TNAG-2866-FCO40-4120-Proposed-extension-of-the-Convention-on-the-Elimination-of-D-1993 — Page 3

ENT HOUSE HONG KUNG.

CONFIDENTIAL

機密

United Nations Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Line to take

The Government subscribes

to the principle

Of

we do not believe that

equality between men and women but

CEDAW is the best means to achieve the objective of equality.

2.

Where it has been

CEDAW is a blunt instrument.

applied clsewhere, it has not (for example, in the UK) proved

an unmitigated success. Must balance whatever benefits that

extension of CEDAW might have against its wide-ranging

obligations, including the enactment of anti-discrimination

legislation.

look beyond CEDAW

to

Must also

consider

carefully where action to achieve equality might be most

needed, and what action might be most effective. Any measures

we introduce could affect many different aspects of society. That is why we consider that the community should be consulted

widely in the form of a Green Paper.

3.

The Green Paper exercise will be launched by the

Secretary for Home Affairs in the latter part of this year.

It is a serious consultation exercise, not a delaying tactic.

Hope all those concerned with women's rights will respond

constructively to this exercise.

Background

4.

Green

equal

The Executive Council decided on 8 December 1992 that

Paper on whether there is a need for action to ensure opportunities for men and women in society should be

public consultation in 1993. On 16 December 1992,

issued for

A

CONFIDENTIAL 機密