TNAG-1066-FCO40-1316-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 36

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E/CN.4/1503

pages 29/30

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 exodus of quite considerable proportions.

can be

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

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.