About half of Hongkongers say discrimination is prevalent in city, according to equality watchdog survey
- Common view in Hong Kong is that discrimination based on race, age and residency status is widespread, Equal Opportunities Commission survey finds
- Watchdog makes renewed call to outlaw unfair treatment on the grounds of citizenship – such as against mainland Chinese, new arrivals
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) survey carried out between February and April this year and published on Thursday asked 1,501 residents aged 15 and above to share their experiences and perceptions of discrimination in the city.
Some 55.2 per cent and 51.1 per cent of respondents found that discrimination on the basis of residency status and race respectively was “very or quite prevalent” in Hong Kong. The same impression was shared among 49.9 per cent of the respondents in regards to age discrimination.
Residency status discrimination in the context of Hong Kong relates to the treatment of people from mainland China in the city, as well as new immigrants.
The corresponding figures for those believing that discrimination was “not too prevalent or not prevalent at all” were 42 per cent, 47.3 per cent and 48.4 per cent for residency status, race and age discrimination respectively.
The commission said there was a lack of protection in Hong Kong from discrimination on the grounds of nationality, citizenship, or residency status and suggested the government consider introducing the relevant legal provisions under the Race Discrimination Ordinance.
“The EOC has conducted an internal study to explore how to strengthen the protection of anti-discrimination laws to deal with discrimination, harassment and vilification against mainland residents and new immigrants in Hong Kong,” chairman Ricky Chu Man-kin said.
“The EOC has submitted the findings of our report to the government and will continue to follow up with the government on this matter.”