BACKGROUND NOTE
1.
The main mechanism for investigating complaints and
grievances about public administration in Hong Kong is the
'UMELCO system', that is, the Office of the Unofficial Members
of the Executive and Legislative Councils. UMELCO is not
defined or confined by law. It handles all public complaints,
appeals and representations made to Unofficial Members which
allege official maladministration. Unofficial Members have
the right to information, including Government files; the
right of access to Government officers; and the right to
challenge a department's decisions or actions.
2.
The UMELCO system has been developed in two areas of
particular sensitivity through the appointment by the Governor
of an ICAC complaints committee and a UMELCO police group,
both of whose terms of reference include monitoring, and where
appropriate reviewing, the handling by the ICAC or police of
complaints against whichever body.
3.
There is also the role of justices of the peace, who make
regular visits to prisons, hospitals and other institutions
which hold persons in Government care or custody.
complaints and make written reports on their visits.
4.
They hear
Finally, under Colonial Regulation 168 there is the right
of any individual to make representations to the Governor on
matters of a public or private nature.
Hong Kong and General Department
1 February 1983