15 May is the International Day of Families, observed annually to celebrate the family unit as society’s basic building block. On this day, the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW, published an op-ed article in the South China Morning Post and Ming Pao Daily to call upon society to reflect on what each of us can do to respect and support families of all types. Dr Chow voiced out his concerns regarding some of the public claims made recently in society that some types of families, particularly those that diverge from the traditional nuclear family model of “father, mother and children,” are less worthy of support, including single-parent and same-sex families. He also appealed to religious leaders to play a key part in opening up a dialogue by being role models of acceptance and open-mindedness, in order to build a public environment of mutual respect where open discussions about such issues are encouraged. “As a Christian and a father, I am convinced that we should teach our children to embrace the world and its diversity, including the different types of families in our society. The positive example of non-discrimination and acceptance would encourage children to grow up to be open-minded, responsible and compassionate citizens,” wrote Dr Chow.

Read the article (English)
Read the article (Chinese)

On 8 May 2014, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights conducted a hearing to examine the HKSAR’s third report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (the ICESCR), which was submitted to the Committee as part of China’s second report. The EOC shares the concerns of the committee in a number of areas, including the limited power of the EOC, protection for sexual minorities from discrimination, and education for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. Representing the EOC at the hearing session were Dr. John TSE Wing-ling, Convenor of the Policy and Research Committee, and Dr. Ferrick CHU, the Commission’s Head of Policy and Research. Dr. Tse said, “The EOC will examine thoroughly the concluding observations of the Committee. We are committed to working closely with the HKSAR Government and stakeholders from different sectors on advancing equality of opportunities in Hong Kong in accordance with the ICESCR and relevant local legislation.”

Read the press release
Read the EOC’s submission to the committee
Link to the EOC Blog

On 12 May 2014, the EOC announced that it has commissioned the Gender Research Centre, Hong Kong Institute of Asia Pacific Studies of The Chinese University of Hong Kong to conduct the Feasibility Study of Legislating against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status (SOGI). The study was launched in view of Hong Kong’s international legal obligations to prohibit discrimination against sexual minorities and the increasing public demand for legal protection of their rights. It seeks to systematically identify discrimination, harassment and vilification encountered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in employment, education and training, social interaction, public access, services and facilities, as well as management of premises. It also aims to explore whether the adoption of an anti-discrimination legislation on the grounds of SOGI is feasible by considering the perspectives of sexual minorities, the public and other stakeholders including legal experts. Dr. York CHOW, the Chairperson of the EOC, highlighted, “To raise public awareness on LGBTI rights and discrimination against them, three large-scale public forums will be organized from June to September this year. Members from the public, LGBTI concern groups and all relevant stakeholders groups will be invited to the forums to express their opinions.” In addition, the research team will conduct extensive literature review, focus groups meetings with sexual minorities and other stakeholders, and a questionnaire survey.

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EOC news highlights

On 16 May 2014, the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW, delivered a speech at the candlelight vigil to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) 2014 in Hong Kong, organised by Pink Alliance, Transgender Resource Centre, and Amnesty International. Observed annually on 17 May around the world, IDAHOT provides an opportunity to celebrate gender and sexual diversities and take action against violence faced by sexual minorities. In his speech, Dr. Chow spoke about the need for legislation to protect sexual minorities as well as open and honest dialogue founded upon mutual respect in order to combat homophobia and transphobia. He also applauded the participants for their commitment to stand up for their rights or be an ally to the community. “We cannot be complacent. History of civil rights around the world has shown that changes are made possible only by each individual’s refusal to be a bystander to discrimination. So, together, let’s keep the momentum going,” said Dr Chow.

Read Dr Chow’s full speech at IDAHOT HK 2014
View IDAHOT Hong Kong’s Facebook page

Close to 80% of the complaints received by the EOC are employment related. Clearly, this underscores the need for better policies to handle equal opportunities issues within organizations and businesses. The EO Club, now open for membership application and renewal, is the Commission’s platform to work with businesses and organizations on enhancing their understanding of the anti-discrimination ordinances and implementing good management practices and equality standards in their work environment. Membership Privileges for the year 2014/2015 include one free course from the EOC’s Calendar Training Workshop, exclusive online training, networking opportunities, and priority and preferential rates for attending the EOC’s conferences and seminars. Individual and corporate memberships are both available. Please visit the EO Club’s page through the below link for more details and application forms.

More details on the EO Club

To promote the community’s understanding on the anti-discrimination ordinances in Hong Kong and the EOC’s complaint-handling mechanism, the Commission is organising a 3-hour workshop for community workers who provide services to ethnic minorities. During the workshop, participants will learn how to analyse different discrimination cases relating to issues faced by the ethnic minority community, and how to lodge a complaint to the EOC in an interactive manner. Each participant will receive a certificate upon completion of the workshop. Registration deadline is 23 May 2014.

Date:	7 June 2014 (Saturday)
Time:	2pm – 5pm
Venue:	EOC Conference Room 19/F Cityplaza 3, 14 Taikoo Wan Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong
Language:	English

Registration form

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) is inviting eligible individuals and organisations to apply for the Jockey Club IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment and the Central Fund for Personal Computers. The objectives of the Jockey Club IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment are to support non-profit-making and non-governmental organisations providing services/schooling for people with visual impairment to acquire advanced Chinese screen readers and Braille displays to facilitate internet browsing, and to subsidise the individual purchases of these devices for the purpose of studies or employment. The Central Fund for Personal Computers aims to assist eligible persons with disabilities to acquire the required computer facilities for self-employment or to provide those receiving supported employment services at home with guidance and follow-up services from referring rehabilitation organisations or the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department. The deadline for submitting applications to both schemes is 31 May.

More details