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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government team today (February 9) updated the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the latest developments in the SAR with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the achievements and challenges faced in various human right issues.
The hearing was held by the UNHRC to examine the report submitted under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism by China, including that covering the Hong Kong and Macao SARs.
The meeting was conducted in a frank and constructive atmosphere in which the Committee Chairman, Mr Martin Uhomoibhi, welcomed the Chinese delegation, including the representatives from the two SARs to the meeting.
In making his statement, the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Raymond Tam who is leading the team, told the meeting that the HKSAR Government is fully committed to promoting and protecting human rights in Hong Kong.
"Indeed, human rights and freedoms are guaranteed constitutionally by the Basic Law and through various local legislations, including equality before the law, freedom of speech and of the press, freedom of association, of assembly and of demonstration, freedom of religious belief and right to social welfare and so on," Mr Tam said.
Mr Tam also pointed out that the protection of human rights in Hong Kong was further reinforced by the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
"In addition, there is an extensive institutional framework of organisations which help promote and safeguard human rights. The effectiveness of this institutional framework is closely monitored by the Legislative Council, the civil society, the media and the general public of Hong Kong.
"We will continue with our utmost efforts in promoting and protecting human rights in Hong Kong, and will continue to work with various sectors in the community in this regard," he said.
Some 60 delegations have spoken at the meeting today. The report submitted by the HKSAR was duly noted and no particular concerns were raised by other delegations on the report.
The team will attend the session to be held on February 11 when the Report on China will be adopted by the UNHRC.
Ends/Monday, February 9, 2009
HKSAR Government team attends UN Human Rights Council meeting
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government team today attended the United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review hearing today (February 9). Photo shows team leader, the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Raymond Tam (front row, first from right), taking a photo with the leader of the Macao SAR Government team, Mr Jorge Costa Oliveira (front row, second from right).
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