TNAG-1853-FCO40-2628-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 54

HUMAN RIGHTS

CONFIDENTIAL

Objectives

1. To draw attention to urgent work being done on Bill of Rights.

Points to make

As Committee is aware, Governor has announced on 11 October that

HKG will publish draft Bill of Rights for public consultation by end of this year.

Aim to introduce draft legislation by July 1990.

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Bill will enshrine fundamental rights and procedures currently

enjoyed in Hong Kong and give effect in local law to relevant

provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This means that if any one believes their civil or political rights

as defined in Covenant have been violated, they will be able to seek

redress in local courts.

Bill of Rights will not include provision of International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights In form of objectives to be achieved progressively and not justiciable in

courts.

NESADD

CONFIDENTIAL