HKC 2414
RECEIV
INDEX
16 JAN 1991
KC
TAY
(VSTRA
won Teach
Ms Barrett
Legal Advisers
CONFIDENTIAL
BOR: VBP.
FROM:
Ru
15/1
DATE:
CC:
OIEU
D P Bruce
South East Asian Dept
15 January 1991
Mr Burns, o.r.
Mr Colvin, o.r.
Ms P. A Major
Hong Kong Dept
Mr Walwyn
UND
HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS AND THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
2
A
HKD
241/1
1990
نه م
1.
In October last year, Hong Kong reported that their review group
to study the impact of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights on the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance had concluded that overall the existing provisions were reasonably bill-proof.
343
2. Hong Kong Telno 98 of 11 January now asks for early advice on what period of detention would be lawful for VBP under Hong Kong law in the face of a recent court ruling that 18 months was unreasonable and the detention of VBP for up to two years pending decision of their refugee status may also contravene the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights if HMG's reservation to the ICCPR does not cover lengthy periods of detention.
3.
Further to our discussion, I should be grateful for your advice. In the meantime Washington has been requested to advise Mr Burns not to raise the issue with the Americans
D P Bruce
RLWAEZ
CONFIDENTIAL