Charities in Hong Kong forced to reveal finances – but critics say new measures don’t go far enough
Voluntary set of ‘good practice’ guidelines also issued in response to criticism from watchdog over lax rules in sector
Charities operating in Hong Kong will have to reveal their financial accounts on a designated government webpage for public inspection as part of a series of measures to make their fundraising activities and use of donations more transparent.
The administrative measures, announced on Wednesday in response to the government audit chief’s criticism last year over lax rules in the sector, also introduced a voluntary set of “good practice” guidelines for charities to follow.
But critics said the measures, announced by three government departments, were too mild and called for a statutory commission to oversee charities and their fundraising.
Members of the public can also call a telephone hotline, 3142 2678, with inquiries or complaints about fundraising activities in public.
A 33-page “good practice guide on charitable fundraising”, covering donors’ rights, fundraising practices and financial accountability, has also been made available. Charities are advised, among other steps, to issue receipts to donors and to limit the frequency of solicitations if asked.