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Q.13

A.13

Why use the term "permanent resident" instead of

"citizen" in A.21 of the BOR?

The concept of a Hong Kong citizen does not exist in

the law of Hong Kong or the Basic Law. The nearest

equivalent is "permanent resident", as used in the

Basic Law, particularly in its Articles 24, 26 and

Those Articles give permanent residents the

right to participate in public life, and Article 21 of the BOR is in conformity with them.

99.

Q.14

A.14

Human Rights Commission. Will one be established?

No decision has been taken. Question will be further

considered in due course.

Q.15

What is going to happen to the NT policies, practices

and legislation?

A.15 Whilst Article 22 of the BOR prohibits discrimination

under the law on

the ground of sex, the fact that

customary law in the NT treats women in a way

does not mean that the law is

different to men

necessarily

discriminatory.

differentiation

of

treatment

discrimination.

If

the

reasons

differentiation in

Not

every

constitutes

for

the

treatment are reasonable and

objective and the purpose is one which does not

contravene the BOR, such treatment will not be

considered discriminatory. In this context we have

noted the arguments that customary law helps preserve a traditional way of life and is essential in order

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