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SCMP Reporter

I FULLY support the motion that was put forward by Ms Anna Wu Hung-yuk in the Legislative Council on July 14, that an independent Human Rights Commission be set up in Hongkong.

  The foundation of human rights reflects a concern with life, freedom and respect for the dignity of all human beings.

  Through laws and institutions, one hopes to translate these concerns into rights to ensure respect and protection.

  In Hongkong, a wide range of laws and institutions, which form an impressive system for the protection of human rights, exists. But, has enough been done?   There is a considerable gap between the promise of human rights legislation (for example, the Bill of Rights Ordinance in Hongkong) and the reality which many individuals face.

  Hongkong is, of course, not unique in this area.

  In the US, it took more than 80 years from the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence of human beings' inalienable rights, until slavery was eliminated.

  Both in Europe and in the US, it took even longer before women were given voting rights or otherwise given equality in law to men.

  In Hongkong, violations of human rights are not uncommon, or shall I put it more mildly, discrimination against minority groups is frequent.

  To name just a few - banks refusing to open savings accounts for people with visual impairment; drivers with physical disabilities paying higher insurance premiums than others; women across all employment sectors earning significantly less than men; workers with mental handicap in sheltered workshops receiving an average monthly income of about $400.

  Recent events, such as the organised resistance against the right to community living of people with disabilities, by the residents of the Laguna City and Tung Tau estates, are clear examples of discriminatory acts.

  In the light of these incidents, and despite the overwhelming support of the Legislative Council in setting up a Human Rights Commission, the Government's rejection is certainly very disappointing.

  Despite the passing of the Bill of Rights Ordinance in 1991, not much has been done to ensure that human rights be established as an important part of the legal, political and social reality.

  Human rights in Hongkong remain lofty ideals.

  The proposed Human Rights Commission can serve as a promoter, monitor and supervisory body with respect to human rights performances.

  Through education, teaching, and information, citizens must be made aware of their rights and also learn to respect the rights of others.

  The conciliatory function of the commission can provide speedy resolution of disputes concerning human rights which should also include conflicts in the private sector.

  At present, in Hongkong there are no institutions to clarify the content of human rights, to promote their acceptance, and to ensure their application.

  The Human Rights Commission would have great potential, being able to protect and promote human rights. In particular, it would help to eliminate discrimination.

  The setting up of an independent Human Rights Commission concurs with the principles of humane government and lays the path which will lead to a more humanitarian, just and peaceful society.

  Without such effective machinery, it is difficult to translate rights into reality.

  JOHN W. L. TSE Convenor Movement Against Discrimination (MAD) 



Why we must have Human Rights Commission