The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Forum on National Human Rights Institutions (Asia Pacific Forum) is holding a Regional Workshop on Economic, Social and Cultural rights and the Right to Development in Hong Kong from Wednesday, 11 July to Friday, 13 July 2001. As in past years, an annual Workshop on a theme of common interest to the Asia Pacific Forum members is held in different cities in the region. This Workshop is co-sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).


The Asia Pacific Forum was formed in 1996 to strengthen regional co-operation in promoting and protecting human rights. Members of the Forum are comprised of independent national human rights commissions from Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission is a long standing observer of the Forum.


The Chairperson of the EOC, Ms. Anna WU, said, “The specific objectives of this workshop is to provide a forum that will stimulate discussion and collaboration between government, non-government organizations and business in relation to the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights on a regional level. It is hoped that the three-day meeting will increase understanding of the role of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Race Discrimination.”


International speakers at the Regional Workshop include:


- Professor Virginia DANDAN, Chair, UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

- Mr. Brian BURDEKIN, Special Adviser to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Mr. Vasu PILLAI, Member, UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

- Professor Arjun SENGUPTA, UN Independent Expert on the Right to Development


“The United Nations through its Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination will be hearing the Hong Kong report on race discrimination in a few weeks’ time and will also be holding its World Conference on Racism in South Africa in August. This Regional Workshop in Hong Kong will provide an excellent opportunity for governments, national institutions and NGOs of the region to consider the nexus between race and economic, social and cultural rights” said Ms. WU.


“Over the past ten years, shareholders and consumers have used their influence to encourage private industry to consider incorporating a human rights and diversity perspectives in the way corporations do business. Social responsibility is now regarded by many multinationals as an integral plank in business planning and corporate image. The Workshop will discuss the role of the corporate sector in the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights.” Ms Wu added.


Media representatives are invited to cover the following sessions of the Regional Workshop to be held in the Coral Room, 3/F., Furama Hotel (1 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong) :


Wednesday 11th July


9:00 – 10:00 am


Opening session


- Welcome address by Mr. Leo KWAN, Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

- Ms. Anna WU, Chairperson, Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission (HKEOC)

- Mr. Kieren FITZPATRICK, Director, Secretariat of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Right Institutions

- Mr. Brian BURDEKIN, Special Adviser on National Institutions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights


Thursday 12th July


8:40 – 9:00 am


International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights


- Keynote speaker : Professor Virginia DANDAN, Chair, United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights


Friday 13th July


8:40 – 10:15


The Relationship between Racism and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights


- Mr. Vasu PILLAI, Member, UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

- Mr. David FLEMING, New Zealand Human Rights Commission

- Ms. Vandana RAJWANI, Hong Kong Against Racial Discrimination

- Ms. Mariann MEIER-WANG, International Centre for the Legal Protection of Human Rights (INTERIGHTS)

- Mr. Brian BURDEKIN, Speical Adviser to the UN High Commissioner


* Please arrive 10 minutes earlier before the scheduled events.


A press briefing on the outcome of the Regional Workshop will be held at 6:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on 13th July 2001 (Friday) at the Pearl Room 2, 3/F of Furmal Hotel.


For press enquiries, please contact Ms. Mariana LAW at 2106-2226.


Enquiry: Ms. Mariana LAW        21062226