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Human Rights Issues -- November 2001
Falun Gong protesters face prosecution for causing obstruction (November 12, 2001)(Article 21)
Strong backing for Legislation against racial discrimination (November 7, 2001) (Article 4)
Falun Gong protesters face prosecution for causing obstruction (November 12, 2001)
Falun Gong members, who have been staging sit-in and displaying banners calling
for the end to "terrorist acts" outside Beijing Liasion Office everyday
face prosecution for causing obstructions on the streets. Those banners included
an a 8-metre-long one which that the wordings that "Eradicate Jiang Zemin's
state terrorism.
Democrat Legislator James To Kun-sun criticized the removal of displaying banners displayed by Falun Gong members outside the office as "political persecution", which would sacrifice the freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
In addition, Mr. KAN Hung-cheung, the spokeman for the Falun Gong group in
Hong Kong region, firmly believed that the police action was influenced by political
pressure from the Liaison office as the liaison officers had complained to the
police shortly after the banners had been displayed.
Strong backing for Legislation against racial discrimination (November 7, 2001) (Article 4)
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) had contacted 33 business chambers and professional bodies consulted by the Home Affairs Bureau and it was found that 13 out of 33 organizations showing strong support to have legislation against racism. According to the news of the SCMP dated November 5, 2001, all of the foreign chambers of commerce strongly backed a law against racial discrimination by claiming it was essential for Hong Kong becoming "Asia's World City".
On the contrary, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce commented that the law was not necessary and the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers said that racism was not a problem in Hong Kong. Certain organization even expressed that such legislation would be a serious wastage of public resources.
The positive feedback of the business and private sector for legislation against
racism had been welcomed by human rights group. Ms. Vandana Rajwani, the chairperson
of Hong Kong against Race Discrimination, said that legislation was essential
to educate the public to increase awareness. Moreover, Mr. LAW Yuk-kai, Director
of the Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, said that the Government should not have
any other excuse for not outlaw racism. Besides, Ms. Sajida Ally, spokewoman
of the Asian Migrant Centre, urged that the Government should consult the ethnic
minorities and the affected groups and speed up legislation.