protection of the law regardless of one's race, colour or national
or ethnic origin, as guaranteed in the Covenant, have thus been
strengthened.
4.
Judicial arrangements In Hong Kong, all persons regardless of their race, colour or national or ethnic origin are equal before the
law and have equal access to the courts. Subject to certain
objective criteria, legal aid is available to all. Both English and
Chinese being the official languages are used in the lower courts.
Although proceedings in the higher courts are conducted in English,
ample interpretation facilities are provided for non-English
speakers. The Government is considering how a greater use of the
Chinese language may be introduced in the higher courts. It is the
Government's stated objective that more judicial posts be filled by
local candidates.
5. Administrative arrangements No administrative or other measures in Hong Kong are contrary to the provisions of the
Convention.
General legal framework in which racial discrimination is
defined
6.
"Racial discrimination" is not, as such, defined in the laws of
Hong Kong.
C Recognition on equal footing of human rights and fundamental
freedoms
7.
Elections to the municipal councils and district boards are
based on wide franchise and on geographical constituencies.
Electoral franchise is based on residency, irrespective of sex and
An eligible elector has a free choice to register in the constituency in which he lives.
race.
8.
There is an indirect system of elections to the Legislative
It involves an electoral college and nine functional
Council.
SAOABA