The forced harvesting of prisoners organs in China has been described by Sinn Féin’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Seán Crowe TD, as appalling and a crime against humanity.

The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee discussed the issue and Crowe, along with other members, called for action on the issue. They have also requested an official reply from the Chinese Ambassador and his Government on forced organ harvesting

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The Committee heard evidence from a variety of activists including journalists, lawyers, doctors and a Falun Gong practitioner who attended the Committee meeting. They gave compelling evidence on forced organ harvesting in China.

“Organ harvesting is the removal of organs from a donor without obtaining prior free and voluntary consent. It is a crime against humanity, as well as a threat to medical science in general, according to the Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting organisation.

“It is conservatively estimated that some 65,000 prisoners were murdered and their various organs harvested between 2000 and 2008. It is appalling even to think that anybody could be complicit in such a disgusting system.

“To suggest that a country would do this to its own citizens and for financial gain is an appalling concept.

“Two reports by the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, have compelling evidence of the existence of this practice, which supports the claims coming out of China.

“China, under pressure from the international community, has agreed to phase out its practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners. However, human rights groups, medical practitioners, lawyers and politicians around the world have demanded an immediate end to forced organ harvesting in China. A demand I fully support.

“The Committee members unanimously agreed to call on the Irish Government to support the UN and Council of Europe initiatives to oppose the practice of forced organ harvesting.

“The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, needs to prioritise and raise this issue with the Chinese Government and demand immediate action on this matter.”

ENDS