To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) 2023, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is rolling out a series of initiatives under the theme “All Races as One”. A bus body advertising campaign was launched on 13 March followed by an MTR advertising campaign beginning on 16 March. The advertisements on both modes of transport carry the tagline, “Interrupt Bias. All Races as One.” Fifty buses along various routes will display the advertisement for six weeks. The MTR campaign will also run for six weeks on three trains plying on the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line.

For this year’s IDERD, the other focus area for EOC is the promotion of racial inclusion in schools.  Late last month, the Racially Friendly Campus Recognition Scheme was launched inviting primary and secondary schools to mark IDERD with school-based initiatives and activities throughout March.  Schools that carried out the suggested initiatives in promoting racial inclusion would be recognised as Racially Friendly Campus Champions at the end of the prescribed period. A total of 63 schools and educational institutions have signed up for the scheme.

Further, an in-person event, “All Races As One” Racial Inclusion Seminar for Schools was held on 18 March at the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups auditorium.  Over 80 participants filled the hall including school principals, teachers, staff and students from nearly 70 schools. The event included a panel discussion with experienced educators on the topic, “Racial Inclusion: Why and How”.  This was followed by a chat with two opinion leaders on “Promoting Racial Inclusion with Fun and Purpose”.

The event also provided a platform for the launch of two important resources for the promotion of racial inclusion and anti-discrimination in schools.  The first is the “All Races As One” Learning Kit on Eliminating Racial Discrimination, and the second is the School Policy Framework for the Prevention of Racial Discrimination & Harassment.

Speaking at the seminar, EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin said, “Schools are vital in shaping the future of their students.  The learning one gets in school is not just academic but includes social, moral and civic values. These may not always be taught formally but are imbibed also through interactions, role modeling by teachers and seniors as well as the culture that the school embraces.  Having a clear vision for what the school stands for is the first step.  This should be followed by well thought out policies and finally must be embedded into all school practices. In order to help schools formulate these policies and practices, the EOC is happy to share with you the School Policy Framework for the Prevention of Racial Discrimination & Harassment. The second resource, which is the Learning Kit on Eliminating Racial Discrimination will help teachers impart lessons to students in an easy-to-understand and interactive manner. As future citizens who will determine the complexion of tomorrow’s society, it is important that our students are introduced to the right values of inclusion, respect and equality at an early age.” 

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Equal Opportunities Commission
21 March 2023

“Interrupt Bias.  All Races As One” IDERD Advertising Campaign

 
“Interrupt Bias.  All Races As One” IDERD Bus Body Advertising Campaign

 
“Interrupt Bias.  All Races As One” IDERD MTR Advertising Campaign

 
Education speakers of the “All Races As One” Racial Inclusion Seminar for Schools on 18 March, Dr Rizwan Ullah, Dr Jan Gube and Hope Wong, with EOC Chairperson Ricky Chu

 
KOL speakers of the “All Races As One” Racial Inclusion Seminar for Schools on 18 March, Hina Butt and New Dellily, with EOC Chairperson Ricky Chu