No reason
(If pressed) Chinese have agreed (in Joint Declaration
and Basic Law) that ICCPR shall remain in force.
4.
therefore why they should object to Bill of Rights. They
have some doubts about its necessity and its form. We have
been discussing these with them and hope to allay their
concerns.
5. (If pressed) In times of emergency which threaten the life of the nation, Bill of Rights (following the ICCPR)
allows for measures which derogate "to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation". This applies to exceptional circumstances. Not an open invitation to
derogate.
6. (If pressed) Much debate about compatability between
Bill of Rights and ICAC. Majority of Hong Kong laws already in keeping with ICCPR, so Bill of Rights will not entail
extensive changes to legislation. But Hong Kong are reviewing laws with aim of replacing suspect provisions with provisions that do not diminish efficiency of ICAC and other
law enforcing organs but which are consistent with Bill of
Rights.
7.
Extension to Hong Kong of CEDAW is under active and
careful consideration. Bill of Rights has demanded much
time and attention. Once it is enacted, Hong Kong
Government expect to complete consideration of application
of CEDAW. Statement will be made as soon as possible.
8.
Loudspeaker Prosecution Cases
These cases are still under appeal and therefore subjudice.
Would not be appropriate for me to comment on their
particular
circumstances.
9. (If pressed) Restrictions on the use of loudspeakers and
the collection of money in public are prudent and reasonable
measures for protection of the public in a highly
PATADP/2
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