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Good law and order not only makes Hong Kong a safe and better place to live in, but is also conducive to reinforcing Hong Kong's position as Asia's world city, attracting investment and talent as well as developing tourism and other international economic activities, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (November 25).
Delivering an opening address at the 2006 Fight Crime Conference, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong was world-renowned as one of the safest cities and its overall crime rate had all along remained low.
Mr Tsang pointed out that the Fight Crime Committee (FCC) and 18 District Fight Crime Committees (DFCCs) together with the Police and other law enforcement agencies had laid a solid foundation over the years in the fight against crime, adding that Hong Kong would be able to maintain this edge with the concerted efforts of the Government and various sectors of the community.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui, in his capacity as the FCC Chairman, said in his keynote speech that despite the fruitful result achieved in the fight against crime as a result of the concerted efforts of the Government and the community, Hong Kong would not let up its efforts and would continue to tackle issues of public concern such as domestic violence and juvenile crime.
"The Government has been seriously and actively addressing the domestic violence issue with a 'multi-disciplinary collaboration' approach. More resources have been allocated in recent years to support and strengthen the function of families and deal with family crises," he said.
"The Administration will further strengthen the specialised services and support for victims of domestic violence, including additional manpower, more shelter services for women and clinical psychological support," Mr Hui said.
Relevant departments, in particular the Police and Social Welfare Department, have already stepped up the training for frontline staff, improved inter-departmental communication and enhanced liaison with related organisations. The procedure for handling cases has also been refined in order to enhance the professionalism and efficiency in the provision of prompt and appropriate assistance to affected families.
Mr Hui said the Administration had reviewed the Domestic Violence Ordinance, with an aim to strengthen the protection of victims and prevent domestic violence. Final consultation on proposed amendments is under way. It is hoped that an amendment bill could be introduced into the Legislative Council in its current session.
Speaking about juvenile crime, Mr Hui said the Government had adopted the strategy of multi-agency co-operation to address the problem. Government departments would continue to work closely with schools and youth service providers to formulate appropriate and effective measures to prevent juvenile crime.
Conference chairman and FCC member, Mr Clement Tao, also appealed to the public to join with the Government in the fight against crime to ensure that Hong Kong will continue to be a safe and peaceful place.
Attended by about 300 FCC and DFCC members, the biennial event was organised by FCC with the theme "Fight Crime Together" and the objectives of enhancing communication between FCC and DFCCs and reviewing the crime situation in Hong Kong as well as exploring ways to reduce crime.
Before the conference, DFCC members set up five groups to discuss a series of law and order matters, including burglary and home security, commercial crime and fraud, quick cash crime, juvenile crime and domestic violence. The groups reported their findings at the conference and attendees had enthusiastic discussions at the conference today.
Other senior officials taking part in the conference were the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC; the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee; the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur Li; the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lee Ming-kwai; the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Mrs Fanny Law; Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Pamela Tan; the Acting Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Ying Kwok-ching; and the Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Miss Eliza Lee.
Ends/Saturday, November 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:31
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