GOVERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.
MON 67 JUN 93 09:59
PG.07
DRAFT
Ms Christine Loh
Legislative Councillor Legislative Council Building Hong Kong
Thank you for your letter of 1 June, question of how Political Rights 30 June 1997.
on the the International Covenant on Civil and will continue to apply to llong Kong after
As you point out, the Chinese have said that they reserve the right to look again at the Bill of Rights in 1997. This is a right which they will enjoy in accordance with Articlc 160 of the Basic Law but it is difficult to Бес Tow the contravent, fon
have force.
Bill of Rights could be found to be in of the Basic Law and, therefore, ocase to Great care was taken when the Bill of Rights was drafted and during its passage through LeyCo to ensure its compatability with the Basic Law, Additionally we hope that by 1997, when it will have been operating for some time, people will appreciate the value of the Bill of Rights in ensuring human rights and in confidence in Hong Kong.
strengthening
China is commmitted under international law by the Joint Declaration to ensuring that the provisions of the ICCPR as well as of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force after 1997. This is reflected in Article 39 of the Basio Law. Obviously matters would be simpler if China became 2 signatory to the two Covenante, and particularly to the ICCPR. We have urged them to do precisely this but we have to recognise that as a sovereign stato thio is a matter for China.
we
However, accession by China to the Covenants i3 not the only method of enouring the continued application to Hong Kong of their provisions (including Article 40 of ICCPK) and
are discussing all these matters with the Chinese sido within the framework of the Joint Liaison Group.
I agrec that the ICCPR and its reporting requirements are an important part of the International Rights and Obligations currently applied to long Kouy. feel confident that we will be able to find a satisfactory solution.
I
ALASTAIR GOODLAD
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