CONFIDENTIAL
Bouf
of fortune Munster
18
HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS
Bill of Rights
HKD241
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
2 0 FEB 1990
OFSK OFFICER
INDEX
FA
REGISTRY Action Taken
- Joint Declaration provides for two UN Conventions on Human Rights to remain in force in Hong Kong after 1997
No conflict with Chinese over this. Reflected in current draft of
Basic Law.
-
Purpose of Bill of Rights is to give the force of law locally to one of the Covenants (on Civil and Political Rights) which had previously been implemented in Hong Kong through different provisions of statutory and common law.
This
At issue is whether Bill will have entrenchment provision. would clearly make it harder for future SAR legislature to amend/repeal. But could be seen as conflicting with Basic Law
Adverse Chinese provisions concerning workings of legislature.
reaction would undermine confidence-building purpose of Bill.
—
Problem is entrenchment of Bill. Entrenchment of rights themselves already provided for in Joint Declaration. working on exact form Bill will take.
HKG still
NESADW
CONFIDENTIAL