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(ix) HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG
It has a
Hong Kong has an excellent human rights record. well established legal system, a steadily developing system of representative government, a remarkably free press and an exceptionally high degree of personal freedom.
UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Hong Kong emerged with credit from the recent examination by the UN Human Rights Committee our second Report on the Dependent
Territories.
Members of the Comittee particularly mentioned the excellent preparation and candid, precise answers given to the Committee's questions on Hong Kong.
BASIC LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS
First draft of Basic Law provides that provisions of International Covenants as applied to Hong Kong shall be implemented through legislation by the Hong Kong SAR.
Aware of criticisms that draft did not provide adequately for all human rights, and that some provisions of draft were inconsistent with International Covenants.
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Understand that amendments to draft to meet such concerns are
being made. This is very welcome.
Look forward to studying revised draft of Basic Law when it is published in the first part of next year.
INCORPORATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENANTS INTO HONG KONG'S DOMESTIC
LAW
The two International Convenants already apply to Hong Kong, with certain reservations. Joint Declaration and draft Basic Law stipulate that they will continue in force.
If there were general feeling in Hong Kong that the Covenants should now be incorporated into Hong Kong's domestic law, would be willing to consider with Hong Kong Government how best to meet this
point.
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