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A series of publicity activities would be launched by the Correctional Services Department for better public understanding and greater acceptance of ex-offenders, Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming, said today (August 29).
Mr Kwok was speaking at a TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) launch ceremony in Stanley. Officiating at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Stanley Ying, and Chairman of the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders Mr Billy Kong.
Mr Kwok also appointed renowned artist Richie Yam as a Rehabilitation Ambassador in 2007.
"One of our important tasks has been to seek public acceptance and support for rehabilitated persons through publicity campaigns since the establishment of the Rehabilitation Division in 1998," the commissioner said.
"We are committed to providing quality custodial and rehabilitative services to help offenders turn over a new leaf, but the success of rehabilitative programmes hinges on the determination of offenders and support from the wider community."
Mr Kwok extended his heartfelt appreciation for the community's continuous support for the department's work and the reintegration of rehabilitated offenders. He looked forward to working closely with all parties in contributing to a safer and more inclusive society.
The TV API, with both Cantonese and English versions, calls on people to accept rehabilitated persons, give them support and strength to lead a law-abiding life.
The TV API and a corresponding radio API with Cantonese, Putonghua and English versions will be broadcast on local TV and radio stations from early September.
The campaign also comes with a new poster and giant banners to echo the message. Extended from the old series, the poster shows a butterfly breaking through from a cocoon, implying a new life for rehabilitated persons. There is another pair of butterflies flying high in the blue sky towards the community to symbolise the successful reintegration of rehabilitated offenders into society. The poster is also displayed on a double-decker public bus, a green minibus and a department lorry.
With the department's Rehabilitation Division approaching its 10th Anniversary in January, 2008, a series of rehabilitation-related publicity events will be rolled out in the coming months to seek public acceptance of and support for offender rehabilitation. They include the NGO Forum, Rehabilitation Fair, NGO Service Day, Symposium on Employment for Rehabilitated Offenders, TV Variety Show, Workshop on Assessment and Treatment of Violent Offenders, rehabilitation-related publicity activities at District Level as well as Lyrics and Songs Competition and Inter-institutional Computer Chinese and English In-putting Competition among inmates.
Ends/Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:00
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