CEDAW and Beijing Platform for Action

CEDAW

The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) safeguards women's rights and ensures the full development of women.  It was extended to Hong Kong in 1996.  Since then, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been striving to adhere to the principles of CEDAW, and to promote public awareness of the Convention.

Beijing Platform for Action

In September 1995, the United Nations convened in Beijing the Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace, during which the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were adopted.  The Beijing Declaration demonstrates the determination of the international community in promoting gender equality and enhancing the status of women, whereas the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) sets out action plans under twelve critical areas of concern.

The Women's Commission is tasked to assist the Government in the implementation of the CEDAW and the BPFA. In 2005, the Commission provided inputs to the Government for its Second Report on the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. In 2005 and 2010 respectively, the Commission also organised and participated in a number of events to commemorate the 10th and 15th Anniversaries of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

The HKSAR has to submit periodic reports as part of the China report on the implementation of CEDAW to the UN.  As the central mechanism in promoting the development and interests of women in Hong Kong, the Commission worked in collaboration with the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, and the Labour and Welfare Bureau in 2003 and 2010 respectively in consulting women's groups on the draft outline of the Second and Third Reports.

In August 2006, the Commission's Chairperson, Ms Sophia Kao, joined the HKSAR Team as part of the Chinese Delegation, and attended the CEDAW hearing in New York.  The Chinese Delegation was led by Ms Huang Qingyi, the then Executive Vice Chairperson of the National Working Committee on Women and Children under the State Council, whereas the HKSAR Team was led by Ms Sandra Lee, the then Permanent Secretary for Health and Welfare, and comprised representatives of relevant government bureaux and departments.  It was the first time the Commission had attended a CEDAW hearing since our establishment in 2001.  On this high-profile occasion, Ms Kao together with other delegates of the HKSAR Team updated the CEDAW Committee on the implementation of CEDAW in Hong Kong and explained Hong Kong's progress toward a gender-equal society.