DoJ launches first phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme (with photos/video)
25.11.2023

The first phase of the Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders (TTL) Programme, themed "Rule of Law Education (ROLE) Stars", was launched today (November 25) by the Department of Justice (DoJ). The two-day programme seeks to enhance the promotion of correct messages on the rule of law in the community, so as to continue the DoJ's effort in reinforcing the rule of law, which is one of the key policy measures in the Policy Address this year. Today's event was attended by more than 200 people. The DoJ established the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education in February 2023 to advise and assist the DoJ on the strategy and programme for the promotion of rule of law education in Hong Kong. The establishment of the Steering Committee and the implementation of the TTL Programme, spearheaded by the Secretary for Justice, is one of the key policy initiatives of the DoJ in the 2022 Policy Address. The Secretary for Justice has been leading the Steering Committee and its two working groups (namely the Working Group on Course Design and Teaching Materials, and the Working Group on Coordination and Liaison) on the detailed implementation of the TTL Programme. The TTL Programme is an innovative attempt by the DoJ to teach the first batch of young trainees from 20 organisations and groups undertaking youth-related and community work about the rule of law in a diversified, interactive, interesting, down to earth and easy-to-understand manner, so as to enhance their capability for and effectiveness of the promotion of consistent and correct messages relating to the rule of law to youths and the general public. The TTL Programme also aims to enable them to inspire others in instilling self-awareness of respect for the rule of law and a law-abiding spirit in their everyday lives, safeguarding the core value of the rule of law in different sectors of the community. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and member of the Steering Committee and Chairperson of the Working Group on Course Design and Teaching Materials, Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Justice Patrick Chan, delivered their speeches at the launch ceremony. A lighting ceremony was also held at the event. A short video featuring the four "ROLE Stars" was shown to introduce these animated characters with different identities and personalities who play leading roles in the TTL Programme, with a pleasant and interesting approach to pass on messages of the rule of law. At the launch ceremony, Mr Lam said that the content of rule of law education must be correct, just and fair, as it involves a major issue of right and wrong, and has to be taught in an effective manner. Efforts will be of waste otherwise. He said that the DoJ is willing to take the lead to explore the way forward and share relevant information in this regard, performing the role of a guide boat for rule of law education. Underpinned by a number of star tutors, the TTL Programme featured "rule of law and our legal system" as the topic of the first-day event. In the morning, Mr Lam elaborated to the trainees on the essence of the rule of law concept, and the relationship between the rule of law and the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law and "one country, two systems". He also gave an overview on Hong Kong's legal and judicial systems. As the speaker of the afternoon session, member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and Member of the Legislative Council, Ms Starry Lee, explained to the trainees about the Mainland legal system and the functions of the NPC and state institutions. Interactive discussions and question-and-answer exchange sessions were held throughout the whole-day programme, enabling the trainees to ask questions and share their views, and have a better understanding of what they have learned. The second day event of the TTL Programme will be held on December 2 with prominent speakers including reputable figures from the legal and other sectors. A graduation ceremony will also be held on the same day to present certificates to trainees who have completed the two-day first phase of the TTL Programme. After the completion of the first phase of the TTL Programme, the DoJ will continue to take forward the work of the Steering Committee. Apart from the continuous collaboration with stakeholders to support various rule-of-law education and promotion initiatives, the DoJ will take forward at full steam the relevant policy objective of the 2023 Policy Address and launch the second phase of the TTL Programme within 2024 to continue enhancing the promotion of rule of law education on all fronts. Ends/Saturday, November 25, 2023 Issued at HKT 15:16 NNNN