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EOC Welcomes Decision to Legislate Against Racial Discrimination

19/06/2003

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (19 June 2003), welcomes the Executive Council's decision to introduce anti-racism legislation in Hong Kong.


Ms Anna Wu, EOC Chairperson said, "As an international city, Hong Kong needs to demonstrate its commitment to protect everyone from discrimination and harassment regardless of his or her race, colour, nationality or place of origin. Protection means safeguarding access to basic rights such as education, employment and accommodation; it is important that this protection is extended to every person in our community. Cohesion of the community calls for this bill to be widely inclusive, with as few exemptions as possible."


Ms. Wu added, "Today's decision represents the culmination of many years of intense lobbying from different ethnic groups, interested parties and human rights concern groups for a race law. The Bill of Rights already bans racial discrimination in the public sector, we must now ensure that the scope of any new law offers equivalent or better protection against racial discrimination in the private sector. Equitable treatment for everyone will reap not only individual benefits, but both social and economic as well. Ultimately, our entire society stands to gain."


Enquiry: Ms. Mariana LAW 21062226

 

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