To raise public awareness on racial equality in Hong Kong and to promote the message of equal opportunities, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 2 jointly organised today (14 March 2015) a public event in celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) 2015. The event was held at Plaza Hollywood from 2:30pm-4:30pm, with support from Caritas Youth and Community Service.

Officiating at the launch ceremony was the Guest of Honour, Professor the Hon Anthony CHEUNG Bing-leung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Transport & Housing, HKSAR. Also joining the ceremony were Mr Donald TONG Chi-keung, JP, Commissioner for Labour and Dr W L CHEUNG, Director (Cluster Services) of the Hospital Authority. Dr York CHOW, GBS, JP, the Chairperson of the EOC; Mr TAI Keen-man, Deputy Director of Broadcasting (Programme), RTHK; and Ms Maggie CHAN, Director, Caritas Social Work Services, Caritas Hong Kong represented the co-organisers and supporting organisation respectively in the ceremony.

Dr York CHOW, Chairperson of the EOC, said, “Indeed, with the IDERD entering its 50th year, this is an especially meaningful and opportune moment for reflection and exploration of new paths forward. In formulating the theme of this year’s event, ‘We Are Hong Kong: Racial Equality in Action,’ we hoped to highlight the diversity that makes up Hong Kong’s population and the crucial contributions made to this city’s growth by the various communities who call Hong Kong their home. In doing so, we also aim to challenge stereotypes about ethnic minorities and encourage a more inclusive definition of what makes a ‘Hongkonger’. We firmly believe that putting racial equality in action benefits everyone, irrespective of ethnic background.”

“Notwithstanding the fact that the Race Discrimination Ordinance came into force in 2009, there remains a need to address the structural barriers which continue to keep people of various ethnic backgrounds from accessing equal opportunities in education, employment, or attaining necessary services such as housing or healthcare in Hong Kong. This prompted the EOC to name ensuring equal opportunities in education and employment for ethnic minorities one of our strategic priority work areas over the next few years,” continued Dr CHOW.

“In order to achieve this important goal, we must begin with greater understanding and mutual respect for one another. This is why the EOC has taken the occasion of IDERD as a platform to encourage our society to consider our progress as well as to exchange ideas, across different stakeholders and sectors, on ways to address the issues of racial discrimination. Like everyone of us, ethnic minorities want to have a stable, safe and peaceful living environment with mutual respect and equality, and feel the warmth of sharing Hong Kong as our home. They cherish the opportunities to live and pursue their dreams in Hong Kong. We all should cherish this place we call home. By working together, we can make racial equality a reality in our city,” reiterated Dr CHOW.

The event, one of the Commission’s flagship public education initiatives, was attended by over 200 participants, including Consuls-General; representatives of Government bureaux and departments as well as non-governmental organisations; school principals; and ethnic minority community leaders and advocates. The afternoon featured speeches and sharing on issues relating to racial discrimination and equality, information exhibitions, as well as cultural and singing performances.

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Equal Opportunities Commission
14 March 2015