On 14 November 2023, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) initiated legal proceedings under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO), Cap. 487 in the District Court, on behalf of a person (the Claimant) who worked as a head chef for the Respondent, a company operating as part of a Restaurant Group (Group) that manages multiple restaurants in Hong Kong. The Claimant alleged that the Respondent discriminated against him by terminating his employment on the ground of his disabilities, including fever, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), and manifestation of the COVID-19 infection.

On 27 November 2023, the EOC co-organised a forum on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace with Zonta Club of Kowloon and Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association. The forum aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of anti-sexual harassment measures among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong.

We are delighted to announce that two EOC staff members, Ms Candy CHU, Chief Equal Opportunities Officer (Complaint Services) and Ms Susana SOO, Senior Equal Opportunities Officer (Anti-Sexual Harassment Unit), have been honoured with Individual Awards in The Ombudsman’s Awards 2023. The recognition is a testament to their exceptional professionalism, dedicated service, and outstanding achievements. Witnessed by EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin and members of the management team, Ms Chu and Ms Soo received their awards during the Presentation Ceremony held on 15 November 2023.

The EOC expresses deep concern for the mental health of young people, as a recent study revealed that half of the surveyed young people experienced high degree of emotional distress. Around two-thirds of the participants also expressed that frequently experiencing emotional distress could lead others to perceive them as weak.