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The Government's second report under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) is now available online and hardcopies will be released on Monday (August 7).
The report was submitted to the United Nations Committee Against Torture on June 14.
"The report forms part of the combined fourth and fifth periodic reports submitted by the People's Republic of China under the Convention", a Government spokesman said. "It reports on the progress of the implementation of the Convention in Hong Kong since the UN hearing on the initial report in May, 2000. It also responds to the concerns and recommendations of the Committee Against Torture at the hearing of the last report.
"The report takes full account of the comments and views received from Legco Members and members of the community during earlier public consultations in June, 2004. A compendium of the views received is available at the Home Affairs Bureau (31/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai) for public inspection during office hours."
In line with established practice, there will, in due course, be a hearing on the report by the UN Committee Against Torture. "We have yet to be notified of the date of the hearing. Hong Kong Government representatives will, as appropriate, attend the hearing as members of the Chinese delegation," the spokesman added.
The full text of the report, in Chinese and English, is available on the Home Affairs Bureau's website -- (www.hab.gov.hk/en/publications_and_press_releases/reports.htm). Copies of the report will also be available at the Home Affairs Department's Public Enquiry Service Centres from Monday.
Ends/Friday, August 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:01
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