Hong Kong enjoys the reputation as an international city and one of the world’s most vibrant multicultural places. However, discrimination against the ethnic minorities (EM) residing in this “Asia’s word city” is more common than most believe it to be. 

Earlier this month, the EOC released the findings of the “Study on Discrimination against Ethnic Minorities in the Provision of Goods, Services and Facilities, and Disposal and Management of Premises”. The study discovered that nearly half of the EM residents in Hong Kong have experienced discrimination when obtaining goods and services, including in renting accommodation. Despite the prevalence of discrimination, EM service users tend not to file complaints because they either do not know where to do so or do not want to cause trouble.

Apart from interviewing EM residents and conducting mystery visits, the research team talked to providers of goods and services, who attributed misunderstanding between Chinese locals and EM to cultural differences and language barrier. Language is in fact crucial for racial inclusion and the EOC has time and again advocated for equal access to local education for EM so that they can learn Chinese and fully integrate into society. We will continue to urge schools to open their doors to EM students and the Government to allocate more resources for this purpose, while promoting the importance and benefits of cultural and racial diversity to the public.

Read the full report of the Study on Discrimination against Ethnic Minorities in the Provision of Goods, Services and Facilities and Disposal and Management of Premises

The EOC brought a case to court on 19 September on behalf of a sexual harassment victim. The Plaintiff alleged that one of her colleagues repeatedly harassed her with suggestive comments on her appearance and body, unwelcome remarks about her sex life, attempts to make physical contact and sexual advances, all of which created a sexually hostile and intimidating environment for her. The case is ongoing and an anonymity order was obtained from the District Court so that disclosure of the name of the Plaintiff is prohibited.

Many people are unaware of what constitutes sexual harassment. By offering legal assistance in this case, the EOC wants to deepen public understanding on this unlawful act, which is common in the workplace, and encourage employers and employees to fight sexual harassment together.

Read the press release
Learn more about sexual harassment

In order to understand the causes of discrimination and to provide evidence to support its policy advocacy, the EOC conducts research from time to time on a range of discrimination-related issues. The Commission is currently inviting external research agencies to submit proposals on three research projects, namely: “A study on knowledge and victimisation experience of sexual harassment in the service industries: comparing recent female Mainland Chinese immigrants with locally born women”, “A study on family status discrimination in the workplace”, and “Identifying effective approaches to reduce public opposition in the siting of integrated community centres for mental wellness and other mental health facilities”. A briefing session will be held for interested parties on 14 October 2016. The deadline for proposal submission is 25 November 2016.

Read the study briefs and selection criteria
Read EOC research reports from the past

The annual Pink Dot Hong Kong, the city’s biggest LGBTI event, was held last Sunday (25 September). The supporters, dressed in the event’s designated colour, turned the West Kowloon waterfront into different shades of pink. Among those attending were Prof. Alfred CHAN and Dr. York CHOW, current and former EOC Chairpersons. They drew rounds of applause from the participants as they appeared.

Prof. Chan’s presence showed the EOC’s support for LGBTI equal rights. Since he joined the EOC, Prof. Chan has been meeting a great number of LGBTI groups and taking part in their events. This Friday (30 September), he will be the keynote speaker at the Inclusion Recruitment Conference, organised by the Queer Straight Alliance, Hong Kong’s biggest student organisation promoting LGBTI rights. That day will also mark the beginning of Pink Season, a festival by Pink Alliance “celebrating self-acceptance, inclusion, and awareness”.

About the Queer Straight Alliance
Check out the Pink Season events