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Currently, the EOC is preparing to launch a publicity campaign on sexual harassment in employment. This campaign stems from the large number of employment-related sexual harassment cases lodged with the EOC, which constitutes 30% of all employment cases under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO). These cases reveal that many employers are still unaware of their vicarious liability under the SDO and many have yet to devise policy and guidelines on sexual harassment. This campaign aims to raise the general awareness of employers and encourage them to develop preventive measures in the work place.
亞太論壇有關國家人權機構所辦活動的問卷 (只備英文版)
02/04/2001
Response from Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission
to Asia Pacific Forum Questionnaire on
Activities of National Human Rights Institutes
Overview
This paper sets out the response of the Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) to the APF questionnaire on NHRI activities in the promotion and protection of economic, cultural and social rights.
There are 17 projects presented herein which fall within the four main functions of the EOC: investigation and conciliation; research and policy; education and promotion; and litigation. Each function supports the others in addressing discrimination by means of enforcement, advocacy, monitoring, persuasion and partnership.
The EOC takes a proactive approach to encourage change and an example may be found in its current work on insurance coverage in Hong Kong. After conducting a research into the operations of the insurance industry, the information will be used to produce guidelines to direct the industry towards developing discrimination-free practices.
The litigation work of the EOC, which essentially supports its advocacy role in addressing particular phenomena of discrimination, is worth highlighting here. Due to limited legal funds, the EOC adopts a strategic approach to litigation to maximise the impact of these actions. Recently, the EOC was successful in various mental illness and pregnancy cases. Details of the latter are reported in the questionnaire on “Public Awareness Campaign on Pregnancy Discrimination” on page 16.
In the mental illness cases, the court found in favour of three Plaintiffs, who were variously dismissed or refused employment by two disciplined services on the ground that their family members have had a history of mental illness. These cases set important precedents for Hong Kong as well as highlighted the seriousness of systemic discrimination and prejudice against mental illness. The attitude of the court was encouraging when at the open trial, it granted the EOC’s request for an order requiring non-disclosure of the personal particulars of the Plaintiffs other than the surnames because of the stigma usually attached to mental illness. Since the court decisions, subsequent public debates suggest a shift in public attitudes and there are signs of greater acceptance of integrating people with mental illness into the community.
Currently, the EOC is preparing to launch a publicity campaign on sexual harassment in employment. This campaign stems from the large number of employment-related sexual harassment cases lodged with the EOC, which constitutes 30% of all employment cases under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO). These cases reveal that many employers are still unaware of their vicarious liability under the SDO and many have yet to devise policy and guidelines on sexual harassment. This campaign aims to raise the general awareness of employers and encourage them to develop preventive measures in the work place.
Equal Opportunities Commission
April 2001
QUESTIONNAIRE
Economic, Cultural and Social Rights
The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather relevant, detailed and up-to-date information regarding the activities of national human rights institutions (NHRI) in the promotion and protection of economic, cultural and social rights. This information will be used to provide a background paper for the regional workshop on the role of national human rights institutions in protecting and promoting economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development, to be held in July 2001.
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1.
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Has your NHRI developed programmes or initiated inquiries that actively and specifically target the promotion and protection of economic, cultural and social rights? Yes
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2.
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If so, please detail the nature of the project below. If multiple projects were developed please attach additional sheets answering the following questions for each project initiated.
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Project #1
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Title :
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Access to Information Technology for Women and People with Disabilities
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Date:
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December 1999
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Duration:
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Ongoing
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Aims:
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- To improve access to IT for women and people with disabilities.
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Target demographic: Women, people with disabilities.
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Structure of the project:
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- Participated in the Information Infrastructure Expo in March 2000 to raise awareness of the industry and the Government on mainstreaming the needs of women and people with disabilities in taking the community into the IT Age.
- Reviewed government codes of practice on granting recognition to e-certification authorities and providing telecommunication services. Proposed to Government that it includes in the codes the assurance of accessible services to people with disabilities, e.g. using accessibility as an assessment criterion where appropriate.
- Conducted accessibility test on 163 public service home pages and made recommendations for improvements.
- Set up a working group with the banking and finance industry on developing barrier-free ATM machines and other banking services including telephone banking and e-banking.
- Conducted initial research to collect the views of target groups and identify gender and disability issues in IT in the areas of employment, education and service provision.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Hong Kong is rapidly developing into a knowledge-based economy and the use of IT is becoming widespread. Women and people with disabilities are on the whole lagging behind because of fundamental difficulties with accessing IT.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- Concern groups for women and people with disabilities were consulted on their first-hand experience with using and accessing IT. Regular discussions with these groups will continue throughout the life of the project.
- Following the web accessibility test, advice and assistance are provided to the Government to find solutions to accessibility problems.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- IT is fast becoming a way of life: the industry provides significant employment opportunities; public services are more widely available on the web, and e-commerce is steadily gaining popularity. The overall development and social advancement of women and people with disabilities will be hindered if the digital divide is not bridged now. This project helps to promote and protect a wide range of rights for women and people with disabilities in respect of accessing education and training, employment, and services and facilities.
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Project #2
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Title :
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Code of Practice on Education under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance
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Date:
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July 1999 – July 2001
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Duration:
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2 years
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Aims:
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- To assist educational establishments to develop policies and procedures that prevent and eliminate disability discrimination.
- To provide educators with practical guidance on making provision for students with disabilities that are consistent with the provision set out in the Disability Discrimination Ordinance.
- To enable people with disabilities, their parents and their associates (such as family members, carers and business associates) to understand their rights under the provisions of the DDO.
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Target demographic: Government, educational establishments, educators, people with disabilities and their associates, and disability concern groups.
* For the public consultation, the entire community was targeted and invited to submit comments.
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Structure of the project:
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- Co-produced a draft Code of Practice (draft Code) with the assistance of an educational establishment.
- Publication of the draft Code in January 2001 for public consultation until 31 March 2001.
- Organised a series of events to generate publicity and promote awareness of the draft Code.
- To consider and incorporate comments received during the public consultation period and prepare a revised draft Code.
- To submit a revised draft Code to the Government for gazetting in May 2001 and for negative vetting by the Legislative Council in July 2001.
- Subject to approval by the Legislative Council, the final Code of Practice will come into effect and publicity campaign will be launched accordingly.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Students with disabilities and their associates are not always aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance.
- Many educational establishments and educators support the principle of equal opportunities but often lack the practical implementation experience. This sometimes hinders the development of policies and procedures that can prevent and eliminate disability discrimination.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- During the drafting process, the Education Department, an educational establishment and some disability concern groups were consulted on various aspects of the Code.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- Education plays a fundamental role in the social and cultural development of the whole person. Equal access to education enables students with disabilities to advance socially and economically and empower them to lead independent lives in the future.
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Project #3
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Title :
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Equal Opportunities for People with Mental Illness
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Date:
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June 2000
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Duration:
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Ongoing
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Aims:
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- To increase acceptance of people with mental illness and eliminate discrimination against this section of the community.
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Target demographic: People with mental illness and their families.
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Structure of the project:
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- Organised talks and focus groups of people with mental illness and their families to increase their awareness of their rights under anti-discrimination laws.
- Produced a booklet on how people recovering from mental illness can adjust to the work environment.
- Jointly conducted a research with a university on discrimination experienced by people with mental illness.
- Organised activities around Mental Health Month in October 2000 and will actively participate in the same event for October 2001.
- Held a seminar on the media reporting of people with mental illness.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- There are widely held stereotypical beliefs about the manifestations of mental illness and these are often exacerbated by sensational media reporting of these incidents.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- People with mental illness and their families and NGOs were regularly consulted on their views in the many activities conducted under this project.
- Joint ventures with academics and NGOs.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- People with mental illness experience enormous difficulties in employment and general participation in society. By dispelling the myths around mental illness, it will help to address the irrational fears towards people with mental illness and lead to greater opportunities in all aspects of life.
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Project #4
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Title :
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Accessible Environment and Facilities for People with Disabilities
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Date:
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October 1999
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Duration:
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Ongoing
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Aims:
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- To improve access to the physical environment and facilities for people with disabilities.
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Target demographic: People with disabilities.
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Structure of the project:
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- Organised checkwalks in three public housing estates to audit accessibility problems. Findings and recommendations were later relayed to the housing authority.
- Proposed to the Government to incorporate procurement of accessible buses for the route development and scrapping programmes as one of the franchise conditions for public bus operators, and provision of disabled toilets in public areas such as food establishments and recreational/cultural centres.
- Discussions to be held with private developers and architects on improving accessibility of shopping malls.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Accessibility issues for persons with disabilities are wide-ranging. Housing, transport and shopping facilities were prioritised because of their significant impact on daily living.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- Persons with disabilities and concern groups were frequently consulted for their views in all the activities under this project. In particular, the checkwalks were conducted jointly with disability concern groups, representatives of the housing authority, and architects.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- The inaccessibility of the physical environment and public facilities deny the right to employment, education and social activities by people with disabilities. An improvement in these areas will vastly promote their ability to participate fully in all aspects of life.
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Project #5
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Title :
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Study on the Procedures and Training Needs of the Immigration Department in relation to the Disability Discrimination Ordinance
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Date:
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October 2000 – April 2001
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Duration:
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7 months
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Aims:
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- To increase the sensitivity of staff in the Immigration Department in handling equal opportunities matters, particularly in relation to the treatment of persons with disabilities in the course of discharging their duties.
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Target demographic: People with disabilities, officers in the Immigration Department.
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Structure of the project:
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- Consulted with persons with disabilities on difficulties they encountered with immigration officers.
- Conducted survey to understand the difficulties encountered by immigration officers in handling equal opportunities matters, particularly in their treatment of people with intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses and communication challenges.
- Provided basic sensitivity training to frontline supervisors in the Immigration Department.
- Reviewed existing departmental policies, guidelines, training programmes and support mechanisms for the presence of equal opportunities principles. Recommendations will be made to improve services in the department.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Stereotypical beliefs, lack of guidance and sheer volume of work can sometimes render immigration officers insensitive to the needs of service users with disabilities. Occasionally, this can have detrimental effect on these service users.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- Disability concern groups, academics and medical professionals were consulted at inception stage.
- Academics in the mental health field co-trained with the EOC in the sensitivity training courses.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- The treatment by immigration officers can result in the violation of the right of freedom of movement for people with disabilities, which in turn can impact negatively on economic and social rights. A more sensitive immigration service can reduce the incidence of violations.
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Project #6
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Title :
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Partnership with the Hong Kong Police Force in Equal Opportunities Training
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Date:
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July 2000 – May 2001
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Duration:
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11 months
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Aims:
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- To increase the awareness of police officers of their rights and obligations under anti-discrimination laws.
- To assist the Police to develop their in-house training capacity on equal opportunities principles and practices.
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Target demographic: Trainers in the Police Training Wing and officers handling personnel matters and complaints in the Police Force. The trainers will in turn provide equal opportunities training to all the police officers during induction and in-service training.
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Structure of the project:
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- Liaised and held meetings with the Police to clarify and reach common understanding of their training needs and objectives.
- Studied relevant policies and guidelines on internal complaints mechanisms provided by the Police.
- Developed a train-the-trainer course outline in consultation with the Police to ensure the scope of coverage is adequate.
- Presented course outline to Police and EOC representatives for further discussions on the relevance of content materials and appropriateness of delivery methods.
- To finalise the training course manual for translation into Chinese.
- To deliver three 3-day training courses to police trainers and officers: two to be conducted in English and one in Cantonese (most commonly spoken Chinese dialect in Hong Kong).
- To assist the Police in promoting the training project.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- In the last few years, various complaints of discrimination emanating from the Police Force have caused concerns. These complaints indicated weaknesses in policies and practices as well a lack of understanding and sensitivity to equal opportunities matters. Complainants came from three groups: police officers, service users and job applicants.
- This project was initiated by the EOC in the hope that more fundamental and critical change could take place within the police service to reduce the incidence of discrimination and complaints in the long term.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- The project is being developed with direct input and support from the Police to ensure the materials are relevant and to promote a sense of ownership in the Police.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- The promotion of a discrimination-free work environment in turn promotes the right to work for all police officers, including disadvantaged groups such as women, people with disabilities, people with different family status, etc.
- In the course of discharging their duties, the actions of police officers can negatively impact on certain civil rights, such as freedom of movement, freedom of association, etc. By increasing the awareness in police officers of their own rights and obligations, it helps them to recognise the rights of others and to act more sensitively towards members of the public.
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Project #7
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Title:
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Review of Government’s commitments under Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
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Date:
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October 1999 - June 2000
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Duration:
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9 months
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Aims:
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- To review progress in women’s development in Hong Kong since the 4th World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995.
- To compile an alternative report based on the conference proceeding to be submitted to the UN General Assembly’s 23rd Special Session (UNGASS) held in June 2000 to review implementation of the Platform for Action.
- To elicit community input into EOC’s own alternative report to UNGASS.
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Target demographic: Women concern groups and government.
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Structure of the project:
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- Co-organised a conference with NGOs and academic institutions in May 2000 and proceedings sent to UN as alternative report from the co-organisers.
- EOC sent separate alternative report and two representatives to the UNGASS.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Cross fertilization of ideas: to involve women concern groups in organizing and shaping the contents of the conference; and to hear the views and concerns of women attending the conference. These views were included in the conference proceedings sent to UN.
- The conference would get media coverage and help draw attention to the issues.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments?
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- The project was developed in conjunction with NGOs and academics.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action propose a wide range of actions to promote and protect these rights for women. This project helped to highlight some of the existing gaps and made recommendations for improvement.
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Project #8
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Title :
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Public Awareness Campaign on Pregnancy Discrimination
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Date:
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January 2000
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Duration:
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3 months
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Aims:
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- To eliminate pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.
- To raise public awareness of rights and obligations in the pregnancy-related provisions of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO).
- To take a snapshot of the incidence of pregnancy discrimination in Hong Kong.
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Target demographic: Some events targeted the wider public while some specifically targeted individual women, women concern groups and trade unions.
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Structure of the project:
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- Placed poster advertisements on underground train stations.
- Placed advertisements in major newspapers in Hong Kong.
- Conducted survey on the employment experience of pregnant women. Findings were subsequently published in the EOC’s newsletter (over 80,000 readership).
- Placed feature articles on pregnancy discrimination in the newsletters of trade unions.
- Organised roadshow on the elimination of pregnancy discrimination.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- From December 1996 to December 1999, the lodgement of pregnancy discrimination cases with the EOC rose significantly from 18% to 30% of all employment-related complaints under the SDO. At least one case has to litigation successful and was resolved in the complainant’s favour (see end notes).
- Many employers were unaware that they had obligations towards pregnant women under the Employment Ordinance as well as the SDO.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- Women concern groups, trade unions and various NGOs were consulted on the questionnaire survey. They also assisted in distributing the questionnaire to their members and users.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- Women will be able to exercise their right to reproduction without their right to employment and economic advancement being negatively affected.
A note on recent litigation success
n This awareness campaign formed only one aspect of EOC’s work on eliminating pregnancy discrimination. Another important aspect is strategic litigation (as mentioned in the overview on page 1), which reaped success recently in the first major case in Hong Kong on pregnant discrimination.
n The instant case was typical of many pregnancy discrimination cases, and for this reason the EOC decided to test it in court. The Plaintiff was subjected to discriminatory treatment after giving notice of her pregnancy and later resigned from her job. The court found in her favour and held the employer vicariously liable for pregnancy discrimination and victimisation. A significant part of the case was the treatment of the Plaintiff’s resignation. The court accepted that the resignation amounted to constructive dismissal because the discriminatory treatment was so severe that it had placed the Plaintiff under enormous pressure to leave. The extension of constructive dismissal to employment-related pregnancy discrimination is likely to have positive implications for employment cases under other anti-discrimination laws.
n This court decision, released in March 2001, sets an important precedent for Hong Kong. It clarifies the court’s view of pregnancy discrimination and makes clear that even for Plaintiffs who resign of their own accord, the court will be sympathetic to the circumstances that give rise to such a decision. This case will undoubtedly send a strong message to employers and employees alike and will hopefully provide the impetus for introducing better employment policies and practices.
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Project #9
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Title :
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Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value
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Date:
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October 1999
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Duration:
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24 months and continuing
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Aims:
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- To examine feasibility of implementing equal pay for work of equal value in Hong Kong.
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Target demographic: Employers, women concern groups, trades unions, human resource personnel, academics
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Structure of the project:
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- Organised conference in March 2000.
- Established task force and developed action plan for promoting equal pay for work of equal value. An evaluating of pay levels in the public sector will begin in Autumn 2001.
- Produce annual reports to the Legislative Council.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Women’s pay continues to lag behind that of men’s and it was necessary for public education in this area.
- Important to involve key stakeholders from the outset to encourage them to adopt the idea and its implementation as well as to help develop methods to do so.
- Reports to the Legislative Council will highlight the issue and involve the legislature in making changes.
- Compliance with ICESCR and CEDAW.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- The Government and NGOs are involved and their representatives sit on the task force.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- The improvement of employment conditions for women enhances their economic and social rights.
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Project #10
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Title:
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Empowerment of Migrant Domestic Workers
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Date:
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January 2001
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Duration:
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12 months
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Aims:
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- To develop an information pack for relevant consulates and NGOs and to demonstrate how to deliver talks aimed at informing migrant workers of their rights under anti-discrimination laws.
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Target demographic: Select consulates, NGOs that cater for migrant workers.
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Structure of the project:
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- Identify problems faced by migrant workers and develop training materials in conjunction with NGOs.
- Training to be provided to consulate officers and NGOs.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- There are over 300,000 domestic helpers in Hong Kong who are mostly unaware of their rights because of limited channels to receive information and advice.
- Consulates and NGOs are not necessarily knowledgeable about anti-discrimination laws and it is important to train them first. To maximise the cascading effect, they will be trained to train other front line persons to deliver the information.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- The project is being developed with an NGO to help EOC gain a better understanding of the everyday experience of domestic helpers and particular problems they face.
- This NGO will be consulted on the preparation of the information pack (including contents) and assist with the training.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- Migrant workers are vulnerable in employment because of their economic and immigration status and often do not exercise their rights for fear of reprisal and deportation. This project aims to help them overcome their fears and empower them to take actions, and to help reduce discrimination and sexual harassment in the work place.
- Training of representatives will help them to be more effective in their advocacy work when dealing with employment complaints.
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Project #11
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Title :
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Conference on “A World Free of Violence Against Women” and follow-up actions
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Date:
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March 1999
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Duration:
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12 months
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Aims:
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- To highlight issues relating to violence against women,
- To bring together different stakeholders to identify problems and solutions.
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Target demographic: Government, NGOs, academics.
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Structure of the project:
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- Organised conference to draw public attention to the issue.
- Following conference, continued working with NGOs, who were seeking funding for a rape crisis centre. In 2000, funding from the Jockey Club later resulted in the setting up of the first Rape Crisis Centre in Hong Kong.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- To highlight issues and get media attention.
- To bring together different stakeholders and find joint solutions because services for women were fragmented. This fragmentation duplicates resources and does not necessarily benefit women.
- To focus energies and ideas of NGOs working in this area.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- The organising committee for the conference included academics with experience in the area of violence against women.
- Speakers for the conference included Government representatives and NGOs.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- Women subject to violence are hindered in economic and social development. This project contributes towards building a secure environment for women and empowering them to take control and make positive changes in their lives.
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Project #12
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Title :
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Boys and Girls in the 21st Century
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Date:
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Nov. 1999
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Duration:
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12 months
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Aims:
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- To eliminate potential gender bias in the Secondary School Allocation System operated by the Education Department.
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Target demographic: Education Department, principals, teachers, students, parents, NGOs.
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Structure of the project:
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- Conducted formal investigation into the Secondary School Allocation System
- Published report on Findings
- Held conference to publicise findings and discuss implications
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Rationale behind the project:
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- The EOC was made aware of potential bias in the allocation system following complaints from concerned parents and found it necessary to study the issue.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- Formal investigation was conducted with the cooperation of a government department.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- The right for girls and boys to receive equal access to education and social development.
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Project #13
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Title:
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Dress Code for female teachers and students
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Date:
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January 2001
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Duration:
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12 months
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Aims:
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- To persuade primary and secondary schools to amend their dress code that bars female teachers and students from wearing trousers unless the weather drops below 10 degree centigrade.
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Target demographic : Principals, teachers and students.
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Structure of the project:
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- Conducted survey on teachers to ascertain their views on dress code for female teachers and students. Findings from survey are currently being studied.
- To liase and discuss the issue with relevant schools and the Education Department.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- To highlight the issue of gender stereotypes and to marshal support.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- The survey was developed and conducted with the assistance of the teachers’ union.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- To challenge gender stereotypical ideas that infringe on the rights of female teachers and students. Current dress code in schools reinforces the prevailing societal view on the role of women, i.e. how they should behave and what they should wear. By changing these ideas, it empowers women and girls to question the status quo and to expand the scope of their personal development.
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Project #14
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Title:
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The Study of Design Technology and Home Economics
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Date:
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January - October 1999
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Duration:
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12 months (monitoring ongoing)
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Aims:
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- To ensure that the study of Design Technology and Home Economics in the schools is not restricted by sex
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Target demographic: Education Department, principals, teachers.
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Structure of the project:
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- Conducted survey to establish current status in schools regarding gender restrictions imposed on students in their choice of subject.
- Organised workshop to share best practices.
- Advised the Education Department of the survey findings, which led to the department issuing Administrative Circulars to schools to remind them that gender restrictions may violate the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.
- EOC continues to monitor annually the developing status.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Following complaints from parents that their sons were prohibited from studying Home Economics, a study was conducted to establish the number of schools that do/do not impose restrictions. Subsequent publicity helped drew attention to the issue.
- The workshop to share best practices was useful to show principals the ways of changing this traditional practice and the advantages of lifting this restriction.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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No.
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In what ways does this project promote / protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- It allows school children of both sexes to freely develop socially and culturally in a formal educational setting.
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Project #15
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Title :
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Equal Opportunities School Education Campaign
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Date:
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October 1996
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Duration:
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Ongoing
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Aims:
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- To promote the values and principles underpinning equal opportunities from childhood.
- To provide alternative views to traditional values and beliefs that are discriminatory.
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Target demographic: Students in various age groups, teachers.
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Structure of the project:
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- Jointly designed and produced a training module aimed at raising the awareness of teachers and students on gender and disability discrimination.
- Commissioned a drama group, which worked with puppets, to stage performances at 174 primary schools on adopting a sensitive and non-judgemental attitude to other people.
- Commissioned drama group to perform to primary and secondary school children on preventing and dealing with sexual harassment.
- Organised annual summer youth camps where anti-discrimination messages were incorporated in games and performances.
- Produced educational CD ROMs and organised periodic drama competitions.
- Delivery of talks in schools.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Children and young people are targeted in the long-term education strategy because the younger generation is likely to be more receptive to new ideas and can become the catalyst for change.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- The development of activities under this project are assisted by relevant organisations such as NGOs, the Education Department, schools, artists etc.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- This project aims to inform children from a young age of the rights of others as well as their own. It helps them understand their own rights and give them confidence to assert these rights. It also helps them to foster respect for individuals and learn to live harmoniously with different people.
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Project #16
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Title :
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Territory-wide Publicity Programmes
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Date:
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October 1996
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Duration:
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Ongoing
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Aims:
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- To promote public awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discrimination laws.
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Target demographic:
- The entire community.
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Structure of the project:
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- Publication of a quarterly newsletter freely distributed to the public.
- Co-produced a series of docu-drama on discrimination cases with a TV station.
- Co-produced and hosted educational programmes on radio.
- Delivery of free talks on request and rolling programme of road shows covering the whole of Hong Kong to increase awareness of the EOC and its services, and individual rights under anti-discrimination laws.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Public education is vital because legislation alone does not change discriminatory attitudes. These activities also help to bring the EOC closer to the community and to elicit their support for EOC’s work.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
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- With the exception of talks, the development of activities are assisted by a range of organisations including Government departments, media organisations, public bodies and NGOs.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- By making the community aware of their rights and entitlements and informing them of redress mechanisms in cases of violations.
- By being more aware of own individual rights, the community also learns to respect the rights of others and take more care not to violate them.
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Project #17
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Title :
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Community Participation Funding Programme
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Date:
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September 1996
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Duration:
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Ongoing
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Aims:
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- To promote public awareness of equal opportunities issues and anti-discrimination laws, and the individual rights under these laws.
- To foster understanding and respect through community participation.
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Target demographic:
- Varies. Some funding programmes target the entire community while others target specific groups such as women, people with disabilities, young people, etc.
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Structure of the project:
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- Provided financial assistance to mainly NGOs to raise public awareness of equal opportunities and of rights and obligations under anti-discrimination ordinances.
- To date, 226 projects have received funding.
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Rationale behind the project:
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- Community projects that have received assistance are diverse in nature due to the flexible funding criteria. This flexibility is intended to encourage and accommodate different expressions of ideas on promoting equal opportunities and anti-discrimination.
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Was the project developed and implemented in cooperation with non-government organizations and governments? Please explain the nature and extent of this cooperation.
|
|
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- Discussion fora with NGOs are organised to obtain their feedback and concerns. These views, together with the types of projects that have applied for funding, have shaped the development of the funding programme.
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In what ways does this project promote/protect economic, social and cultural rights?
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- By making the community aware of their rights and entitlements and informing them of redress mechanisms in cases of violations.
- By being more aware of own individual rights, the community also learns to respect the rights of others and take more care not to violate them.
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Final question – common response to all 17 projects
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Does your approach to the promotion/protection of economic social and cultural rights differ from your approach to the promotion/protection of civil and political rights? If so, how and why?
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- The two approaches are similar because of the principles of indivisibility and interdependence of human rights.
- The basic approach to promoting and protecting the rights listed above is that of empowerment and advocacy. Briefly, this involves disseminating information to the community using many different channels, giving advice, bridging the communication gap between the community and policy makers, and strategic litigation.
- A longer-term approach lies in monitoring the development of policy and legislation and making recommendations to the Government. Again, this is a common approach and no distinction is made on the basis of the type of right.
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End of questionnaire. Thank you for your time.
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