DECEMBER 10, Human Rights Day, will again see the spotlight on abuse of human rights. Today governments of every cast - left and right, democracy and dictatorship - are guilty of horrific crimes against their own people.
Even while they profess a respect for human rights, world governments continue to inflict outrages upon the rich and poor, famous and unknown, political dissidents and average citizens, women, men, and even children.
In the revulsion against the atrocities of World War II, the world began to create a formal machinery to protect of human rights - global laws to affirm the value of the individual person, and global institutions to enforce these laws. Regrettably, this machinery has not been as effective as it should be. Until it is made stronger, one essential alternative exists. The alternative of aroused public opinion - the indignation of concerned people everywhere.
In Hong Kong, there are just a couple of membership-based human rights groups and one such group is the Hong Kong Section of Amnesty International, of which I have been a member of for many years. The group is part of the movement which has a worldwide membership of more than a million people. Amnesty has shown that an international human rights movement can be effective, that many people working together can make a difference, that change can happen.
You may ask why should people in Hong Kong be interested in the international aspect of human rights? Hong Kong is increasingly becoming a more active player in the international arena, building trading and travel links with many of the governments thatcarry out abuses. And whichever corner of the globe you travel to these days, someone will show concern about Hong Kong and 1997.
Many misconceptions surround the work of Amnesty International and people often perceive Amnesty as a political organisation. However, it cannot be stressed enough that the group is apolitical. Amnesty does not take sides in political conflicts. Ideologies, national barriers and local legal codes are no obstacle to speaking out on behalf of others.