| Govt responds to report by Taiwan "CNA" on Taiwan DPP's comments on White Paper on "The Practice of the 'One Country, Two Systems' Policy in the HKSAR" |
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Regarding the report by Taiwan "Central News Agency" (CNA) on Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) comment on the White Paper on "The Practice of the 'One Country, Two Systems' Policy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" (HKSAR), a Government spokesperson gave the following response today (June 13): (1) Since the reunification of Hong Kong with the motherland, the protection of human rights has been strengthened over time in accordance with the laws, including the HKSAR Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, anti-discrimination ordinances, the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and other relevant ordinances, buttressed by the rule of law and an independent judiciary. The protection of human rights in Hong Kong is on par with other advanced societies in the world. (2) Chapter III of the White Paper states clearly that Hong Kong residents enjoy fundamental rights and freedom in accordance with the laws, including the HKSAR Basic Law and the local laws. Hong Kong also has a number of organisations which help promote and safeguard various fundamental rights, including the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Legal Aid Department. (3) The HKSAR Government will continue to safeguard the rights of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the Basic Law and other relevant ordinances. (4) According to Articles 17 and 19 of the HKSAR Basic Law, Hong Kong shall be vested with legislative power and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Particularly of note is that after the reunification, the power of final adjudication of the Hong Kong SAR is vested in the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong SAR. Ends/Friday, June 13, 2014 |