XN000022-1995-11-08 — Page 103

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Elimination of discrimination against women

Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

At the hearing of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee held in Geneva this October, members of the Committee queried why the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women had not been extended to Hong Kong. In response, the leader of the British delegation indicated that the British Government was contemplating the withdrawal of certain reservations in the Convention, but that the Hong Kong Government preferred the inclusion of those reservations in the Convention upon its extension to the territory. In this regard, will the Government inform this Council:

matter;

(a) how long has it started discussions with the British Government on the

(b) whether any problems have occurred in the course of the dissuasions, if so, what those problems are;

(c) when the two sides will reach a conclusion on the matter; and

(d) whether it will accept the UN Human Rights Committee's recommendation that the Convention should be extended to the territory without any reservations?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a) In June 1994, the Hong Kong Government announced its decision to seek extension of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to Hong Kong, subject to consultation with the Chinese side. In January 1995, a list of draft reservations that should be extended to Hong Kong were drawn up and passed on to the UK Government for discussion.