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E-news Issue 268

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EOC recommends legislation to tackle discrimination between Hong Kong Chinese and Mainland Chinese people

In a series of media interviews this month, EOC Chairperson, Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin shared that the Commission had made legislative recommendations to the Government for addressing discrimination between Hong Kong Chinese and Mainland Chinese people.

Over the years, Mainland Chinese in Hong Kong have been reportedly subject to discrimination, harassment and vilification. Since 2019, the situation has been exacerbated amid social tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Race Discrimination Ordinance, however, may not provide adequate protection as it currently stands. Therefore, the EOC has conducted legal research on the matter and proposed legislative amendments in a submission to the Government earlier this year. These include: (i) prohibiting intra-racial discrimination, harassment and vilification; (ii) prohibiting discrimination, harassment and vilification on grounds of residency status; (iii) prohibiting discrimination, harassment and vilification on grounds of regional origin; and (iv) conferring wider enforcement powers on the EOC, specifically a general power to investigate possible unlawful conduct and gather evidence, and the power to initiate proceedings in its own name for discriminatory practices.

The Government has responded to the EOC’s recommendations positively, and indicated that it aimed to decide on the way forward within the current term of the Government. 

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