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On August 31, 2008, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will enter into force for the People・s Republic of China (PRC) and apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (August 29) welcomed the application of the Convention to HKSAR.
The purpose of the Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
States Parties to the Convention undertake to adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities recognised in the Convention.
With the existing Disability Discrimination Ordinance affording protection against discrimination on the ground of disability, and the Mental Health Ordinance safeguarding the rights of mental patients, Hong Kong is well positioned to meet the objectives of the Convention.
：The Government will ensure that all bureaux and departments are fully aware of the need to take due account of the Convention・s provisions in formulating policies and implementing programmes.
：The Government will also continue to work with the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, its advisory body on matters pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities, representative organisations of persons with disabilities and all other sectors to ensure compliance with the Convention, to provide support to promote participation by persons with disabilities in society and to facilitate the enjoyment of their rights under the Convention.
：We will also actively promote the Convention to the community,； Mr Cheung said.
The Convention was adopted at the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006. The PRC was one of the states that signed the Convention when it was opened for signature on March 30, 2007. Upon the ratification of the Convention by 20 signatory states, the Convention entered into force on May 3, 2008.
The PRC deposited its Instrument of Ratification of the Convention with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on August 1, 2008. The Convention will enter into force with respect to the PRC, including the HKSAR and the Macao SAR, on August 31, 2008. The full text of the Convention is available on the LWB website (www.lwb.gov.hk) and the hard copy of the Convention will be distributed through the 18 District Offices.
Ends/Friday, August 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:55
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