Media Invitation: Bold Move to incorporate Wildlife Trafficking under Hong Kong's Organised and Serious Crimes Laws

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 2 November 2020 - Legislator, law professor and NGOs join in an unprecedented move announcing the intention to submit a private members bill that will step up the fight against the illegal wildlife trade, by incorporating wildlife crime offences into the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO).

While COVID-19 continues to cripple the global economy and impact public health, a crisis triggered by the illicit trade, wildlife seizures in Hong Kong show no sign of slowing down. With five record breaking seizures in the last 18 months.

Proposed policy reforms documented in a White Paper and their rationale will be reviewed by panellists including the Hon Elizabeth QUAT BBS JP. Taking this forward will mark an important and pioneering step in combatting the illegal wildlife trade, not only in Hong Kong, but internationally.

You and your photographer are cordially invited to join us for the release of a White Paper and proposals to change Hong Kong law.

Date:	Monday 2nd November 2020
Time:	14:25 Media handouts 14:30 Wildlife trafficking update and proposed policy reform 15:15 Media Q&A
Venue:	Room 502, Legislative Council Complex, 1 Legislative Council Road, Central, Hong Kong. 3-minutes' walk from Admiralty MTR station (Exit A)
Speakers:	* Hon Elizabeth QUAT BBS JP * Amanda Whitfort - Associate Professor of Law, The University of Hong Kong * Stan Shea - Marine Programme Director, Bloom Association Hong Kong * Kathleen Ho - Marine Programme Manager, Bloom Association Hong Kong * Dr David Olson - Director of Conservation, WWF-Hong Kong * Dorothy Cheng - Communications Campaigner, WildAid
Kindly RSVP on or before Monday 2nd November