'Polarised Society Makes Equalities Work Harder'

The head of the equal opportunities commission, Ricky Chu, says the rights watchdog will always be a vocal defender of equal rights amid what he described as "unwarranted attacks from across the political spectrum".

Chu, who made the comments on an edition of RTHK’s Letter to Hong Kong programme marking the watchdog's 25th anniversary, didn't reference any specific incident.

However, he faced criticism earlier this month for saying that compulsory Covid testing for domestic helpers was not discriminatory as differential treatment was allowed on public health grounds and the measure was based on employment status rather than ethnicity.

"Milestones aside, the EOC is aware that our mission to eliminate discrimination has become an increasingly daunting challenge amid the intensifying polarisation of society and the general decline of trust in public institutions," Chu said.

"Every now and then, our impartiality and professionalism have come under unwarranted attacks from across the political spectrum.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our listeners that the EOC has and will always be an independent and vocal defender of the right to equality."

Chu pointed to the fact that the watchdog had called out aspects of the government's pandemic response, including criticising inaccuracies or delays in translation of official information into languages commonly spoken by ethnic minorities.

It had also cautioned against blanket vaccination orders, saying such measures could be discriminatory against those with certain conditions, including pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.

"Looking beyond the pandemic, we believe a lot more remains to be done – from shattering the glass ceiling facing women and destigmatising mental health issues to helping non-Chinese-speaking students make a better transition from school to work.

"The EOC is also committed to advocating to the Government to expand the list of protected characteristics under the anti-discrimination law, so that new immigrants, LGBT people and other vulnerable communities can seek legal redress when subjected to undue discrimination."