Children call on government to give them right to be heard
On International Children's Day, youngsters ask lawmakers to set up a special commission to listen to their hopes and needs
Lack of attention to children's voices has led to policies that do not cater to their needs, child advocates say as they fight for the right to be heard on International Children's Day, today.
They are seeking the establishment of a Children's Commission - a statutory body that would act like the Equal Opportunities Commission, complete with investigation rights - to form a bridge between government, the public and children.
The renewed call comes after a United Nations report last month was highly critical of Hong Kong's performance on children's rights.
"It's to have someone look from our perspective and stand on our side," said Leung Cheuk-ki, 11, who added that a Children's Commissioner would gather the views and concerns of children from different walks of life to ensure their needs were met.
A total of 33 children's rights groups will gather this morning - which also marks the 24th anniversary of the United Nations' Convention of the Rights of the Child - to lobby lawmakers' support for such a commission.
Legislator Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung will propose a motion on the topic in the Legislative Council this afternoon.