E/C.12/CHN/CO/2 The Committee recommends that Hong Kong, China, take all necessary measures to repeal any residence requirement for applicants under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme, taking into account that it provides a safety net, and ensure that all individuals and families, particularly new immigrants, including those from other parts of China, have equal access to social security schemes on a nondiscriminatory basis. Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme 46. The Committee is concerned that the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme may not provide adequate protection to low-income families and persons with disabilities (art. 9). In line with its previous recommendation (E/C.12/1/Add.107, para. 96), the Committee recommends that Hong Kong, China, take immediate steps to review the eligibility criteria for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme and to ensure that all persons in need are entitled to the benefits thereof. Right of abode policies 47. The Committee continues to be concerned about the adverse impact of right of abode policies, which impose restrictions on residents of other parts of China with regard to obtaining residence permits, and cause many families to be separated (art. 10). The Committee urges Hong Kong, China, to guarantee and facilitate family reunification for all citizens and permanent residents irrespective of their status or background. The Committee further urges Hong Kong, China, to remove present obstacles for mothers residing in other parts of China to obtaining residence permits to visit their children in Hong Kong, China, thereby ensuring the widest possible protection of, and assistance to, the family. Poverty reduction and economic, social and cultural rights 48. While noting the establishment of the Commission on Poverty, an official poverty line and the Low-income Working Family Allowances, the Committee regrets that Hong Kong, China, has not adopted a comprehensive strategy or specific targets for poverty alleviation. The Committee is also concerned about the unequal distribution of wealth in Hong Kong, China (art. 11). The Committee recommends that Hong Kong, China, formulate and implement effective policies and specific targets to reduce poverty, including by reducing inequalities in the distribution of wealth. In this regard, the Committee refers the State party to its 2001 statement on poverty and the Covenant (E/C.12/2001/10). Adequate housing 49. The Committee is concerned about the inadequate investment of Hong Kong, China, in providing affordable and adequate housing, resulting in a high percentage of the population living in informal settlements, industrial buildings, cage-homes and bed-space apartments, which do not have adequate services and utilities (art. 11). The Committee recommends that Hong Kong, China, adopt a human rights approach to reconstruction efforts, thereby ensuring appropriate consideration to the availability, affordability and adequacy of housing, including temporary housing for new immigrants and single applicants. 15