TNAG-0967-FCO40-1186-Employment-of-children-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 55

E/CN.4/Sub.2/450

Annex page 3

(f)

Improving social services

9.

Hong Kong has made marked progress in various social services in the past decade. The major ones which help to eliminate child labour are:

(i) Social Security

The introduction of a non-contributory Public Assistance Scheme in 1971 guarantees everyone a basic standard of living. Under the scheme any family is entitled to assistance if its total income falls below a certain level. Additional grants are also given to meet other essential expenses such as rent, school fees and textbooks, domestic removals, special diets and burial expenses. There is therefore strictly speaking no longer a need for children. to work in order to supplement family income, although undoubtedly the additional income brought in by a child would enable a family to enjoy a slightly higher standard of living.

(ii) Other Services

Conclusion

An analysis in 1979 of cases involving the illegal employment of children showed that very few were attributable to financial need; in most cases the children had lost interest in their studies, were doing jobs only during summer holidays or had drifted into employment because of parental neglect. A range of social work services including family welfare services, student guidance and school social work services and outreaching social work is available to children or families who are in need of them.

10. Her Majesty's Government is satisfied that the incidence of child labour in Hong Kong is now very low. However, every effort will continue to be made to improve services for children generally and to enforce vigorously the law against the employment of children.