Falun Dafa Falun Gong

1
Falun Dafa (Falun Gong)

• A presentation prepared for
• United Nations Society Executive Meeting
• 4th October 2005

2
What is Falun Dafa?

• Oriental practice of mind and body improvement,
  often called Chinese Yoga
• 4 standing gentle exercises and a sitting
  meditation
• Practitioners live by Truth, Compassion and
  Tolerance in their everyday lives
• Benefits include stress relief, improved health
  and spiritual growth

3
Falun Dafa Spreads in China

• Since founder Mr Li Hongzhi first spread it in
  1992, Falun Dafa rapidly spread in China
• A Chinese Government survey in 1998 revealed
  70-100 million practice it in China alone
• Before July 1999 it supported Falun Dafa,
  commending its health benefits and contribution
  to society. It also sponsored Falun Dafa events.

4
Falun Dafa Spreads to 60 countries

• Founder Li Hongzhi held Falun Dafa lectures in
  dozens of countries, ranging from European
  nations, USA, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia, to
  Australia
• Falun Dafa has since spread to 60 countries and
  its books are available in 33 languages
• There are 1,500 practitioners in Australia and
  exercise sites in almost all Sydney suburbs and
  universities

5
Awards and Recognition

• Falun Dafa has been widely acclaimed and received
  hundreds of awards and proclamations for its
  health and morally uplifting benefits, from
  China, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and Taiwan
• Founder Li Hongzhi has been nominated for the
  Nobel Peace Prize 4 times and for the Sacharow
  Prize for Freedom of Thought by EU Parliament
  Members

6
Persecution and Genocide

• Since July 1999 the Chinese Communist Partys
  relentless persecution of Falun Dafa has affected
  the lives of 70-100 million people and their
  families
• Hundreds of thousands are sent to Chinese labour
  camps without trial, brainwashed, tortured and
  pressured to denounce their belief
• Out of over 250,000 in detention, half are Falun
  Dafa practitioners
• Over 2,733 practitioners have been tortured to
  death by Chinese authorities

7
Persecution extends to Australia

• China has infiltrated Australia with 1,000 spies,
  and incited hatred in the Chinese community
  towards Falun Dafa, causing discrimination,
  harrassment and vandalism
• Chinese Embassy and Consulates have pressured
  councils to exclude Falun Dafa from community
  festivals and Chinese Lunar New Year festivals
  for 6 successive years
• In 2002 on the Chinese Foreign Ministers visit
  the Australian Government, under pressure from
  China, ordered seizure of Falun Dafa banners and
  sound equipment outside the Chinese Embassy.
  Downer has since prohibited their use, signing
  certificates each month, impairing freedom of
  expression
• Since June 2005 UTS has been pressured by China
  to remove Falun Dafa information from its web
  sites, including the Student Union, otherwise
  face Internet blockage in China. Due to public
  outcry the Falun Dafa Club was relisted, but
  removed again, following a second Internet
  blockage. This has severely interfered with the
  freedom of association, freedom of belief and
  freedom of speech.

8
A Peaceful Response

• Falun Dafa are continuously appealing at Chinese
  Embassies and Consulates for an open dialogue
  with the Chinese Government
• Demonstrations regardless of the size have been
  neat, orderly and peaceful. Even Downer admits
  Falun Dafa has set a good example
• Practitioners are determined that with increasing
  voices of support and open condemnation will lead
  to rapid progress in ending this crisis
• Many have been moved by the compassion and
  tolerance of practitioners, who have adopted
  non-violent and humanitarian approaches, whether
  they are in the form of political, cultural or
  legal means

9
Persecution bringsInternational Condemnation

• In 2002 the US Government unanimously passed
  (420-0) Resolution 188, condemning Chinas
  persecution of Falun Dafa and harrassment beyond
  its borders
• In 2002 the Canadian Government passed Motion 236
  to rescue persecuted Falun Dafa family members of
  Canadians
• In 2003 the Australian Government passed Motion
  704 to rescue persecuted Falun Dafa family
  members of Australians
• In 2005 the Australian Government passed Motion
  170 recognising the right of Australians to
  practice Falun Dafa without fear of harrassment
  and investigate allegations of harrassment