Contact: Bob Fu, 267-205-5210, 432-689-6985, Bob@ChinaAid.org; www.ChinaAid.org, www.MonitorChina.org 

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2013 /Standard Newswire/ -- March 5th marks the beginning of the 12th National People's Congress, where Communist Party leader Xi Jinping is expected to assume full power as President and head of the Central Military Commission. Ahead of the congress, influential activists and scholars have signed open letters urging the government to implement political reforms, including ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. While citizens in China are increasingly vocal in criticizing injustice and asserting their rights, the Communist Party continues to resort to extensive repression to maintain its hold on power. What are the main challenges for human rights in China today? What are the prospects for change under China's new leaders? And how can Europe and the United States encourage greater respect for human rights in China?

Event Details

When:
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where:
Room 210, Cannon House Office Building
Capitol Hill

Introductory Remarks By:

David J. Kramer, President of Freedom House

Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organization Subcommittee

Featured Speakers:

Chen Guangcheng, human rights activist

Geng He, wife of human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng

Commentary By:

Edward McMillan-Scott, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for Democracy and Human Rights

To RSVP, CLICK HERE.

For further media interview request with two featured Chinese speakers, email: Bob Fu at Bob@ChinaAid.org Tel: 267-205-5210 or 432-689-6985