TNAG-2522-FCO40-3681-Application-of-United-Nations-conventions-to-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 57

4.

Judicial arrangements In Hong Kong, all persons regardless of

their race,

race, colour or national or ethnic origin are equal before the

law and have equal access to the courts. Subject to certain

objective criteria, legal aid is available to all. Both English and

Chinese being the official languages are used in the lower courts.

Although proceedings in the higher courts are conducted in English,

ample interpretation facilities are provided for non-English

speakers. The Government is considering how a greater use of the

Chinese language may be introduced in the higher courts. It is the

Government's stated objective that more judicial posts be filled by

local candidates.

5. Administrative arrangements No administrative or other measures in Hong Kong are contrary to the provisions of the

Convention.

B General legal framework in which racial discrimination is

defined

6.

"Racial discrimination" is not, as such, defined in the laws of

Hong Kong.

C

Recognition on equal footing of human rights and fundamental

freedoms

7.

A system of direct election to the Legislative Council based on geographical constituencies was introduced in September 1991. Concurrently the system of indirect elections through functional

constituencies continues. Members elected through these systems

account for 65% of the total membership of the Legislative Council.

8.

Electoral franchise for direct elections to the Legislative

Council, municipal councils and district boards is based on residency, irrespective of sex and race. With minor exceptions, every person of the age of 21 years or above and who has been registered as an elector, and having been ordinarily resident in

SAOABA