The EOC has rolled out a publicity campaign this month titled “Good Tenants Come in All Ethnicities”, with bus ads running along various routes in Hong Kong for three weeks. 

Over the years, the EOC has worked closely with organisations representing non-ethnic Chinese communities in the city. One of their recurring concerns is is over the discrimination that people of South Asian descent face when trying to rent an apartment.

To tackle this entrenched barrier to racial equality, the EOC has adopted a three-pronged approach encompassing law enforcement, prevention and education. While handling complaints from aggrieved persons under the Race Discrimination Ordinance, the Commission also delivers training in collaboration with the Estate Agents Authority and other key industry players. These efforts are complemented by public education campaigns, such as an MTR advertising blitz that ran from May to July this year.

EOC Chairperson, Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin said, “The right to appropriate housing is a fundamental right, one that should not be denied to anyone on any grounds, including race. The lack of suitable housing can impact a person’s dignity and well-being. In making Hong Kong truly inclusive and harmonious, we all have a role to play, as neighbours, landlords and tenants.”

• Access the EOC’s resources for tenants, landlords and estate agents