9
Dwelling on other human rights guarantees, Mr Suen said Hong Kong placed great importance on the implementation of international conventions.
Hong Kong abides by a number of international conventions including the International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Bill of Rights Ordinance gives effect in local law to the relevant provisions of the ICCPR, as applied to Hong Kong.
"The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has been extended to Hong Kong, and we are seeking the extension of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to Hong Kong.
"The fourth report under the ICCPR has been submitted. The United Nations Human Rights Committee will examine the report on October 19 and 20. Representatives from the Hong Kong Government will be part of the United Kingdom delegation attending the hearing," he added.
He also mentioned the initial report under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been submitted.
"We will attend before the Committee Against Torture in November 1995," said Mr Suen.
The third report on ICESCR will be submitted later this year and Hong Kong representatives expect to attend before the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1996.
Turning to efforts to foster a sense of community responsibility at the local level, Mr Suen highlighted the provision of $100 million in 1995-96 to fund District Board activities and the introduction of an accountable office rental allowance of $4,500, on top of the existing monthly honorarium, to assist members to set up ward offices in their constituencies.
Another new initiative undertaken by the Home Affairs Department is the employment of private contractors to design and construct minor works under the Rural Planning and Improvement Strategy (RPIS) to ensure that projects are completed on time.
Page 10Page 11