中文版

We are sending you our warm wishes for a prosperous Year of the Horse filled with good health and great joy. We look forward to continuing our journey with you towards an inclusive society with no barriers to equal opportunities.

Image on Chinese New Year greeting e-card

  1. The EOC Gives Legal Assistance in Pregnancy and Disability Discrimination Case

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The EOC has issued legal proceedings on 24 January 2014 under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 487) and the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 480) in the District Court on behalf of a female teacher who alleged that she faced discrimination from her former employer due to her disability and pregnancy. After she was injured at work twice, for which she took work injury leaves, and after she informed her employer of her pregnancy, her annual contract was not renewed. In granting assistance to this case, the Commission hopes to raise public awareness on pregnancy and disability discrimination, which remain common in employment settings. In fact, pregnant women as well as employees who are sick and require leave for treatment are often penalised in their job, including dismissal, non-renewal of contracts, and other detrimental treatments. Earlier in January 2014 in another case, the District court ruled in favour of a woman claiming discrimination on the ground of pregnancy by her former employer. The employer inserted a one-day break between the woman’s old and new contracts in order to deprive her of her statutory maternity leave pay.


Read the press release (24 January 2014)
Read the press release (3 January 2014)

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  1. The EOC Launches the new EOC Journal

Image of the cover of the EOC Journal

In order to provide members of the public with more in-depth insights and information on different aspects of equal opportunities issues and how they relate to everyday life, the EOC has revamped our former newsletter to the EOC Journal. Published semi-annually, the Journal features an updated format as well as new content and layout. The changes were prompted by the fact that equal opportunity has become an increasingly prominent subject in our public consciousness, giving rise to greater concern among our community members about issues relating to equality and social justice, along with the desire for more transparency on the EOC’s work. The EOC hopes that the Journal can respond to this demand and encourage greater discussion and dialogue towards building a more inclusive society. If you would like to receive a hard copy of this publication(free of charge), please email us at eoc@eoc.org.hk or call 2511 8211, or you may review it on the EOC’s website.


Visit the EOC website

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  1. Inclusive Classroom
    The EOC Chairperson advocates equal education for students with special learning needs

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On 13 January 2014, the South China Morning Post published an article by the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW, on why the government must provide equal education opportunities for students with special learning needs. “Access to quality education for all is fundamental to Hong Kong’s competitiveness. Our children who are not able to adapt to the mainstream system should be given support according to their individual needs. Otherwise, the barriers they face will affect their ability to participate in society later in life, including in higher education and employment,” wrote Dr. Chow. In his article, Dr. Chow highlighted a number of recommendations from the EOC, including support for early assessment and early childhood education, increasing the supply of educational professionals and experts such as educational psychologists and occupational therapists, and providing teachers and principals with appropriate training. “As a community, we must come together to build a truly inclusive education system, with the recognition that every child, given the appropriate support and care based on their individual needs, can reach their full potential and achieve their dreams,” added Dr. Chow.


Read the English article
Read the article in Chinese on the same issue (published in Ming Pao on 6/1/2014)

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  1. “Building a Better Mental Health System through Engagement”
    The Hong Kong Mental Health Council organises conference on improving mental health policy

Photo of the “Building a Better Mental Health System through Engagement” conference

On 11 January 2014, Hong Kong Mental Health Council organised the Mental Health Conference with the theme “Building a better mental health system through engagement.” The activity is one of the funded projects under the EOC’s Community Participation Funding Programme. The purpose of the conference was to “work hand in hand” with stakeholders to improve mental health policy, in order to enhance better mental health for Hong Kong citizens. Dr. John TSE, Convenor of the Policy and Research Committee of the EOC and Dr. Ferrick CHU, Head of the Policy and Research Unit, participated in the conference as moderators.


Details

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  1. “Hong Kong for All: Vision 2020”
    The EOC and Caritas Launch Writing Competition to Encourage Youths to Envision an Inclusive Hong Kong

Poster on “Hong Kong for ALL: Vision 2020” Youth Writing Competition

The EOC and Caritas Youth and Community Service have jointly launched a Youth Writing Competition on the topic of “Hong Kong for All: Vision 2020,” inviting young people to share their vision of racial diversity and integration in this city by the year 2020. Interested youth applicants (aged 15-24) may submit an essay in English or Chinese (of no more than 400 words) by email (uniquelyme@eoc.org.hk) or through the online application. The application deadline is 15 February 2014. The first-prize winning essays in English and Chinese will be used as a basis for panel discussion at a community event and celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 23 March 2014 (Sunday). Cash prizes of up to HK$1,500 and certificates will be given to winning essayists in both English and Chinese categories. Please see the link below for more details.


Details and online application

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  1. The OGCIO Launches Support Scheme for the Development of Digital Inclusion Apps for Underprivileged Groups

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On 3 January 2014, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) launched a support scheme for the development of digital inclusion apps for underprivileged groups. The one-off support scheme aims to facilitate the development of apps on common desktop and/or mobile platforms that provide practical content and services to cater for the needs of underprivileged groups. All local non-profit social service organisations, IT professional bodies or trade associations are welcome to submit proposals under the scheme. A maximum funding of HK$500,000 will be provided for each selected project. Among the completed projects, the three apps that best address the needs of respective user groups will receive a cash award of HK$30,000, HK$20,000 and HK$10,000 respectively. Application deadline is 12:00 noon on 10 March 2014.


Details

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  1. Download the EOC Smart Phone App for a Chance to Win an iPad Mini

Banner of EOC Smart phone App

From now until 8 March 2014, members of the public who downloaded the EOC Smart Phone App may enter a lucky draw, and stand a chance of winning an iPad mini or a portable charger for mobile phones. The EOC smart phone app, now available for both iPhone and Android, has been developed to facilitate convenient access to the EOC’s information. It features an introduction to the EOC, a brief description of the four anti-discrimination ordinances, our latest news, a multimedia centre and a mini-game. Another significant feature of the app is that it provides users with “Barrier-Free Access Support” to cater to the special needs of different users.


Download the EOC Smart Phone App for iPhone
Download the EOC Smart Phone App for Android
Enter for the Lucky Draw
Press release on the introduction of the EOC Smart Phone Apps

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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.