Delegation of the MSAR Government in Geneva of Switzerland yesterday (18th of local time) attended the United Nations Human Rights Committee Session on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In the meeting, Ambassador Liu Zhenmin, Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, gave his introductory speech that, in accordance with relevant provisions under the Macao Basic Law, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with its applicable provisions to the MSAR continue to be in force after 20 December 1999, such implementation being made through the local laws enactment.
During the meeting, Head of delegation of the MSAR, Secretary for Administration and Justice – Florinda Chan, gave an overview of the major initiatives and progress made by the MSAR Government in relation to the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. She said that the MSAR Government is committed to the effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the Covenant. The principle of "One Country, Two Systems" has contributed to the enlargement of the scope of human rights in the MSAR in accordance with the Basic Law with the adoption of relevant conventions on the field of the human rights. Since the return of Macao to the People's Republic of China, social development has been on a gradual and steady progress under the joint effort of the Macao population. The Government policies stress on increasing significant resources to improve the welfare of the population, such as upgrading the Social Security Fund and Access to Education, including implementing a basic 15 years free education system and financial subsidies to local students, whilst improving medical cares and benefits for the seniors, children, students, disable, and vulnerable groups. New legislation was enacted to comply with the obligations set forth in the ICCPR, and other international instruments applicable to the MSAR on human rights and other rights have been reinforced, such as in the field of data protection, against drugs and human trafficking, labour relations, persons with disabilities, refugees, access to law and legal aid, protection of women and children. These measures have been adopted to provide adequate assistance to vulnerable persons, as well as to promote dialogue and cooperation with local non-governmental organizations in tackling relevant social issues. In respect of the monitoring and supervisory mechanisms on human rights, the judiciary bodies observe and consider whether the MSAR legal order is in conformity with international conventional law applicable to the Region. Other institutional body within the context is the Ombudsman with its main function to protect the rights, freedoms, safeguards and the legitimate interests of the individuals and to ensure the legality in the exercise of public authority, justice, and efficiency in the public administration. The MSAR Government also emphasizes on the contributions of the non-governmental organizations to strive for a harmonious livelihood, including setting up hotlines, studying the social problems and their counter-measures, promoting public-awareness of the legal system, as well as playing an intermediary role between the Government and the population. The MSAR Government maintains regular dialogues with the non-governmental organizations, and actively encourages the participation of residents in public affairs and political life, through public consultations before major policies decision-making and law drafting.
In 2012, the MSAR Government completed and amended the Methodology for the Constitution of the Legislative Assembly, the Methodology for the Selection of the Chief Executive, and their relevant local electoral laws. Such processes were consistent with the Basic Law and the reality of the MSAR where a gradual and smooth democratisation process for its political system was being undertaken. It was worth emphasizing that this was a process open to the community which received full participation of the MSAR residents and the local associations through public consultations.
Subsequently, the Deputy Head of the MSAR delegation cum Director of the Law Reform and International Law Bureau - Chu Lam Lam, briefed the MSAR's legal reform and development on human rights in response to the key questions identified by the Committee, including the application of international treaties in the Region, the freedom of speech and press, the labour relations, the fight against terrorism and measures to combat the crimes of trafficking in persons. The Chairman and members of the Committee commended on the MSAR's first report being comprehensive, informative, with detailed clarifications to their questions. It helped the Committee gain a deeper understanding of the situation of the MSAR. The Meeting will be held for two consecutive days. Other members of the MSAR delegation also include the Office of the Secretary for Administration and Justice, the Office of the Secretary for Security, the Government Information Office, the Macao Economic and Trade Office to the World Trade Organization, the Labour Affairs Bureau, the Public Security Police Force, and the Social Welfare Bureau.
