XN000022-1997-02-19 — Page 9

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HAB launches Public Consultation on Racial Discrimination

The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michae: Suen, has urged members of the public to participate in discussions and express their views on a consultation document on racial discrimination released today (Wednesday).

Speaking at a press conference to launch a ten-week public consultation period, Mr Suen said the document summarised issues identified in a study undertaken by the Home Affairs Branch (HAB) and outlined possible measures to address them.

He called on members of the public to participate actively in the discussions, adding that the document was simply a basis for public debate of the issues concerned.

"We have no preconceived ideas and will welcome suggestions. The public

will guide us in determining our future course of action," he said.

response

Noting that any measures taken will have direct implication for every member of the community, Mr Suen said that it was therefore imperative that the public should consider these issues thoroughly and make their views known.

"Findings will be reported to the Legislative Council after we have analysed the views put forward during the consultation period," he added.

Turning to the contents of the document, Mr Suen said that like the earlier studies on discrimination, it set out the findings of HAB's research into local and overseas experiences of racial discrimination.

"This comprised a "desk study" of relevant scholarship and jurisprudence, correspondence with Consulates-General on their nationals' experience in Hong Kong and meetings with interested organisations and individuals.

"We have met with over 70 groups, including academics, chambers of commerce, employers' associations, trade unions, representatives of ethnic minorities, women's groups, religious organisations, social service groups, educational bodies and financial institutions," he said.

On the findings of the study, Mr Suen said respondents had mentioned isolated incidents that might indicate racial discrimination. These concerned ethnic minorities, overseas domestic helpers, migrant workers and new arrivals from mainland China.

"These incidents were reported in the areas of education, employment, health services, housing and in the enforcement of law and order.