TNAG-2522-FCO40-3681-Application-of-United-Nations-conventions-to-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 62

protection of the law regardless of one's race, colour or national

or ethnic origin, as guaranteed in the Covenant, have thus been

strengthened.

4.

Judicial arrangements In Hong Kong, all persons regardless of their 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.

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.

Elections to the municipal councils and district boards are

based on wide franchise and on geographical constituencies.

Electoral franchise is based on residency, irrespective of sex and

An eligible elector has a free choice to register in the constituency in which he lives.

race.

8.

There is an indirect system of elections to the Legislative

It involves an electoral college and nine functional

Council.

SAOABA