3.2 STATEMENT OF A GROUP OF SOCIAL WORKERS
WITH REGARDS TO THE ARREST OF THE BOAT PEOPLE REPRESENTATIVES
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(1) PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR GRIEVANCE AND RIGHTFUL
DEMAND THROUGH PEACEFUL PETITION THE ARREST OF THE 76 PEOPLE ON JAN, 7, 79, THEREFORE, SERIOUSLY VIOLATES HUMAN RIGHT, AND SHOW THE ARBITRARY INTERPRETATION AND THE MANIPULATION OF THE UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY ORDINANCE BY THE POLICE, . WE STRONGLY CONDEMN THE ARBITRARY ACT AS THIS ONE AND DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF
THE CHARGE.
WE DEMAND ALSO THE IMMEDIATE PROCESSING OF THE
DELETION OF THE RELATED ORDINANCE ON UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY, PROEESS- IONS, AND PETITION BECAUSE SUCH ORDINANCE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPT- ABLE TO THE PEOPLE.
(2) THAT THE BOAT PEOPLE RESORTED TO PEACEFUL PETITION BECAUSE OF
POOR AND ENDANGEROUS LIVING ENVIRONMENT. THESE ACTS ARE EXTRE- MELY LOGICAL AND JUSTIFIABLE THEIR CAUSE AND ACTION DESERVE PUBLIC SUPPORT.
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WE, THEREFORE, REINSTATE OUR SUPPORT FOR THE BOAT PEOPLE'S DEMAND FOR A RESONABLE RESETTLEMENT WITHIN 6 MONTHS' TIME.
(3) THE ROLE OF THOSE SOCIAL WORKERS IN ASSISTING THE BOAT PEOPLE FOR
HOUSING WERE NOT ONLY IN LINE WITH THE PROFESSIONAL PRINCIPLE OF SOCIAL WORK BUT ALSO A GOOD EXAMPLE OF PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHT AND IN PROMOTING SOCIAL JUSTICE.
WE WOULD, THEREFORE, APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THESE MEANING- FUL ACTION.
3.3 PETITION LETTER OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS
TO THE GOVERNOR
12th Jan, 79.
Dear Governor,
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We believe that you are very concerned about the living conditions of each and every citizen of Hong Kong. In the past, you have demonstrated respect for the opinions of the general public. We are a group of Christian Students who be- lieve that the spirit of Jesus Christ is best expressed by working towards a society of justice and peace. Thus we would like to express our opinions on the Yaumati Boat People Issue.
1. We strongly denounce the unreasonable charge of unlawful assembly brought by the police against the powerless Yaumati Boat people. Their right to express their opinion in a peaceful way should be respected. Thus we consider it a pity that the police would deal with the case in such a manner.
2. We hereby demand the immediate release of the Boat people charged for they are
innocent.
3. We hope that you will accept to the demand of the Boat people in order to show
your kindness and free them from bitterness and suffering.
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May God's Peace on Earth be with You.
Yours,
HONG KONG FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS
YMT 12