life imprisonment, occasionally to determinate sentences of 20 years or more. The Administration regularly reviews the question whether the death penalty, although it has not been carried out for many years, should none the less be retained on the statute books in Hong Kong. So far the response of the majority of the community has been strongly in favour of retention. This being so, the Administration has no plan to abolish the death penalty at present. 32. As to the right of commutation after 1997, article 48, paragraph 12, of the draft Basic Law provides the Chief Executive with the power to pardon persons convicted of criminal offences or to commute their penalties. Article 56, paragraph 2, requires the Chief Executive to consult the Executive Council before making important decisions. The procedures for making decisions on whether or not to commute as laid down in the draft Basic Law therefore closely mirror the current situation. Article 7 33. A review of the use of judicial corporal punishment in Hong Kong has now been completed. The review took into account a public opinion survey on the issue, a review of alternative punishments and Hong Kong s international obligations. It recommended that judicial corporal punishment should be abolished. This recommendation was endorsed by the Fight Crimes Committee and the Executive Council. The Hong Kong Administration is now taking steps to repeal all legislation giving the courts power to give sentences of judicial corporal punishment. CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 118 34. In December 1988, the United Kingdom ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Hong Kong Government announced at that time that the Convention would be applied to Hong Kong once the necessary legislation was in 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the legal system and penal policies of Hong Kong, including the death penalty, judicial corporal punishment, and the application of international human rights conventions. While there is no direct mention of economic or social development, the text does provide insight into the government's approach to justice and human rights, which may have indirect implications for the well-being of the population.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Health