The Olympic games and human rights - is China playing fair?

China’s human rights record is again in question after French President Nicholas Sarkozy and US Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton called for strong action before and during the Beijing Olympics over China’s human rights abuses in Darfur, Africa and the situation unfolding in the Chinese territory of Tibet.

Pro-Tibetan protests turned ugly in Paris overnight when officials were forced to extinguish the flame amidst fears of safety as the flame made its way through Paris, skipping a planned ceremony at Paris city hall.

An Olympic Games boycott is not on the agenda for Australia, according to the Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, the action will serve no purpose. Whilst Kevin Rudd has refused to commit to attending the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Beijing.

Strong opposition is expected to meet the Olympic flame when it arrives in Canberra, with fears the torch relay could face fierce demonstration from protesters when five Australian of the year winners, as well as sporting identities carry the flame through the nations capital.

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