SanLu tainted milk tragedy raises further concerns

Recent reports regarding the execution threat for SanLu head Tien Wenhua raise human rights concerns previously highlighted by Amnesty International.

Amnesty holds the absolute position that in every instance, the death penalty is abhorrent and inappropriate. But there are also other issues at play in this case – what assurances can be given that others caught up in the melamine scandal will be given fair trials? How will consumers’ rights to safe food also remain paramount?

New Zealand’s increasingly globalised trade links are likely to see similar human rights concerns occur, so it is crucial for trade partnerships to exhibit robust systems of protocol and accountability.

The SanLu tragedy questions how prepared New Zealand is to trade with regimes that disregard regulatory compliance and the rule of law.

Amnesty International urges the NZ Government to maintain its strong leadership in opposing the death penalty by seeking assurances from China that those found guilty in this scandal do not face execution.

In the future, NZ companies and the Government have to ensure such a tragic situation never arises again. NZ should now strive to be a leading nation in fair trade practices which have human rights at their core.