XN000022-1995-11-02 — Page 30

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Women's Rights and CEDAW

Some Members suggested that a central body should be established to oversee matters concerning women rights. The Government operates on a functional basis and policies pertaining to women are being vigorously implemented by different Government departments and subvented agencies. Different aspects of women development, including worker retraining, family, health, other supportive and remedial services, are addressed by various government departments such as Labour Department, Department of Health, and Social Welfare Department. A separate body to oversee women issues would only result in overlap and duplication of work. The Home Affairs Branch has for some time been playing a co-ordinating role in women issues, and we believe such role has been strengthened through our participation at the Fourth World Conference on Women of the United Nations in September this year. Since the Conference, we have forged much closer ties and co-operation with non- government organisations. This will facilitate the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the Beijing Conference.

Implementation of the Platform is an on-going process demanding the commitment and continual efforts of both the Government and non-government organisations. Different parts of the Government will be involved, and the Home Affairs Branch, as co-ordinator within Government on women issues, has already initiated discussions with women's groups to seek their views on the implementation of the Platform for Action.

In respect of women's rights, we are also keen to see the early extension of CEDAW to Hong Kong. After we announced in June 1994 the intention to seek the extension, we had initiated discussions with the UK Government. The discussion had to be held in abeyance because the UK was reviewing its reservations under the Convention. The UK recently announced at the World Conference in Beijing held in September its intention to withdraw many of its current reservations in respect of CEDAW. We have since then examined the impact of the withdrawal of such reservations on Hong Kong. The draft list of reservations that should be extended to Hong Kong is now being finalised. We will seek to agree with the UK Government the list of reservations as soon as possible, preferably before the end of this year. Once an agreement has been reached, we shall commence consultation with the Chinese Government through the Joint Liaison Group.

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