ANGLO/SOVIET TALKS ON HUMANITARIAN ISSUES 8-10 APRIL 1991
File
241/2
13
(Defensive points to make)
Hong Kong: Human Rights
HKC241/2
997
- Joint Declaration provides for two UN covenants on human rights to remain in force in Hong Kong after 1997. Will
discuss with Chinese Government in due course exact
mechanism for this.
Bill of Rights introduced to Hong Kong Legislative
Council. Expected to become law later this year. Aim is to
incorporate International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR) into domestic law and make it justiciable in Hong Kong courts. Will enhance protection of civil and political rights in Hong Kong.
Since Chinese agree that ICCPR should continue to apply in Hong Kong, and since Bill of Rights merely implements it, no
reason for Chinese objections. They have expressed reservations about Bill which we have tried to dispel.
Human Rights Committee recently (1-3 April) heard Third
Periodic Report on UK and dependent territories under
Article 40 of ICCPR. We believe that human rights record in
Hong Kong is good and that arrangements for future will continue to protect human rights.
MUKANF/1
VAS
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