The Government announced on 20 April the appointment of two new members to the Board of the EOC, namely, Mr CHAN Ka-yan, Samuel and Dr LEUNG Sai-man, Sigmund for a term of two years with effect from 20 May 2018.

Prof Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming, Chairperson of the EOC, welcomes the newly appointed Members. “The new appointees represent different backgrounds and expertise, and boast extensive experience in public service. I am sure they will bring valuable insights to the EOC and add to the wealth of experience of the existing Board.”

The EOC also extends heartfelt thanks to outgoing Member, Dr Maggie KOONG May-kay for her immense contribution and valuable advice over the past years. “I am sure that with her commitment to promoting equal opportunity, she will continue to provide unfailing support to the EOC,” Prof CHAN said.

Read the EOC's press release
Read the Government’s announcement

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing its services for members of the public, the EOC may record telephone conversations between service users and staff members handling enquiries and complaints for service quality control or related purposes, with effect from 7 May 2018. For further details, please click the link below.

Read the EOC's Telephone Recording Policy for Service Users

The EOC issued a statement on 2 May to express concern about the opposition of a number of residents to the plan of New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association to set up an Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW) at Mei Lam Estate in Shatin. Addressing their worries that the service users of the ICCMW would affect the safety of the neighbourhood and cause great disturbance, the EOC urges members of the community to accept ICCMWs and drop their “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) mentality.

Offering one-stop, comprehensive and recovery-oriented community services, ICCMWs are a major source of support for former mental illness patients, people troubled with mental health problems, as well as their families and carers. They are established within the community to empower service users to reintegrate into society and lead a quality life. Yet, there have been cases where residents and district councillors, in opposing the construction of an ICCMW amid housing estates in their neighbourhood, put up banners and posters claiming that persons with mental illness pose a threat to public order. The EOC wishes to remind members of the public that such acts may violate the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO), under which vilification against persons with disabilities – defined as an activity in public which incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule – is unlawful.

“Drawing a link between mental illness and a propensity for violence distorts the truth and reinforces stigma,” said Prof Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming, Chairperson of the EOC. “Psychiatrists have pointed out that the majority of persons with mental health problems are not prone to violence. And those who are – accounting for a mere five per cent – developed a tendency for violent behaviour mostly because they did not have access to appropriate and timely treatment. We should all rid ourselves of our NIMBY attitude and play our part in creating an inclusive society, where everyone can gain access to treatment and build a healthy, fulfilling life.”

Read the press release
More about DDO and disability vilification

The EOC and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 1 will join hands to organise a public event from 2:30pm to 3:30pm on 19 May 2018 (Sat) at E-Max, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) as the finale of the Employment Equality Project.

Launched in July 2017 to advocate workplace inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs), the project encompasses a 52-episode radio drama series broadcast during the programme “Care for Disabled” on RTHK Radio 1 every Sunday, YouTube videos introducing employers of PWDs in Hong Kong, and a competition inviting the public to write about their experience being PWDs or living and working with PWDs.

The event on 19 May will feature performances by PWDs and sharing sessions by PWDs and their employers. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Indeed, it is a priority for the EOC to foster greater empathy and sensitivity towards PWDs among the local communty, in light of continued misconceptions about and poverty among PWDs. Through sustained public education, the EOC hopes to raise awareness of the challenges confronting PWDs and how equal employment opporunities can enable them to lead a meaningful life.

Visit the Employment Equality Project’s Facebook page
Listen to RTHK Radio 1’s “Care for Disabled” (Cantonese only)
Watch our YouTube videos on inclusive employers

The EOC is delighted to be a supporting organisation of the 2018 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Awards, organised by Community Business. The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place on 15 May at Hotel Icon to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) which falls on 17 May every year.

Established in 2014, the annual event aims at promoting best practices in LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong. New categories have been introduced this year, raising the total number of awards to 12 to acknowledge excellence in areas from transgender advocacy to community-based initiatives and marketing campaigns. The EOC is particularly honoured that our Chairperson, Prof Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming is one of the finalists for the LGBT+ Public Champion Award, which recognises public figures who have used their influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion in the city. In addition, Mr Peter READING, Legal Counsel of the EOC, is nominated for the LGBT+ Advocacy Award.

See the full list of award categories and finalists
Read the EOC’s Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status