TNAG-2512-FCO40-3665-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1992 — Page 17

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EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG

20.

to

CEDAW obliges States Parties

take steps, including the enactment of legislation, to eliminiate discrimination against women by public and private bodies and to ensure that women enjoy, on a basis of equality with men, a broad range of rights in most areas of social activity.

21.

The extension of CEDAW Would impose significant new obligations, especially in relation to the elimination of discrimination by private individuals and concerns. General anti-discrimination legislation applicable to the private sector would almost certainly be required in order to comply fully with the obligations. Since the introduction of such legislation is not recommended (paragraph 19 above), the Working Group concludes that CEDAW should not be extended to Hong Kong, at least for the time being.

"WOMEN'S COMMISSION"

22.

The main

argument for setting up a "women's commission" is that it would provide a focus for addressing issues affecting women. duplicate the work of functional areas.

Such a commission may however existing advisory bodies in various On balance, the Working Group suggests that a "women's commission" should only be established if the public generally favour the idea.

FUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN

23.

community,

to

While issues relating

sex discrimination in employment have been explored in some detail, the broader question about the status of women in society has not been addressed. Since such issues as the extension of CEDAW to Hong Kong and the introduction of sex discrimination legislation will have significant implications for the the broadast possible public consultation is warranted. CEDAW and sex discrimination legislation are not the only way forward. The need for other measures such as education and publicity efforts to promote the concept of sex equality in schools and in the workplace should be further explored.

The consultation exercise could guide the Government in deciding whether, and if so what, action is needed to ensure equal opportunities between men and women in society.

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