China is reneging on promise after promise in its handling of decisions regarding the finances and rights of Hong Kong's citizens. Article 39 of the Hong Kong Basic Law states that the right to self-determination is covered in the two international human rights conventions. The people of Hong Kong cannot take their rights for granted. In Switzerland the threshold for referendum petitions is only 50,000 signatures,and with that all citizens can voice their opinion at the ballot box rather than taking to the streets. The people have the right to vote in referendums on any public issue. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development for details. §1.9 §1.10 §5.1 §6.1 §6.10