Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy Hosts First Webinar to Foster International Exchanges

Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

Since its establishment in August last year, the Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (HKIOA) under the Office of The Ombudsman has been actively providing government departments and public organisations with training to promote a positive complaint culture. Through a variety of interactive platforms, it also fosters collaboration and exchanges among local, Mainland and international counterparts. Proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKIOA advocates good governance and maladministration prevention, telling the world the good stories of Hong Kong by leveraging the strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world. Its first international webinar held yesterday (June 24) under the theme "From Grievance to Governance: Ombudsmanship as Pillars of the Global Community" was attended by more than 200 public officers, including representatives from ombudsman institutions in over 30 countries and regions across five continents, along with local representatives from government departments and public organisations.

The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, said in his opening speech at the webinar, "As international partners, it is important that we share experiences from time to time on occasions like this. Our problems and difficulties may be different, but together, we can inspire each other for better skills and practices. We bring new ideas in living out our supervisory roles. Together, we make each of our cities, provinces and countries a better place to live." Mr Chan also highlighted the notable achievements under the three strategic focuses championed by the Office and its commitment to exercising statutory powers to speak up for vulnerable groups in society, ease everyday hardships and enhance overall governance standards.

The webinar featured the Chief Ombudsman of Thailand, Mr Songsak Saicheua, and the Provincial Ombudsman for the Province of Sindh, Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Sohail Rajput, as keynote speakers. They shared professional insights into advancing public administration ideals and handling public complaints. Following their presentations, the Hong Kong Office's Assistant Ombudsmen Mr Kenny Tang and Ms Sally Kan joined the webinar to share how the Office effectively uses mediation to handle complaints and plays its supervisory role through conducting direct investigations operations and making improvement recommendations. They also explored the strategies and experience in overseeing public administration and improving people's livelihood.

The webinar also served as a platform for members of the International Ombudsman Institute and the Asian Ombudsman Association to share knowledge and experiences. It attracted broad participation, bringing together representatives from ombudsman institutions including Thailand, Japan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Türkiye, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and Uzbekistan.

Over the past year, the HKIOA has organised seminars and exchange activities for government departments, public organisations, Mainland counterparts and academic entities, as well as District Council members. Through a wide range of programmes and platforms, it has reached out to more than 60 700 youngsters, vigorously advocating a positive complaint culture. Looking ahead, the HKIOA will continue to strengthen collaboration and exchanges with local, Mainland and international peers, leveraging its strengths and unique position to expand diverse channels and foster sustainable development and innovation within the ombudsman system.

The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy held its first international webinar yesterday (June 24). Photo shows the Provincial Ombudsman for the Province of Sindh, Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Sohail Rajput, speaking at the webinar. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy held its first international webinar yesterday (June 24). Photo shows the Chief Ombudsman of Thailand, Mr Songsak Saicheua, speaking at the webinar. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy held its first international webinar yesterday (June 24). The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan (second left), and two Assistant Ombudsman, Mr Kenny Tang (first right) and Ms Sally Kan (first left), spoke at the webinar, while the Chief Investigation Officer, Ms Kitty Cheng (second right), was the moderator. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy held its first international webinar yesterday (June 24) under the theme "From Grievance to Governance: Ombudsmanship as Pillars of the Global Community". Photo shows the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, delivering the opening speech. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police

Following the case of a crocodile found yesterday (June 24) on the podium of a unit at Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) continued an in-depth investigation and identified a unit in the building adjacent to the podium as being involved in the case. At around 00.30am today (June 25), the HKPF, together with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), conducted a joint raid at the unit. Including the crocodile seized earlier, a total of 30 endangered reptiles were seized.

During the operation, AFCD officers found 63 reptiles, amphibians and arthropods inside the unit. Among them, 29 were endangered reptiles listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These included three rock iguanas which are listed in Appendix I to the CITES; and 10 turtles, 10 lizards and six snakes listed in Appendix II to the CITES. The species include Aldabra giant tortoises, a savannah monitor, a boa constrictor and a Burmese python, etc.

A 35-year-old local woman claimed to enforcement officers that she is the owner of the animals, and claimed that they were possessed for education purposes. As the woman was unable to produce any Licence to Possess or relevant proof, the AFCD has therefore arrested her on suspicion of illegal possession of endangered species listed in Appendices I and II to the CITES. A total of 30 endangered reptiles, including the crocodile found yesterday, were seized for further investigation. The crocodile has been preliminarily identified as an estuarine crocodile, which is a species listed in Appendix I to the CITES.

According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), unless exempted or otherwise stipulated, possession of Appendix I or Appendix II species requires a Licence to Possess or relevant documentary proof of the animals' origin.

A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years and the seized specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction."

To safeguard public safety, the AFCD strongly urges members of the public not to keep dangerous or aggressive animals in their homes. In addition, different animals have different specific needs, and wild animals have particular environmental requirements. From an animal welfare perspective, wild animals are not suitable for keeping in households.

The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and collect intelligence through various channels, and proactively take enforcement action to combat offences involving endangered species. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal possession of endangered species to the AFCD by calling 2150 6978 or emailing to espint@afcd.gov.hk.

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases