerely,
[your signature]