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US Perspective
11.
The Americans find it difficult to understand why we do not introduce 100% direct elections immediately and tend to
inrived m
underestimate the risks of confrontation with the Chinese and the
impact which this would have on Hong Kong opinion.
BILL OF RIGHTS
12.
—
the International
The two UN Covenants on Human Rights
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural/Rights (ICESCR) already apply to Hong Kong. The Joint Declaration provides for them to
remain in force after 1997. The draft Basic Law fully reflects
this.
13. The Hong Kong Government are currently drafting a Bill of Rights which will be published for consultation as soon as possible.
The aim of the Bill is to give clear effect in a single local law to
Once the Bill has Keen passed
his the ICCPR. This means that anyone who believes their rights under
the Covenant have been infringed will be able to seek redress in the
local courts. The exact form the Bill will take is still under
will be
given consideration. We have not consulted the Chinese about the Bill
opportunity to comment in
dre but, when the consultation document is published, we will be willing
to listen to their views through appropriate channels. Given that As
the draft Basic Law already ensures the continuation of the ICCPR in
them Hong Kong after 1997, we would not expect the publication of the
Bill of Rights to create difficult
cource.
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