TNAG-1066-FCO40-1316-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 100

E/CN.4/1503 page 24

50.

for

Further, social and financial reforms have deprived substantial groups of their property, making it necessary them to either accept a drastic transformation of their stan- dard of living and lifestyle, or seek better opportunities

abroad.

Article 18: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19:

Everyone has the right to freedom of

freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

R,

51. The non-application of Articles 18 and 19 has surely forced many to leave their homeland, both during the past

decade and

and previously. Religious intolerance and the cur-

tailing of freedom of opinion and expression have changed the pattern of human settlement on many continents throughout the

ages.

52. The decade with which we are concerned, however, may not

have been marked by mass exodus on account of specific viol-

ations of these relevant Articles. On the whole, individuals

whose education and outlook set them apart from their fellow-

citizens were generally more affected than the larger sectors of the population whose main concern was their safety in times

of conflict and sheer economic survival. Suffice it to say

that it may have represented an additional setback to those who had already endured so much hardship. It surely contributed

to an even greater sense of despondency and despair.

53

ம் ல்

ec

p.

A1

A

1 п

ૐ

Π