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“Building Hong Kong Together”: The EOC and Caritas Youth and Community Service Co-Organize Open Forum to Raise Public Awareness on Racial Discrimination

15/03/2013

In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually on 21 March, Caritas Youth and Community Service and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) will co-organize an event this Sunday, 17 March 2013, in the Mongkok Pedestrian Zone, from 1:00pm to 4:30pm. The event aims to raise public awareness on racial discrimination and voice out social problems encountered by ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.

Mr. LAM Woon-kwong, the EOC Chairperson, said, “Race discrimination continues to be a barrier to an inclusive Hong Kong. Many people still hold prejudicial or stereotypical views about different ethnic groups. This adds to misunderstanding and maintains inequalities in our society.”

“It is time for us to come together and recognize that, irrespective of our race, all of us consider this city our home.” added Mr. Lam.

Mr. Lai Wing Hoi, Service Head of Caritas Hong Kong’s Youth and Community Service, remarked, “This event hopes not only to bring to light the challenges to integration currently experienced by many from our ethnic minority communities, but also to highlight the many positive contributions they are making to strengthen our society. By sharing experiences and aspirations, we hope to encourage everyone to come forward and build Hong Kong together.”

A highlight of the event will be the Open Forum, to take place from 2:00-4:00pm, with a number of speakers including: Mr. LAM Woon-kwong; Mr. CHAN Lo-kin, Social Work Supervisor of Social Service for Ethnic Minorities of Caritas; Dr. Raees BAIG, Lecturer of The University of Hong Kong; Mr. Vivek MAHBUBANI, English/Chinese comedian; and Mr. Chura THAPA, host of RTHK’s Saptahik Sandesh Radio Programme and PhD student. In addition, the afternoon will feature a sharing session with youths and stalls with henna, photo-taking, as well as displays of fashion accessories and calendars of ethnic minorities.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the event, with the stalls opening at 1pm on 17 March 2013 (Sunday) in the Mongkok Pedestrian Zone (near Sai Yeung Choi Street South, outside Mongkok MTRC Exit D3).

For media enquiries, please contact Mr. Sam HO (EOC) at 2106 2187 or Ms Sharon CHOW (Caritas) at 2552 4211.

Equal Opportunities Commission
15 March 2013

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