A big step forward on basic civil rights

Beijing reiterated its intention to sign the international covenant on civil and political rights Thursday. The covenant seeks to guarantee a number of individual freedoms.

Those who are committed to seeing individual human rights strengthened in China will welcome this statement, though skeptics will no doubt view the move as a ruse to deflect or dampen criticism of Beijing's record on observing human rights.

While we do not begrudge critics their right to such skepticism, it is important to remember that having now given what amounts to a solemn pledge on several occasions, it will be difficult for Beijing to backtrack on the issue.

Several Chinese leaders have stated in recent months that China will become a signatory to the international covenants dealing with individual and collective rights. The treaty on social and economic rights has already been signed up to, although it has yet to be ratified by parliament.

Beijing is slowly moving toward accepting the other crucial international human rights treaties. What is now being contemplated is a further step forward -- a small step for human rights, but a giant step for China.

-- The Hong Kong Standard