TNAG-2860-FCO40-4114-Hong-Kong-participation-in-the-World-Conference-on-Human-Rig-1993 — Page 30

AFFAIRS BR

852 840 1976

conventions

of the

that

apply to Hong Kong.

Coincidentally, meny

reports are due in 1994, including those under the

Social

and Cultural

International Covenant on Economic, Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. We will also be reporting for the first time on the implementation of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman DI

or Punishment.

Thorough and

Degrading Treatment

comprehensive reviews are

these

reports.

channels

In

conducted in the preparation of

view of this and the established

and time-table for the preparation of reports, think that it is appropriate or necessary to embark

separate, a

extensive review for the purposes of the

do not

on

World

Conference.

[We also note that this has not been

organisers, and the United

in whose delegation

We

will

requested by the Conference

Kingdom Government, participating, is not conducting such a review. (Will Bor

please confirm.]

co

There is also a question of practicability of th

the proposal. In the short time that is available between now and the Conference in June, we will not be able to conddes comprehensive review of the wide-ranging and comples issues involved, with the level of public involvement ana consultation that you have in mind.

a

Please rest assured, however, that the rejection of the proposal for a National Review at this point in time is not an indication of the Hong Kong Government's lack of commitment to human rights. Indeed, we fully subscribe to their promotion and implementation in Hong Kong.

Governor

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