HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - 28 June 1989
香港立法局
一九八九年六月二十八日
70
children now know something about freedom and democracy and their importance for the future of China and of Hong Kong.
Conclusion
Sir, I began my remarks by referring to what we have already achieved by way of basic educational provision and protection for our children. I would like to conclude by repeating what I have already said many times in this Council. Already during the last few years and increasingly in the future our emphasis will be on improving the quality of our education to match our economic development. Economic success enables us to spend more on education. Improving education is a key factor in maintaining our economic success.
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WEFLARE: Sir, the rights and well-being of children are of paramount importance and honourable Members' speeches have reflected their concern that we should do all that we can to ensure that children in Hong Kong have a happy and secure upbringing.
To raise a child is perhaps the most important responsibility with which we are entrusted. Most parents in Hong Kong take this responsibility seriously and cope well with its demands. Hong Kong is fortunate in that it combines traditional Chinese attachment to well-brought-up children with fine modern facilities in the medical, educational and welfare fields.
United Nations Convention
There are, however, shortfalls and deficiencies in several areas as Members have pointed out, and we must ensure that our services keep abreast with evolving needs. Several Members have referred to the recommendation by the United Nations Human Rights Commission on 8 March 1989 that the draft Convention on the Rights of the Child should be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It is expected that the General Assembly will consider this towards the end of the year. And if adopted, it will be open for signature and ratification by all members of the United Nations, including the United Kingdom. At present, we are studying the extent to which the draft convention's provisions may be observed in Hong Kong, as well as any changes in our legislation that may be necessary in order to comply with the convention.