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The Labour and Welfare Bureau has increased the allocation for the promotion of the integration of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from $2 million last year to $12 million this year, tying in with the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Convention) in Hong Kong.
The objective is to promote the spirit and core values of the convention with a view to building a caring and barrier-free society offering equal opportunities for all.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of an integration programme and public education activities today (July 18), the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said that Hong Kong was well prepared for the implementation of the convention by putting in place relevant laws and policies.
"The Disability Discrimination Ordinance protects people against discrimination on the ground of their disability, while the Mental Health Ordinance safeguards the rights of mental patients.
"On the other hand, the Government will ensure that all bureaux and departments take due account of the convention's provisions to protect the rights of PWDs in the process of formulating policies and implementing programmes.
"We will continue to work closely with the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, Equal Opportunities Commission, the rehabilitation sector and groups on matters pertaining to the rights of PWDs to realise the core values of the convention," he said.
Mr Cheung pointed out that education was crucial in building a genuine "inclusive society". To this end, the Labour and Welfare Bureau will organise a series of public education activities this year to "promote the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on all fronts and mobilise various sectors to build an all inclusive society".
In addition to allocating $3 million for non-governmental organisations to organise promotional activities, each of the 18 District Councils will be provided with an increased amount of $53,000 to organise activities to promote the convention at community level.
Mr Cheung said the Government would collaborate with all sectors of the community to build a barrier-free environment and encourage PWDs to participate in community affairs. He urged members of the public to give their support by participating in the public education activities.
The convention came into force for the People's Republic of China and applied to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on August 31, 2008. It aims to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all people with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
Ends/Saturday, July 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:30
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