HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
香港立法局 一九八九年六月二十八日
On my part, Sir, I would urge that :
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firstly, Hong Kong should become a signatory of the United Nations Convention and that the Government should make every effort to publicize this international legal document in order to maintain and promote the rights of the child;
secondly, legislation should be streamlined to give protection to children against parental neglect and abuse. In this respect, there is a need to review the definition of "child abuse" in law to include psychological abuse and to give clearer identification of child maltreatment;
thirdly, the Government accept the recommendation to be put forth by my colleagues concerning the needs for child care services based on an non- institutional approach through the provision of adequate support services of acceptable standards;
fourthly, the Government accept a commitment, which is pivotal, to map out a comprehensive child care policy and take a co-ordinated approach for the provision and monitoring of services; and
fifthly, community participation is indispensable for creating a healthy environment that meets the social, recreational and cultural needs of children and is conducive to their proper growth and development.
Sir, Hong Kong needs a caring society responsible parents who are not ignorant, child care workers and educators who can guide children to learn and bear responsibility, and the mass media whose positive influence consummates the objective of true education. Only through an inter-disciplinary approach can the spirit of the United Nations Convention be fully enhanced.
Sir, children are the pedestal of our society. Their future lies in our hands, just as we owe our well-being to our older generations. It is therefore our inherent duty to take action to protect their rights and improve their well-being. Let's save our children, now.
Sir, I beg to move.
Question on the motion proposed.
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