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"The rule of law, a truly independent judiciary and the Bill of Rights Ordinance (BORO) provide the foundation for human rights protection in Hong Kong now and in the future," he said. Among the measures to enhance protection of human rights detailed in the report are:
* the enactment of the Bill of Rights Ordinance and the subsequent amendment
of 29 pieces of legislation to bring these in line with the BORO;
* the extension of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to Hong Kong;
* the enactment of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance which provides for the
establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission;
* extension of the powers of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints;
* making legal aid available for court cases involving the BORO;
measures to improve the system of handling complaints against the Police;
* the provision of additional resources to promote human rights education.
Earlier this year, the public, non-government organisations (NGOs) and the Legislative Council were asked to give their views on the issues that should be covered in the report. A total of 10 submissions were received.
"This is the first report that we have drafted having received the views of NGOs and Legislative Councillors on the issues to be covered in the report," the spokesman said.
"By being able to refer to the different views and opinions on human rights issues being debated in Hong Kong, our report will be that much more useful to the Human Rights Committee. We look forward to a constructive discussion with the Committee," he said.
Copies of the report on Hong Kong (in English) and the text of the Covenant (in English and Chinese) are available at the Marketing Office of the Government Information Services at the 17th floor, Siu On Centre, 176-192, Lockhart Road, Wan Chai. The report will also be issued in booklet form (English and Chinese) in September and copies made available in public libraries and District Offices.
End/Friday, July 28, 1995
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