TNAG-1066-FCO40-1316-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 105

E/CN.4/1503 pages 29/30

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60. As the annexes to this Study demonstrate, there has been

conflict between the desire of certain nationalities absorbed

within nation-states to retain at least part of their cultural heritage (including their own language), and the policy of the central authorities to phase out (or stamp out) the distinct

linguistic and cultural patterns of a homogenous national

population. Such conflict between centralization and re-

gionalism has sometimes been violent enough to lead to an exodus of quite considerable proportions.

61.

In this respect, Article 28 is a convenient "passe partout"

formula: every government will surely claim that it has the

best recipe to ensure "a social and international order in which

the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be

fully realized". Who is to judge? What is clear is that the millions of men, women and children who elected to uproot themselves had little to say in the matter. Their sacrifice may remain the best indictment of a system which other men have imposed or failed to prevent.

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