On Thursday 19th December 2002, the winds of change blew the sails of freedom and justice for all, from Circular Quay and Town Hall in Sydney Australia, to the heart of Beijing, China. Over seventy people staged peaceful rallies to raise public awareness of the proposed changes to Hong Kongýs Basic Law through Article 23.
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Concerns were publicly raised and petitions signed. The two main reasons for the rally were: the deadline for the public appeal for Article 23 and exposing the vagueness of the law and its impact on a broad range of interest groups.
Thousands of pamphlets were handed out in the Central Business District of Sydney. Hundreds of Australians in Sydney have also handed out pamphlets in Chinese and English. Most people received the information with astonishment and disbelief, that this type of law could be proposed. As flyers were handed some practitioners send forth righteous thoughts.
A parade down the main streets of the city took place, displaying the 30 boards and banners that expose the issues behind this Article 23 to the general public. Many passers byýs signed petitions and voiced their support and disgust of the evil intentions behind Article 23.
Amnesty International speaker Ms Diane Hiles, China Rapid Action Network Coordinator said in her speech at Circular Quay: ýArticle 23 of the Basic Law comes along, which threatens to curb Human Rights ANYWHERE? Rather than modernizing Hong Kong legislation, this is a step backwards. Amnesty International calls for a much longer consultation period.?p>
Amnesty International notes the views expressed by the Human Rights Committee (Hong Kong) which state that “all laws enacted under article 23 of the Basic Law must be in conformity with the Covenant [ICCPR]”. Amnesty International calls upon the HK SAR government to ensure that it revises its proposals to ensure that any legislation is in full conformity with the Covenant.
Colleen May, a concerned Australian said in her speech: ýI am personally concerned about the effect this legislation will have on our country, whether through trade, research or human rights abuses. This Article 23 has raised great concern internationally, because it will impact on every country linked with Asia. This basically includes the entire world.?
The event was attended by Chinese media, including newspapers and radio, also by newswires photographers.
As the deadline approaches there are still many efforts being made to make the best use of this opportunity.
Posting date: 22/Dec/2002
Original article date: 19/Dec/2002
Category: Events
