中文版

  1. “Do Discrimination and Inequality Exist in Child Health in Hong Kong?”
    The EOC Chairperson discusses equal opportunities issues in child health

Picture promoting child health

On 16 July 2013, the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW Yat-Ngok, delivered a speech at the Professional Forum on Child Health organized by Hong Kong Paediatric Foundation. In his remarks, Dr. Chow discussed how education is the key to our children’s well-being, but ethnic minority children and children with special needs still struggle to access their right to equal education. This not only impacts their long-term health, but also the “health” of Hong Kong and its development. Dr. Chow also proposed some recommendations on how to address these issues for each of the target groups, including in early admission, assessment and intervention as well as in the preparation and training of school staff.


 

*********************************************

  1. The EOC Launches 2013/14 Funding Programme of Research Projects

Poster on the Funding Programme of Research Projects on Equal Opportunities 2013/14

To promote the principles and applications of Hong Kong’s anti-discrimination ordinances, the Funding Programme of Research Projects on Equal Opportunities 2013/14 is now open for application. The Funding Programme aims at encouraging eligible academia and not-for-profit organisations with inspiring ideas to undertake innovative research projects. Two batches of application are available for the Funding Programme 2013/14. The deadline for application: 13 September 2013 (Batch 1) and 6 January 2014 (Batch 2). The maximum funding limit of each project is HK$50,000. Interested parties can contact the EOC Office at 2511-8211 to obtain details and related application information, or click on the link below.


More details and application form
Read the press release

*********************************************

  1. Equal Rights for All
    The EOC Chairperson calls for equality for transsexual and transgender individuals and people of intersex status

EOC article published on Ming Pao

On 22 July 2013, the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW Yat-Ngok, published an opinions article in Ming Pao to call for equal rights for transsexual and transgender individuals as well as people of intersex status. Dr. Chow pointed out that these communities have long faced discrimination and marginalisation, fuelled by a lack of understanding. In particular, Dr. Chow urged the Hong Kong Government to follow the Court of Final Appeal’s recommendation in the “W” judgment and address the process of gender recognition. In line with overseas models and developments such as in the UK, this process should enable formal gender recognition even in cases where the individual may choose not to undergo surgery. “The EOC calls on the Government to take concrete action in response to the Court of Final Appeal’s proposed amendment of the law, so that transgender people can enjoy equal opportunities according to their identified gender,” wrote Dr. Chow.


Read the Ming Pao article on 22 July 2013 (in Chinese only)
Read Dr. Chow’s previous article on this topic in English
Details and Registration: “The Legal Status of Transsexual and Transgender Persons” Conference at the University of Hong Kong, 6-7 September 2013
Details: “Trans People in Hong Kong: Health, Well-being and Legal Recognition” Symposium at the University of Hong Kong, 24 August 2013

*********************************************

  1. The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in Accessibility and Pregnancy Discrimination Cases

Picture on legal action

Recently, the EOC has issued two legal proceedings in the District Court under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance and the Sex Discrimination Ordinance respectively on behalf of aggrieved persons. On 1 August 2013, the EOC acted on behalf of a wheelchair user with mobility difficulties who encounters problems in accessing various locations of the common areas of the residential estate, and was unable to use certain facilities, despite repeated requests for alterations to the Management company. The EOC has granted legal assistance in this case in order to highlight the importance of providing independent and adequate barrier-free access to premises. On 2 July 2013, the EOC issued legal proceedings on behalf of two female security guards who alleged that the Defendant discriminated against them by not offering  them employment on the ground of their pregnancy. As pregnancy discrimination remains common in the recruitment stage, by taking this case to Court, the EOC hopes to remind employers of the legal protection against pregnancy discrimination at various stages of employment.


Read the press release on the access to premises case
Read the press release on the pregnancy discrimination case
View related reports on the EOC’s News Highlights

*********************************************

  1. Be an Equal Opportunities Employer
    Join the EO Club now to access membership privileges

Poster on EO Club

Close to 80% of the complaints received by the EOC are employment related. Clearly, this underscores the need for skilled professionals to handle arising equal opportunities issues within organizations and businesses. Through the EO Club, the EOC works with businesses and organizations to assist them in implementing good management practices and to ensure they are prepared to implement equality standards in their work environment. We also work with employers and employees to enhance their understanding of the anti-discrimination ordinances. Join the EO Club now and receive a welcome gift (One free course during membership year from the EOC in-house calendar workshops worth up to HK$1,000) in addition to other membership privileges. The new training schedule of Fall 2013 and details of the training courses have been published. Please click on the link below for more details.


Details on the EO Club
Fall 2013 Calendar Training Schedule

*********************************************

Visit our website or download the EOC mobile app (Apple App Store / Google Play) to stay updated on the EOC’s work and positions, and to review our press releases and calendar training. 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.