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The following is issued on behalf of the Commission on Youth:
The Commission on Youth held an exchange session with youths at the Youth Square today (November 27). The Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Professor Daniel Shek, attended the session and exchanged views with youths on the topic of the RESCUE Drug Testing Scheme (RDT). The Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Erika Hui, also attended.
Speaking at the session, Professor Shek said, "RDT aims to identify drug abusers early and refer them to counselling and treatment programmes in a timely manner. As the English acronym of the scheme,'RESCUE', clearly suggests, the focus is on helping those with drug problems, rather than in prosecution. Neither does it target at youths. To gauge valuable views from different sectors, the ACAN has organised four public forums in different districts, as well as sent representatives to attend forums held by various organisations. The ACAN and its secretariat will continue to actively exchange views with different sectors to promote an informed discussion.
"The ACAN treasures young people's opinions very much. I am pleased that the Commission on Youth has organised this session to enable us to have a direct dialogue with young people," he said.
Mrs Hui added, "The Government maintains an open mind on RDT. Public consensus is a prerequisite for pursuing the scheme. I am happy to see young people actively sharing their views today, and urge members of the public to provide comments to the ACAN during the public consultation period."
The Convenor of the Working Group on International Exchanges and Conferences under the Commission on Youth, Miss Phoebe Tang, said the Commission on Youth will continue to organise exchange sessions and invite government representatives to attend so that youths will have more opportunities to exchange views with them on topics of concern.
Ends/Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:35
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