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EOC Statement on International Day of Disabled Persons

02/12/2008

In supporting the United Nation’s International Day of Disabled Persons (3 December 2008), Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Mr. Raymond TANG said, “2008 is a significant year in international human rights movement given the entry into force on 3 May of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which aimed at protecting the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and basic freedoms of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and integrating them as full members of society.”
 
“It is most encouraging that this UN Convention came into force for China on 31 August and applied to Hong Kong SAR at the same time,” said Mr. TANG.
 
Mr. TANG emphasized, “Now we must take concrete steps to transform the vision of the Convention into real action on the ground. We must eliminate discrimination and prejudice, and address the inequalities experienced by PWDs. We must work towards accelerating its implementation and making sure that PWDs fully enjoy their rights.”
 
The Chairperson said, “Over the past years, the EOC has worked consistently with the public and private sectors, as well as our community partners in addressing the basic human rights issues faced by PWDs, such as in employment, accessibility, health services and education.”
 
“In taking steps to promote the objectives and principles of the Convention, the EOC will continue to mount public education, research and training in the coming year to raise awareness, break stereotypes and overcome barriers faced by PWDs,” he continued.
 
“The marginalization of people with disabilities limits their potential contribution to society. In building an inclusive society whereby our community enables and encourages PWDs to contribute in many different ways, we build a better world. The participation of PWDs strengthens us all, and their talents can help our community deliver on the promise of a better, more prosperous world for everyone,” Mr. TANG concluded.
 
For media enquiries, please contact Ms. Mariana LAW at 2106-2226
 
 
2 December 2008
Equal Opportunities Commission
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