TNAG-1983-FCO40-2816-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 50

V

HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG

1.

Hong Kong has an excellent human rights record: it has a well

established legal system, a steadily developing system of representative government, a remarkably free press and an exceptionally high degree of personal freedom.

2.

In November the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations

met to discuss the second periodic report on its Dependent

Territories by HMG on matters relating to the International Covenant

on Civil and Political Rights. During its discussion in Geneva, the

Committee focussed in particular on Hong Kong. In the light of

current interest in human rights in Hong Kong, arising particularly

from discussions about the draft Basic Law, this meeting provoked

considerable debate and interest in Hong Kong.

3.

In their closing remarks, members of the Human Rights

Committee and the Chairman expressed their appreciation for the

constructive and positive dialogue with the United Kingdom

delegation. They said that the excellent preparation for the dialogue by the delegation and the candid and precise answers given

to the questions raised by the Committee showed our resolve to cooperate fully with the Human Rights Committee. Comments on Hong Kong made during the meeting are being considered by the Hong Kong

Government and a response will be included in the third periodic report to the Human Rights Committee which is due in August 1989.

4. Effect is given to both the Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights and to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights through a combination of common law, legislation and administrative rules. The Joint Declaration stipulates that the provisions of the

Covenants as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force after 1997 and this has been reflected in the draft of the Basic Law published

in April 1988. The Hong Kong Government pay full regard to the obligations extended to them under the Covenants and are considering the implications if the Basic Law, when promulgated, were to provide that effect should be given to the Covenants through the laws of the

Hong Kong SAR.