Enforcement actions against illegal hillside burial cases
The Home Affairs Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Lands Department (LandsD) today (November 18) launched a joint enforcement operation at the Permitted Burial Ground (PBG) of Fo Tan (ST/29) in Sha Tin against illegal hillside burials. Two illegal urn houses that were found vacant with no human remains have been removed.
The LandsD posted notices on two unauthorised urn houses located within the PBG of Fo Tan in Sha Tin on September 25 this year, requiring the related persons of the urn houses concerned to cease occupation of the government land and to contact relevant government departments before October 25 this year. As both urn houses remained unclaimed upon expiry of the deadline, the Government commenced the enforcement operation today.
The Government has been implementing a pilot scheme on the management of PBGs in individual PBGs since 2016. Taking into account the actual circumstances of each PBG, the Government has been implementing appropriate improvement measures, including erecting boundary pillars for the PBGs, conducting record surveys of existing graves/urn houses/urns, imposing restrictions on the size of burial sites and demarcating available spaces in PBGs for new applications of burial sites, in order to ensure that the places of burials are within PBGs. The pilot scheme has now been extended to 15 PBGs, covering all nine administrative districts in the New Territories.
Having examined the data obtained from the pilot scheme, the Government has commenced enforcement actions against illegal burials in the PBGs in phases from July 2021 onwards. Besides conducting enforcement actions in the PBG of Fo Tan in Sha Tin, the Government will also commence follow-up actions in other PBGs under the pilot scheme, including posting notices on other unauthorised graves/urn houses/urns before the coming Ching Ming Festival, with a view to removing unclaimed graves/urn houses/urns as soon as possible after the expiration of the notice period.
A Government spokesman reiterated that, according to the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 28), it is an offence when any person occupying government land, otherwise than under permission from the Authority, does not cease the occupation as required by a notice prescribed by the Ordinance. Any property or structure on the occupied government land may be demolished and removed by the Government, and the occupier may be prosecuted. Furthermore, according to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), it is an offence to bury human remains without permission in writing of the Authority. Offenders are liable to prosecution, and the human remains inside the graves concerned will be removed.
HKSAR Government launches the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme
The Chief Executive emphasised in this year's Policy Address that it is of utmost importance for Hong Kong citizens to safeguard national security of their own accord. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to strengthen community participation through the launch of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme, actively encouraging all citizens to understand a holistic approach to national security and the significance of safeguarding national security, thereby fostering a collective commitment to uphold it.
Today (November 18), the HKSAR Government held the launching ceremony of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Officiating guests attending the ceremony were the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheuk said, "National security is the fundamental prerequisite for every country's survival and development. The top principle of 'one country, two systems' is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. After experiencing the painful days of the Hong Kong version of 'colour revolution' and the widespread 'black-clad' violence in 2019, citizens deeply understand the importance of national security to Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability."
"Article 10 of the Hong Kong National Security Law stipulates that the HKSAR shall promote national security education in schools and universities and through social organisations, the media, the internet and other means to raise the awareness of residents of national security and of the obligation to abide by the law.One of the important measures is the opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery in August this year.As the first national security education base in the HKSAR, it has received over 200 000 visitors and more than 800 groups in just three months since its opening, demonstrating society's emphasis on and support for national security education."
Mr Cheuk added, "The National Education District Tutor Training Scheme that we are participating in today exactly aims to radiate outward national security education widely and effectively by district tutors."
In his speech, Mr Tang said, "In March this year, the HKSAR fulfilled the constitutional responsibility for enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance achieves convergence, compatibility and complementarity with the Hong Kong National Security Law, creating a legal shield for national security and laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong to boost its economy and pursue development."
Mr Tang added, "I hope that district tutors will leverage your networks to publicise and promote law-abiding awareness, national awareness, sense of national security, and positive thinking in the community. This will enhance citizens' ability to think critically and not be misled by 'soft resistance' rhetoric or behaviour, ultimately fostering a safe and stable social environment."
In her speech, Miss Mak said, "All of you here are key patriots in the districts dedicated to our country and Hong Kong, continuously supporting the work of the Government in strict accordance with the law. You are the most qualified and capable individuals to assist the Government in raising public awareness of national security in the districts, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's capacity to fend off security risks."
Miss Mak stressed, "District tutors can deeply engage with different community groups and convey national security messages in a lively and engaging manner, helping citizens understand the importance of respecting and safeguarding national security, promoting a conscious effort to safeguard it among all citizens, and strengthening public awareness of its significance."
The first batch of around 120 district tutors made a pledge in the presence of distinguished guests to do their utmost to promote national security in the community and fully assist the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security.
District Offices have begun inviting district council members, district organisations, and groups across Hong Kong to enroll in the district tutor training scheme. It is expected that by 2025, at least 2 600 district tutors will be trained. Given that each tutor will disseminate national security messages to at least 30 people within a year, it is anticipated that over 78 000 people will receive messages about safeguarding national security.
The course under the district tutor training scheme, conducted by experienced educators, includes interactive classroom learning and visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery, totalling approximately four hours. Participants will also receive relevant materials to assist them in promoting national security awareness in the districts.
"The security of Hong Kong is premised on that of our Motherland, and the security of our home is premised on that of our country." Safeguarding national security is everyone's responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. The district tutor training scheme helps raise awareness of national security among Hong Kong citizens. Everyone should contribute their part to help safeguard it and work together to build a stable and prosperous Hong Kong.
