Strong Condemnation to the Forceful Blockage...

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Strong Condemnation to the Forceful Blockage of the most popular Hep B patient rights defending website in China

Beijing Yirenping Center

3rd, June 2008

On 29th.May 2008, just 10 days after the first 'World Hepatitis Day', 'In the Hepatitis B Camp Network of China'-- the most popular website for people living with HBV (Hepatitis B virus) in China can't be logged on in mainland China. After technical testing, It's found that this is due to the IP of the website was shielded by related departments of China.

This is the second time that this website is closed down since 20th. November 2007.

We expressed our deep anger at the act of closedown of the website by related departments one time and another.

'In the Hepatitis B Camp Network of China’, founded in September 2001, is a public welfare website for people with HBV positive of China.  In China, there are about 100 million people with HBV positive; this large group of people faces heavy social pressure，stigma and spiritual difficulties for a long time.  'In the Hepatitis B Camp Network of China' has become the main channel for them to reduce pressure.

In China, due to the exaggeration on seriousness of HBV in HBV medicine advertisements and incapability of government, the HBV-related discrimination and stigma is very serious and widespread, the fundamental rights of work and education of the people with HBV positive are deprived brutally. To the 100 million people with HBV positive in China, there are almost no rights of subsistence and development. Such serious discrimination and stigma have led to many tragedies as suicide, murder and arson. Since 2003, 'In the Hepatitis B Camp Network of China' started an anti-discrimination citizen campaign, through rational and legal means; 'In the Hepatitis B Camp Network of China' has become the main force in fighting against the HBV-related discrimination in China.

We can't help to ask, why related departments not allow the existence of such a welfare website, which enables the weak group people to help each other, promotes the social progress and benefits the country?

We can't help to ask, what wrong it is for millions of people living with HBV to demand for anti-discrimination, equality and the rights of subsistence and development? Why do related departments want to suppress the righteous demand again and again?

We hope related departments can show some real care to the weak group people, instead of merciless suppression!

We hope related departments can practice in the true sprite of 'harmony', instead of creating hatred!

The prominent anti-discrimination citizen movement is an act of pride in the heart of millions of people living with HBV in China! The movement shows the love, rationality, unity and perseverance of the people living with HBV in China! We believe that there is no difficulty that can prevent the movement from moving forward!

We have got the information that HBV carriers in China has raised a complaint to the National Industry and Information Department( The original Department of Information) on the closedown event, and is ready to go to court for this issue. We support the righteous act of the people living with HBV in China, and will keep a close watch on the future development of this issue!