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Public Consultation on Code of Practice on Employment under the Race Discrimination Ordinance

13/10/2008

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) announced today (13 October 2008) that a proposed Code of Practice on Employment (the Code) under the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO) has been published for public consultation.
 
The public consultation period will last for eight weeks from 13 October 2008 to 8 December 2008.
 
The RDO was enacted in July 2008 to protect everyone regardless of racial characteristics. The Commission has proposed to issue the Code of Practice on Employment under S63 of the RDO in order to explain the Ordinance and to give practical guidance on how to prevent racial discrimination in employment situations.
 
“Equality of opportunities in employment ensures that everyone competes equally and effectively on the basis of abilities, aptitude and knowledge. This is an important element in sustaining Hong Kong’s success,” said Mr. Raymond TANG, EOC Chairperson.
 
Primarily, the Code is intended to help employers to understand and comply with the RDO and to promote racial equality in the workplace by encouraging good practice. It is also intended to give employees a general understanding about the law and their rights, so that they know how to protect their rights and what to do if they feel they are discriminated against on the ground of race by their employers.
 
In addition to employers and employees, the Ordinance also deals with other occupational relationships and work-related matters such as contract workers, commission agents, partnerships, vocational training and the services of employment agencies.
 
The proposed Code is being widely distributed to stakeholders, ethnic minority organizations and concern groups for comments. Consultation meetings will be organized from November to December 2008. Members of the public can obtain copies of the Code from the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department, the Equal Opportunities Commission and on its website.
 
“Public views and comments will be appropriately incorporated in the Code before it is tabled at the Legislative Council (Legco) in March 2009. Subject to a decision by Legco, it is hoped that the Code can come into effect in April 2009,” Mr. TANG said.
 
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Equal Opportunities Commission
13 October 2008
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