Press Release

SJ appeals for community support in offender rehabilitation

The lighting ceremony of a TV variety show, "Support Offender Rehabilitation for a Safer and More Inclusive Society" organised by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) was held today (January 29).

The show will be broadcast on Jade Channel and High Definition Channel of Television Broadcasts Limited on February 6 (Saturday) at 9.30pm. A series of five one-minute programme describing the changes of correctional work and latest developments, is also scheduled for broadcast from February 1-5 (Monday to Friday) at 7.30pm on the same channels.    

"Support Offender Rehabilitation for a Safer and More Inclusive Society" is among a series of rehabilitation-related publicity events organised by CSD. The programme aims at promoting community acceptance of and support for rehabilitated offenders so that they can re-integrate into society as law-abiding citizens. This will help Hong Kong become a safer and more inclusive society.

Officiating at the lighting ceremony, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, said, "Whether offenders can successfully rehabilitate depends not only on their own determination and family support, but also the forgiveness and understanding of the community.”

He thanked all those who cared, including correctional staff who helped rehabilitated offenders to lead a new life.

Mr Wong also appealed to members of the public to support offender rehabilitation. "Let this caring culture influence more people," he said.

The event has built up the strength from various sectors of the community including the 10 supporting organisations, Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders; Yuen Yuen Institute; Fung Ying Sin Koon; Sik Sik Yuen; Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon; the Merchants Support for Rehabilitated Offenders Committee Limited; the Care of Rehabilitated Offenders Association; Yan Oi Tong; Lions Club International District 303 - HK & Macau and Tung Sin Tan. With the help of Fight Crime Committee of the 18 Districts as well, it is hoped that more people in society will join in supporting rehabilitated offenders.

Ends/Friday, January 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:00

NNNN

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan-lung (sixth from left); Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming (sixth from right) and other guests officiating the lighting ceremony of the support offender rehabilitation TV show.