*EPF109 02/26/01
Excerpt: State Department Human Rights Report on Macau 2000
(Citizens' ability to change their government limited) (470)

The U.S. Department of State released the 25th edition of its Reports on Human Rights Practices February 26.

The full report is available online at:

http://usinfo.state.gov/regional/ea/uschina/macauhr2k.htm

Following is an excerpt featuring the text of the opening narrative of the report on Macau for the year 2000:

(begin excerpt)

MACAU

Macau, a 13 square mile enclave on the south China coast, reverted from Portuguese to Chinese administration on December 20, 1999 (the handover). As a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China, Macau enjoys a high degree of autonomy except in defense and foreign affairs, and its citizens have basic freedoms and enjoy legally protected rights. The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration (1987) and the Basic Law (the SAR's mini-constitution promulgated by China's National People's Congress (NPC) in March 1993) specify that Macau is to continue to enjoy substantial autonomy and that its economy and way of life are to remain unchanged for the first 50 years under PRC sovereignty. The Government is headed by a Chief Executive, chosen by a 200-member Selection Committee, which was chosen by the Preparatory Committee (60 Macau and 40 mainland representatives appointed by the NPC). Voters elect only 8 of the 23 legislators in direct elections in geographical constituencies. Of the remainder, eight are elected by interest groups in functional constituencies, and seven are appointed by the Chief Executive. There are limits on the types of private member bills that may be tabled. After the handover, most of the laws in force continued to apply. The judiciary is independent.

The police force is under civilian control. After peaking in 1999, serious organized crime-related violence appears to have been curbed, and police report a marked reduction in violent crime. A People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison of 800 soldiers stationed in Macau under the Garrison Law (Macau SAR) plays no role in internal security.

The market-based economy is fueled by textile and garment exports, along with tourism and gambling. However, a depressed real estate market, weak consumer demand, and high unemployment have limited economic growth in recent years, a trend that continued during the year. Despite the economic downturn, most citizens still enjoy a high standard of living. Per capita gross domestic product is approximately $15,000 (Macau Patacas 118,000).

The Government generally respects the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas. Such problems include the limited ability of citizens to change their government; limits on the legislature's ability to initiate legislation; occasional instances of police abuse; inadequate provision for the disabled; a lack of legal protection for strikes and collective bargaining rights; and trafficking in women.

(end excerpt)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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