History

History

A Bit of Our History

The late 80s of Hong Kong witnessed the withering away of the extended family, and with the changing of the economic fundamentals, more and more families find that a double payroll is the only means to survive. Against Child Abuse saw the need to address the serious problem of children left unattended while their parents are working or involved in other activities. As a result a concern group was set up with other professionals in the community. On the other hand, there was also a growing awareness among its members that the problems confronting our children are of a complex and multi-dimensional nature; and, therefore, a strategic and comprehensive plan is required.

In 1992 the group renamed itself as the Hong Kong Committee on Children’s Rights (under the auspices of Against Child Abuse). A major goal then was to lobby for extension of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to the territory. In conjunction with Against Child Abuse, the Committee organized a series of activities aiming to promote the concept of children’s rights. With the extension of the Convention to Hong Kong in September 1994, the work of the Committee took on a new dimension. Our chief objectives since then are to:

promote, advance and ensure the rights of the child in Hong Kong
develop and continuously update an agenda for the rights of the child in Hong Kong including the adoption of a child policy, a comprehensive Child Ordinance and the establishment of an independent Child Commission.
monitor the implementation of the UNCRC in Hong Kong
communicate and cooperate with local and international organizations on children’s rights

With effect from 28^th December 1995, the Hong Kong Committee on Children’s Rights is officially an independent organization. Although in many practical aspects we are still dependent on our previous parent organization Against Child Abuse in order to function; none the less we have taken the first and most important step in the Committee’s development. Indeed we are looking forward to and are hopeful that one day we can become a truly independent organization dedicated to promoting the rights of the child in Hong Kong.