TNAG-1850-FCO40-2625-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 34

JOGAGU

H:

HUMAN RIGHTS

HOW AN YOU EXPECT HUMAN RIGHTS TO BE PROTECTED IN HONG KONG WHEN

THEY ARE BEING VIOLATED RUTHLESSLY IN CHINA?

Basic principle that lies behind Joint Declaration is that of 'one country, two systems' i.e. that Hong Kong should have its own laws and its own systems quite separate from those of China.

Can well understand that violation of human rights in China causes great concern in Hong Kong and apprehension that human rights will not be protected in Hong Kong 1997. But Joint Declaration provides that system will be different.

ARE THE HUMAN RIGHTS PROVISIONS OF THE BASIC LAW ADEQUATE?

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Second draft of Basic Law improved upon first draft.

But still some shortcomings: some rights are individually identified - not necessarily in same way as those provided by the Covenants; and the provisions generally apply only to Hong Kong residents rather than to all people present in Hong Kong.

Sure BLDC will take account of further views put forward when

drafting process resumes.