XN000022-1996-10-22 — Page 4

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"The extension of the Convention does not necessitate any further legislative changes," the spokesman said.

"In extending the Convention the United Kingdom (UK) has entered a few reservations for Hong Kong. One of the general reservations seeks to preserve the position in respect of rent concession under Annex III to the Joint Declaration and the small house policy," the spokesman pointed out.

"Other reservations include those to ensure that Hong Kong is allowed to maintain its existing customs, policies and practices. For example, reservations are required to allow for the continuation of practices which provide for women to be treated more favourably than men as provided for under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.

"Reservations are also entered to ensure that the affairs of religious denominations and orders in Hong Kong should not be affected and that the Hong Kong Government has the right to continue to apply immigration law."

With regard to follow-up action, the spokesman said copies of the Convention would be widely disseminated and its provisions fully published as part of the Government's enhanced human rights publicity strategy.

"We will also ensure that all parts of the Government are fully aware of the need to take due account of the Convention's provisions in implementing programmes and formulating policies," he added.

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Second chance for ex-offenders urged

The community would benefit, both financially and socially, if a person who has committed a crime could be converted into a useful member of society, the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Raymond Lai Ming-kee, said today (Tuesday).

Speaking at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Peninsula, Mr Lai said he disagreed with the sentiment that people who have committed crimes were likely to offend again and that it was a waste of time and money trying to reform them.

"Quite apart from the uncharitable nature of condemning people just because they have offended, it is also not beneficial to society, either in terms of cost or benefit," said Mr Lai.