and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person (principle 1); and
A detained person shall be entitled to have the assistance of a legal counsel. He shall be informed of his right by the competent authority promptly after arrest and shall be provided with reasonable facilities for exercising it (principle 17.1), and
The right of a detained or imprisoned person to be visited by and to consult and communicate, without delay or censorship and in full confidentiality, with his legal counsel may not be suspended or restricted save in exceptional circumstances, to be specified by law or lawful regulations, when it is considered indispensable by a judicial or other authority in order to maintain security and good order (principle 18.3).
Like every government, Hong Kong is bound by international law to respect fundamental human rights. The woefully inadequate living conditions now prevalent in Hong Kong's detention centres reflect a conscious government policy to deprive Vietnamese asylum seekers of such basic dignity. This is a violation of human rights law which must be ended forthwith.
Sincerely,
Quick
Arthur C. Helton
Enclosure
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