On policy formulation, the Hong Kong Government had published a White Paper in June setting out a comprehensive description of the current services, plans for their expansion and the future direction of its rehabilitation policy.
As regards legislation, the Government had enacted the Disability Discrimination Ordinance in July giving people with a disability the power under the law to obtain redress against those who harass or discriminate against them. In the same month, amendments were made to two existing laws which made the courts less stressful and intimidating for people with a disability.
The Government was also working on a major up-dating of the Mental Health Ordinance to improve the protection of the rights of mentally handicapped and mentally ill people, he said.
"This progress in policy formulation and legislation reflects the importance placed by the Hong Kong Government on rehabilitation," he stated.
"The law we have enacted provides for people with a disability, as well as for their families and carers, a comprehensive system of redress in areas of life in which they may face discrimination, harassment or vilification.
"In other words, the law is comprehensive in its scope which it needs to be if we are to achieve integration for people with a disability."
However, Mr Wilson was quick to point out that the drawing up of the law was not a solution in itself. It is only one element of the solution.
"Lasting change can be brought about only by improving our services and educating the public to understand the needs of people with a disability and to accept them warmly into our community," he said.
Turning to the White Paper which set out the overall rehabilitation policy objectives, Mr Wilson highlighted three areas:
By means of stringent anti-epidemic measures and surveillance, the Government had kept the incidence of most communicable and disabling diseases to very low levels in Hong Kong. A comprehensive immunisation programme afforded solid protection against infections such as measles, rubella and hepatitis B.
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