Mental illness affects one in every seven persons in Hong Kong. On 27 June 2013 at the 19th Policy and Research Committee (PARC) Meeting, PARC Members discussed its draft Position Paper on Mental Health Policy, urging the government to take concrete action towards formulating a long-term and comprehensive policy to enhance mental health services. The paper calls for a number of measures to tackle mental health issues, including establishing a Mental Health Commission, introducing mental health education in the school curriculum, engaging mental health service users in policy forumulation, and enhancing support for people recovering from mental illness to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. The paper also notes that stigmatisation attached to mental illness and related discrimination can lead to concealment and social exclusion, which prevents early detection and timely treatment. Dr. John TSE Wing-ling, the Convenor of PARC, said when he met with the media after the Meeting, “While the Government has made efforts to put in more resources to improve mental health services in recent years, there is a lack of long-term planning and a comprehensive policy that approaches mental health issues from prevention to rehabilitation. The EOC will consult with key stakeholders, including mental health service users and their famileis, for their views on an effective mental health policy.”
Read the press release
News Highlights
*********************************************
In order to widen awareness about the EOC’s initiatives and leverage the power of social media platforms, the Commission has launched the EOC Blog, which provides concise and up-to-date information about the EOC’s recent activities, including participation in stakeholder meetings and community events. The EOC is committed to continually improving transparency about our work and ensuring that members of the public are able to stay updated on our services and initiatives through a broad range of information channels.
Read the EOC Blog
*********************************************
In an op-ed article published on 2 July 2013 by the South China Morning Post, the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York Chow Yat-Ngok, discussed why legal protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is necessary for Hong Kong and calls for broader public dialogue based on respect and understanding. Dr. Chow wrote, “Irrespective of one’s personal views on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Commission believes that the right to non-discrimination in the public sphere is an irrefutable right of all humans.” He addressed various issues including reparative therapy, reverse discrimination and misinformation surrounding the proposed legislation, as well as the need to eliminate social stigmatisation faced by some LGBT families. Dr. Chow also urged religious leaders to approach this issue with objectivity and universal compassion.
Read the article
*********************************************
On 23 June 2013, the EOC Chairperson. Dr. York CHOW Yat-Ngok, was a keynote speaker at the closing ceremony of “Fellowship in a Racially Diversified Society” (FRDS), a project organised by AIESEC in The Chinese University of Hong Kong to promote cultural diversity, racial integration, and multicultural leadership. In his remarks, Dr. Chow shared his personal experience in cultivating friendships with people of other backgrounds, and the valuable insights and knowledge he learned through these exchanges. He urged the young participants to build networks beyond their national borders, pay attention to global issues, and treat others with understanding and compassion. Dr. Chow also encouraged the youths to always be mindful that they have the power to change their own destiny, lead a life of their own choosing, and better the world.
Find FRDS Project on Facebook
See photos from the event
*********************************************
The second batch of the Community Participation Funding Programme (CPFP) 2013/14 is now open for application. The CPFP aims at encouraging eligible organisations to carry out projects which promote public understanding of equal opportunities, foster anti-discriminatory attitudes and encourage members of the public to support and apply the principles of equal opportunities in everyday life. Over the past 16 years, the EOC has supported over 890 projects by non-governmental organizations, community groups, and schools to promote public understanding of equal opportunities. The application deadline is 31 July 2013, and all applications should clearly state how the planned activities will promote equal opportunities, and/or advance anti-discriminatory attitudes and behaviours in order to be eligible for consideration. The maximum funding limit of each project is $50,000.
See more details on the CPFP
*********************************************
Stay updated on the EOC's work and positions by referring to our press releases, speeches, media interviews, and calendar training on our website. Also, stay tuned on other equal opportunities issues and community initiatives by visiting our community resources and community events pages for information from our community partners, including publications, survey reports, publicity campaigns, and upcoming conferences.