In response to the article headlined 'Challenge to ruling on adopted children' (South China Morning Post, November 2) I would hope that the SAR Government will not seek to discriminate against adopted children. The Hong Kong Committee on Children's Rights strongly believes that adopted children have the same rights as other children. If children born to Hong Kong permanent residents have the right of abode in Hong Kong, this right should be the same for children adopted by Hong Kong permanent residents. Adopted children should not be deprived of this right. As with all children, adopted children need to be united with their family, have consistent parental care, supervision and guidance. A lack of these elements will affect the children's development and can be a major contribution to juvenile delinquency and, later, inappropriate parenting. This year, 1999, is the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Hong Kong further committed to protect children's rights when it became a signatory of the convention in 1994. Article 2 of the convention states: 'States parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status . . . of the child's parents . . .' The legislation in the SAR has been changed to offer that protection. The action mentioned in the article would be a retrograde step in the rule of law. Adopted children should not be discriminated against and their rights should be respected. JOHN SO Executive Secretary Hong Kong Committee on Children's Rights
