The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) expressed today (13 November 2013) its concern over abusive and derogatory remarks, made on the internet and through other public channels, by some members of the community in relation to the Typhoon Haiyan disaster in the Philippines.

Dr. York CHOW, the EOC Chairperson, said, “The EOC considers that these comments are highly inappropriate. The negative sentiments of some community members towards the National Government of the Philippines in respect of its handling of the Manila hostage incident three years ago should not be extended to the innocent citizens of the country, who are suffering tragic and devastating loss due to the natural disaster. The EOC urges everyone to refrain from making these comments, which are not conducive to maintaining a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship between the people of Hong Kong and the Philippines in the long term.”

The EOC further reminds the public that, under the Race Discrimination Ordinance, it is unlawful for a person, by any activity in public, to incite hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, another person or members of a class of persons on the ground of their race.

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For media enquiries, please contact Mr. Sam HO (2106-2187).

Equal Opportunities Commission
13 November 2013