Twelve countries have used a United Nations’ review of human rights in China to express concern over deteriorating rights in Hong Kong, including those of migrant workers.
It was the first time any country had addressed concerns over Hong Kong at the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) hearing on China, held this year on November 6, sunwebhk.com.hk reported.
At the hearing in Geneva this year, seven countries made recommendations, including the Philippines and Indonesia, which both expressed alarm over the treatment and inadequate protection of domestic workers in Hong Kong.
The Philippines suggested an enhancement of the monitoring of the standard employment contract for migrant domestic workers in the city. Indonesia called on China to consider ratifying the International Covenant on the Protection of Migrant Workers Rights.
Annie Li of the Justice Centre Hong Kong said the stance taken by the two biggest sources of migrant workers in Hong Kong was significant, as it showed Hong Kong had to strengthen the protection of migrant worker rights.
Five countries – Australia, Canada, France, Croatia and Ireland – submitted recommendations on Hong Kong, ranging from freedom of speech and assembly, universal suffrage and LGBT rights.
Simon Henderson, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong UPR Coalition and a senior policy adviser at the Justice Centre, said a declining human rights environment has clearly harmed Hong Kong’s international reputation, despite persistent denials by senior government officials.
Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung, who was in Geneva as part of the China delegation, had earlier deflected concerns raised by other countries, which he said was due a to misconception and a lack of understanding of the city’s real situation.
The fact that this article is here proves that Hong Kong enjoys freedom of speech. And the day asylum seekers here get forced to live on an island will be the day Australia can comment. One understands the concerns of helpers from both Indonesia and the Philippines. There is always the choice to return home and tell others not to come.
The fact that this article is here proves that Hong Kong enjoys freedom of speech. And the day asylum seekers here get forced to live on an island will be the day Australia can comment. One understands the concerns of helpers from both Indonesia and the Philippines. There is always the choice to return home and tell others not to come.
It’s easy for you to say that coz you’re not in our shoe..
If there’s a way for us to be treated right nor better then let them be..
Thankful for the fact that there are kind-hearted people who care about us..;
who symphatize with us..
Thanks for reminding us with that choice, but we’ll not give up our dreams as easy as how look at life..
So easy for you to say that coz you’re not in our shoe..
If there’s a way that we’ll be treated better, why not?
We’re thankful that there are kindhearted people who care and symphatize with us..
And gives us strength and inspiration not to give up our dreams, unlike you..
You’ve even mention that we have a choice to go home and tell others not to come??
WOW…
you’re unbelievable!
So easy for you to say that coz you’re not in our shoe..
If there’s a way that we’ll be treated better, why not?
We’re thankful that there are kindhearted people who care and symphatize with us..
And gives us strength and inspiration not to give up our dreams, unlike you..
You’ve even mention that we have a choice to go home and tell others not to come??
WOW…
you’re unbelievable!
Imagine Hongkong without Domestic Helpers, how would they deal with it? We can go home and just live the way we have back home, we can always endure what’s waiting for us there. We come to work abroad for a better future, but it does not mean we can’t live without coming here. How about those who are currently employs DH Can they go on without a Helper? This should always be treated with a win-win solution, not one-sided nor being inconsiderate with others.
Imagine Hongkong without Domestic Helpers, how would they deal with it? We can go home and just live the way we have back home, we can always endure what’s waiting for us there. We come to work abroad for a better future, but it does not mean we can’t live without coming here. How about those who are currently employs DH Can they go on without a Helper? This should always be treated with a win-win solution, not one-sided nor being inconsiderate with others.
Philippines is getting better now! oneday, we dont need to go anywhere work.serving people w/ no compassion for fellow human.
Philippines is getting better now! oneday, we dont need to go anywhere work.serving people w/ no compassion for fellow human.