Letter: Victims' representatives excluded from human rights forum

Sir: In his article 'UN 'bans critics from human rights forum' ' (12 June) Raymond Whitaker stated: 'Apparently under pressure from Peking, the United Nations has refused to allow the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, to take part as an official member.' I find that statement beyond belief.

To allow a country that has killed its own people by the thousand to exert influence on the selection of participants to a forum on human rights is outrageous.

I can only hope that the UN is made to come to its senses and realise that the People's Republic of China is not a country entitled to object to any of the participants; rather it is they who are entitled to object to the inclusion of China at such a gathering.

Youres sincerely,

MIKE FENNY

Bristol

14 June