By Alishba I. Kassim
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

WASHINGTON, United States – Joint reports by several human rights agencies and U.S. funded broadcast services are accusing China of deceptively distributing billions of dollars in aid to Africa with “no strings attached” packages. These packages, the reports provide, subvert human rights and promote Chinese power.

Similar reports accuse Russia, Iran, and Venezuela of using wealth to build alliances without pressing developing countries to promote democracy and avoiding corruption.

The report, prepared jointly over a two year period by Freedom House, a Washington based NGO, did not address the role of US foreign policy or aid, but accused China of excessive abuse.

“These regimes are using soft-power methods to advance their interests internationally, particularly through billions of dollars in no strings attached development aid,” the report said. Chinese leaders, in contrast, have accused Western countries of being self-serving and continue to emphasize the importance of state sovereignty and non-interference.

The report accused Russia of undermining international institutions such as the United Nations that aim to work towards safeguarding human rights and democracy. While Iran, on the flipside, was accused of supporting forces such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine. The report held Venezuela responsible for passing on the torch of corruption through subsidies in developing nations.

Although the reports’ justifiably emphasized the importance of oversight in ensuring corruption-free regimes in developing countries, one has to question whether Freedom House had an ulterior agenda when blacklisting countries such as Iran, China, Russia, and Venezuela. Countries some may argue are not amongst America’s favorites.

For more information, please see:

Washington Post – Human Rights Group Condemn how China gives Aid – June 4, 2009

AP – Human Rights Group Condemn China – June 4, 2009

Miami Herald – Human Rights Group Condemn China – June 4, 2009