014-JUN-1993 18:14
CONSTITUTIONAL AETHING
DRAFT
Ms Christine Loh
Legislative Councillor
Legislative Council Building
Hong Kong
Thank
for you
June, of 1
on the your
Covenant on Civil and question of how the International Political Rights will continue to apply to Hong Kong after 30 June 1997.
letter
reserve
As the
you point out, the Chinese have said that they right to look again at the Bill of Rights in 1997. This is a right which they will enjoy in accordance with Article 160 of the Basic Law but it is difficult to
see how the
contravention
have force.
was
Bill of the
of
Rights Basic
could
Law
be found to be in and, therefore, cease to Great care was taken when the Bill of Rights drafted and during its passage through LegCo to ensure Additionally we hope its compatability with the Basic Law. that
when by 1997,
will have been operating for some of the Bill of time, people will appreciate the
strengthening Rights in ensuring human confidence in Hong Kong.
Joint.
China
it
rights
value and in
is commmitted under international law by the
to Declaration
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 This is reflected in Article remain in force after 1997.
signatory
the ICCPR.
39 of the Basic Law. Obviously matters would be simpler if and to the two Covenants, China became a
have urged them to do We precisely this but we have to recognise that as a sovereign state this is a matter for China.
particularly to
However, not the only
to Hong Kong
ICCPR)
Chinese
Group.
and
side I
we
to the Covenants is accession by China method of ensuring the continued application of their provisions (including Article 40 of are discussing all these matters with the the Joint Liaison the framework of within
and its reporting that the ICCPR agree requirements are
important part of the International Rights and Obligations currently applied to Hong Kong. feel confident that we will be able to find a satisfactory solution.
an
I
ALASTAIR GOODLAD
TOTAL P.C
FACEEA CORSA VICE-