XN000022-1995-07-05 — Page 68

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Annex

Jakarta Declaration for the Advancement of Women in Asia and the Pacific: Examples of actions taken to implement the Provisions in the Plan of Action

Vulnerable groups and feminisation of poverty

Hong Kong's family policy is to preserve and strengthen the family as a basic unit. A comprehensive network of family welfare services is provided to all types of family, based on their respective needs. Such family types include female-headed and female-maintained households. A leaflet on welfare services for single- parent families was published and widely distributed in early 1995. With effect from April 1995, single parent families, including female headed single parent families, receive a special allowance.

In respect of the elderly, financial resources have been earmarked for implementing the recommendations of the Working Group on Care for the Elderly. In April 1995, the Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Ordinance came into force. As a result of the provisions of the Ordinance, residents in these care homes (including female residents) now receive services of acceptable standards.

In relation to young women and girls, the Protection of Children and Juveniles Ordinance provides statutory care and protection to young women and girls under the age of 18 against all types of abuse and exploitation. To further protect vulnerable witnesses, including girls under the age of 17 who are victims of sexual abuse cases, legislative amendments are in process to provide for testifying through live television links or video tape.

In respect of women with disabilities, comprehensive rehabilitation services are provided to people with a disability, including women. The White Paper on Rehabilitation published in 1995 sets out fully policy decisions for the further development of rehabilitation services for people with a disability, including women, for the next decade and beyond. We have also introduced the Disability Discrimination Bill into the Legislative Council which seeks to outlaw discrimination and harassment on the ground of disability against persons of both sexes.

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