On 18 February 2021, EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin attended a meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Constitutional Affairs to present an update on the Commission’s work in 2020-21 and its key focuses for 2021-22.

The number of enquiries received by the EOC in the first three quarters of 2020-21 almost doubled from the full-year figure in 2019-20, largely because of an increase in coordinated email campaigns expressing concern over certain social and political incidents. In determining whether to establish a complaint for investigation, the EOC had to consider: (i) whether there had been an allegation of an unlawful act falling within the purview of the laws enforced by the Commission, namely the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, Disability Discrimination Ordinance, Family Status Discrimination Ordinance and Race Discrimination Ordinance; (ii) whether the complaint was lodged by the person aggrieved by the alleged act or by a representative authorised by that person; and (iii) whether it was made in writing. Adhering to these principles, the EOC handled a total of 989 complaints in the first three quarters of 2020-21, with 85% of the cases that underwent conciliation successfully reaching a settlement

Meanwhile, the EOC continued to research on trends of discrimination, advocate policy reforms and provide training for both the public and private sectors. Highlights included the release of a study on public perception of women in politics and a research on the education and career pathways for ethnic minority youth, as well as a mix of online and offline training sessions that reached nearly 13,000 people from a wide spectrum of industries. These prevention efforts were complemented with various public education initiatives, from competitions and exhibitions to publications and online videos, that helped raise awareness of the anti-discrimination ordinances and their latest changes, as well as the struggles and contribution of different communities in Hong Kong.

Addressing questions about the inadequacies of the anti-discrimination ordinances during the meeting, Mr Chu said that one of the areas the EOC will focus on in the upcoming fiscal year is a review of the current law intended to fill gaps in protection against sexual harassment and discrimination based on residency status, sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status. The EOC has already put into motion a plan to map out different legislative options and consult stakeholders before presenting proposals to the Government for follow-up action.

For more details on the EOC’s upcoming work, please click the link below.

• Read the EOC’s submission to the Panel
• Read Mr Chu’s speech at the meeting