Application of ILO Conventions to Hong Kong After 1997

On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong will be returned by Britain to China. The date, established by the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984' is quickly approaching. The economic and political consequences of repossession by China are certainly of vital importance to the people of Hong Kong but the effect of various international legal obligations after 1997 is also a significant issue. In accordance with the Joint Declaration, a Sino-British Joint Liaison Group was established to address this issue.' It was charged with considering what action should be taken by the British and the Chinese governments to ensure the continued application after 1997 of international treaty rights and obligations which currently affect Hong Kong.