THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
The Zubin Foundation
2024 Policy Recommendations to Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong
9th September, 2024
Email: ceo@ceo.gov.hk
1. Introduction to The Zubin Foundation
1.1. The Zubin Foundation (IR: 91/12344) is a registered charity committed to improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities (EM) by providing opportunities and reducing suffering.
1.2. We conduct outreach projects by providing training, counselling, and other well-being services to our service users, including managing the Call Mira helpline for women and girls and our scholarships programme Ethnic minority children and their parents are one of our key stakeholders, in particular, ethnic minority children in emotional distress, ethnic minority children with special educational needs and their parents, parents who lack parenting skills, parents and children who need immediate safety support, organising elderly gatherings for over 100 EM elderlies per week etc.
1.3. The following recommendations are based on our observations on our engagement with over 10,000 individuals within the ethnic minority community.
2. Preamble
2.1. Hong Kong’s diverse community enriches Hong Kong's narrative, showcasing its multiculturalism and global reach. The ethnic minority population is a vibrant and dynamic force, bringing a wealth of energy and diversity to the city
2.1.1. With a median age of 38.5, significantly younger than the general population, they inject a youthful spirit and fresh perspectives.1
2.1.2. Their multilingualism is an asset, enabling Hong Kong to connect with a wider global audience. The widespread use of English among ethnic minorities (86%)2 . coupled with their increasing Cantonese proficiency and the unique dialects they bring, create a rich linguistic tapestry that adds to Hong Kong's cultural vibrancy.
2.1.3. The growing number of ethnic minority elders, which has increased by a staggering 160% from 9,910 in 2011 to 25,792 in 2021, demonstrates their deep-rooted connection to Hong Kong and their commitment to making it their home.
1 Source: CENSUS (2023), 2021 Population Census – Thematic Report: Ethnic Minorities, p.7 (Paragraph 2.6)
2 Source: CENSUS (2023), 2021 Population Census – Thematic Report: Ethnic Minorities, p.57 (Table 4.5)
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
3. Recommendations
3.1.
Attracting Tourism, Talent and International Students
3.1.1.Develop multicultural elements for tourism: Hong Kong's ethnic minorities are not only a vibrant part of the city's fabric but also a potential goldmine for tourism. Their diverse cultural traditions, languages, and cuisines offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Imagine exploring vibrant South Asian stores, savoring authentic cuisine, or witnessing the colorful celebrations of different festivals. These unique cultural offerings can be integrated into tourist itineraries, showcasing Hong Kong's multiculturalism and attracting visitors seeking authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions. By embracing and showcasing the richness of ethnic minorities, Hong Kong can become a truly global destination, attracting travelers seeking to experience the city's diverse tapestry.
3.1.1.1. Fully leverage the potential of multicultural tourism in Hong Kong, it's crucial to empower ethnic minorities to become storytellers of their own cultures. By investing in developing their talents and providing them with platforms to share their unique perspectives, we can create authentic and engaging experiences for visitors. This could involve supporting ethnic minority-owned businesses, promoting cultural events and festivals, and training individuals to become tour guides, interpreters, and cultural ambassadors. By empowering ethnic minorities to tell their own stories, we can create a truly immersive and enriching experience for tourists, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of cultures that makes Hong Kong so special.
3.1.2.Attract international talent: To attract international top talent to come to Hong Kong, Hong Kong needs to demonstrate that it is international. To do this, Hong Kong needs to have multiethnic faces on its media campaigns outside and inside of Hong Kong.
3.1.3.Attract international students: To attract international students into Hong Kong, Hong Kong ethnic minorities should be included in helping to think through how to do this in different countries and with their extended networks across the globe and be part of the international roadshow to high schools across the world. It is parents who make decisions for their children abroad and ethnic minorities can help to share experiences of living in Hong Kong as nonChinese to put parents fears and anxieties at bay.
3.2. Advisory and Statutory Bodies (ASBs)
3.2.1. We commend the government for onboarding more ethnic minorities since the publication of the first Diversity List in 2016.
3.2.2. Ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are not just residents, they are active members of the community, deeply invested in its future. Many are highly skilled professionals, eager to contribute their expertise and diverse perspectives to the betterment of the city. Their commitment to Hong Kong is evident in their willingness to serve on Advisory Statutory Boards (ASBs), where they can provide valuable insights.
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
3.2.3. We ask that the administration have an explicit target of at least one ethnic minority individual in each of the major committees of the HKSARG. This target setting is in line with being accountable for racial inclusion and equal opportunity and role modelling inclusion to the private sector, universities and schools, and NGOs. The administration already works towards a target of 35% women and 15% youth on ASBs, and therefore adding a racial inclusion target is in line with the HKSAR administration’s efforts to make Hong Kong more inclusive at ASBs.
3.2.4. While many ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are committed to serving the city and possess the skills and experience to contribute to advisory statutory boards (ASBs), language barriers can sometimes hinder their participation. While Cantonese is widely spoken, many ethnic minorities are fluent in English, another official language of Hong Kong. To ensure inclusivity and maximize the benefits of diverse perspectives, we suggest that reasonable accommodations be made at ASBs to provide language interpretation services for those who speak English only. This would enable individuals with valuable expertise and experience, regardless of their language proficiency, to contribute to the important work of these boards. By creating a more inclusive environment, Hong Kong can fully leverage the talents and perspectives of its diverse population, fostering a more representative and effective governance structure. Also, by ensuring that non- Chinese are included across ASBs, Hong Kong is demonstrating that it is international in nature and wants to include all its population.
3.2.5. We also ask the government to report on a yearly basis on the numbers of ethnic minorities (people of non-Chinese descent) who are on ASB’s and the number of ASBs they sit on.
3.2.6. Bureaus and Departments should be reminded to include ethnic minorities on ASBs.
3.3. Steering Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs
3.3.1. We commend the administration for continuing its high-level internal Steering Committee for ethnic minorities chaired by the Chief Secretary. It is important for the bureaus and departments to continue to share knowledge internally and look at ways of working collaboratively to improve the lives of Hong Kong's ethnic minorities.
3.3.2. On the other hand, to effectively address the needs and concerns of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, it is crucial to ensure that the steering committee responsible for their affairs is wellinformed and equipped with the necessary knowledge and insights. We suggest that the government invite a diverse range of stakeholders and experts to share their knowledge and perspectives with the committee members. This could include representatives from ethnic minority communities, academics specializing in multiculturalism and social inclusion, NGO representatives with experience working directly with EMs, and professionals working in fields that directly impact ethnic minorities, such as education, healthcare, and employment. By engaging with these diverse voices, the steering committee can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing ethnic minorities, leading to more effective policies and programs that truly address their needs.
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
3.4. Mental health
3.4.1. We commend the administration and the Advisory Committee for Mental Health (ACMH) for recognising the current gap in the provision of mental health interventions for the ethnic minority community and for funding, on a pilot basis over a two-year period, the mental health of ethnic minorities (as per Policy Address 2022 para 107) through the Ethnic Minority WellBeing Centre (EMWBC), run by The Zubin Foundation.
3.4.2. The severity of the mental health of EMs is disturbing. As per The Zubin Foundation’s Mental Health of Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong research report launched in March 2023 (https://www.zubinfoundation.org/share-the-publication-save-the-publication-to-a-stack-liketo-get-better-recommendations-download-the-publication-document-details-mental-health-ofethnic-minorities-in-hong-kong/), the majority of those seeking mental health support in the ethnic minority community are assessed as ‘severe to extremely severe’ in terms of depression, anxiety and stress levels. While the funding from the HKSARG through the ACMH (as per 5.1 above) to The Zubin Foundation's counselling services to ethnic minorities is an important and significant step, we urge the government to consider regularise this project. Also more needs to be done in three specific areas.
3.4.3. One, more outreach to EM communities so that those at risk know that there is cultural and language appropriate help available through the EMWBC. The tragedy in 2023, of the three young daughters murdered by their mother highlights the need for disseminating this information. This can be done using a district approach, assigning more resources to EM organisations or ICCMWs at district level, training more EMs to conduct outreach work, raising awareness of mental health and to identify individuals who may have mental health needs and refer them to appropriate services.
3.4.3.1. The government to develop an integrated network with social welfare, education and mental health service providers, NGOs, school and government units, on how we can better support the community on mental health, in particular the vulnerable ones.
3.4.3.2. Currently we observe the inefficiency of referral higher risk clients to ICCMWs and then to hospital while ICCMWs need to spend more time to build the relationships and trusts with the clients again. This also puts the higher risk individuals at risk of feeling rejected by EMWBC and helpless as they are being passed from one organisation (EMWBC) to another (ICCMWs). We urge the government to increase the funding to EMWBC for this purpose. Funding is required for (1) hand-holding service to take high risk individuals to GPs for visits; (2) referral to HA psychiatrist, (3) active case management
3.4.3.3. In order for 3.4.3.2. to take place, and for EMWBC to remain sustainable in a longer term, the government needs to assist in bringing in qualified counsellors who speak Nepali, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu, etc. and provide sufficient funding for EMWBC to bring individuals in from abroad on expatriate package. As Hong Kong has very limited supply of qualified and experienced counsellor who speak these languages. Given the complexity of the EMWBC cases, qualified mental health professionals are required.
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong.
香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
3.4.4. Two, greater links between NGOs and public sector psychiatric services. TZF is unable to provide counselling services to individuals who demonstrate moderate/severe suicidal risk, and these clients are advised to seek psychiatric help through either Accident and Emergency units in public hospitals or through ICCMWs. We have also seen clients who score ‘severe ‘in the depression, anxiety and stress scale and would greatly benefit from seeing psychiatrists but cannot afford
3.4.5. As such, we would like a direct referral mechanism so that such ‘moderate’/’severe’ suicidal risk clients are seen promptly:
3.4.5.1. The Zubin Foundation's Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre to be included as a partner in the Community Psychiatric Services so that direct referrals can be made in the rare cases of involuntary admissions.
3.4.5.2. The Zubin Foundation's Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre to be included as a partner in the Integrated Mental Health programmes or other public sector psychiatric support services so that clients who require mental health-related medication can be referred directly.
3.4.6. Three, the talent pipeline for ethnic minority mental health providers is seriously lacking This poses an enormous risk to those in the EM community of they cannot access mental health provisions with the language and cultural know-how. We propose that the government helps in three specific ways:
3.4.6.1. Encourage all universities and tertiary educational institutions to offer places to ethnic minorities in counselling, psychology and social work degrees, and consider setting a target number. In 2018 to 2021, we know that fewer than five places went to EM individuals in the (post-graduate) counselling programmes of four HK tertiary institutions. Provide financial Incentives for EM students to study mental health-related degrees at universities Because of the need for more EM mental health professionals, we propose the government provide financial bursaries to EMs to study the one-year full-time postgrad in counselling and this is currently offered at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, City University of Hong Kong
3.4.6.2. Consider a fast-track entry for EMs qualified as mental health practitioners from reputable academic institutions abroad to come to HK and practice as counsellors
3.5. Victims of family violence
3.5.1. In the 2019 Policy Address, the government noted that it would raise ethnic minorities’ awareness of domestic violence and sexual violence through community education programmes and encourage victims to seek help. The Zubin Foundation has noted an increase in domestic violence and more outreach to the ethnic minority community is needed to inform women and children about help that is available. 
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
3.5.2. Funding for domestic violence programmes in the EM community to help women victims of EM gain resilience.
3.6.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Suspected Child Abuse Cases
3.6.1. The Zubin Foundation is an advocate of mandatory reporting of child abuse (MRCA). The government will need to ensure sufficient resources are provided to raise awareness to ethnic minority parents and the ethnic minority community at large, including engaging the religious leaders and business leaders in the community as well as other individuals like counsellors, teacher assistants (TAs) in the education sector and other programme/project workers in NGOs, tutorial centres, extra-curricular activities teachers and assistants, childcare providers, foreign domestic helpers, etc.
3.6.2. We know there are a significant number of ethnic minority children who attend religious places (Mosques, Madrassas, Churches, Temples, Sikh temples, etc.) very regularly, sometimes every day. Given the event concerning a 13-year-old boy by a religious studies teacher in Quarry Bay at a Madrassa in early August 20233 , the compulsory reporting should cover settings like this which often host a large number of children. And most importantly, any training needs to be made compulsory for teachers and religious leaders in these settings.
3.6.3. We are very concerned that in the event of an ethnic minority child being taken into government custody in a suspected child abuse case, that the foster care system and group homes (ie institutional care) may not adequately understand the cultural nuances of placing an ethnic minority child in care. It is important that the Social Welfare Department consider including ethnic minority representatives on their governance committees
3.6.4. The drafted bill will need to also provide clear examples from children of all backgrounds, including ethnic minority backgrounds.
3.6.5. Many of our service users who are ethnic minority parents wish to learn more parenting skills It appears that some parents may consider corporal punishment because they may lack education and knowledge about other tools to discipline their children and may have their own anger management issues
3.6.6. We urge the government to invest in and fund research and programmes on different researchbased parenting which are developed with a lens of cultural perspective and have a specific programme supporting parents with children with special educational needs.
3.6.7. Forced marriage is frequently overlooked in discussions surrounding child abuse. However, it exists in Hong Kong, for details, please visit: https://www.zubinfoundation.org/ourwork/forced-marriage/ Many social workers and educators perceive marriage primarily as a cultural or familial issue, which can lead to a lack of awareness and understanding of the complexities involved. As a result, they may feel ill-equipped to address the situation
3 Source: SCMP, “Hong Kong religious studies teacher charged with slapping 13-year-old boy during lesson” https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3230901/hong-kong-religious-studies-teacher-chargedslapping-13-year-old-boy-during-lesson
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
appropriately. It is essential to provide targeted training for these professionals to enhance their understanding of forced marriage, its implications, and the resources available for intervention. By equipping social workers and teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can ensure that they are better prepared to recognize and respond to instances of forced marriage, ultimately protecting vulnerable children and supporting their well-being.
3.7. An integrated approach for Special Needs for Ethnic Minority Children is needed
3.7.1. The government has increased its support to SEN children in Hong Kong over the past 4 years and this needs to be commended.
3.7.2. The New Service Protocol for ADHD is commended but at present does not cover ethnic minority SEN children. Ethnic minority children are still not able to gain access to much of this because the service provision is in Cantonese.
3.7.3. Most children have mild to moderate SEN, and they do not need medication. Therefore, they can receive various interventions immediately and do not need to wait to see a psychiatrist to begin accessing support. The government should consider funding NGOs who are able to offer services to ethnic minorities to help with early intervention, particularly in primary and early years.
3.7.4. Health Bureau has funded a two-year Pilot Scheme for ADHD+ with give service platforms operated by 5 different NGOs, we ask the government to consider to fund a specialized service for EM, in English with support services to parents in native tongue.
3.8. Development of services for the ethnic minority elderly
3.8.1. Based on evidence suggested in the census report, there has been a noticeable increase in the elderly population (65+) within the ethnic minority community. Through more than 1000 engagements with the ethnic minority elderly within the community, we have found that there is an increasing number of ethnic minority elderly who have only recently emigrated to Hong Kong (i.e. those living in Hong Kong for 7 years or less) with the intention to settle.
3.8.2. Through such engagements, we have noticed that many of them face a similar issues, such as isolation, loneliness, and family conflict with that of the general population, leading to increased prevalence of mental health issues among them. Many of them also suffer from a variety of chronic diseases.
3.8.3. However, despite having lived in Hong Kong for several years, we have found that a significant number of ethnic minority elderly do not know how to access public resources, such as social and medical services, and other welfare resources. This is due to a lack of suitable channels that would allow them to access such resources.
3.8.4. Furthermore, while mainstream elderly care facilities and services, such as neighborhood elderly centres and district elderly community centres, can offer services to help the elderly cope with their needs, most do not have the capacity to accommodate ethnic minority elderly due to
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
language and cultural barriers, making such services inaccessible for them. In fact, some have reported discrimination from such services based on their ethnicity.
3.8.5. As the population of ethnic minority elderly settled permanently in Hong Kong would only increase for the foreseeable future, there is a need to enhance current elderly care services that are able to cater to this growing demographic.
3.8.6. We ask that the government consider strategically mapping the support for these ethnic minority elderlies including further bridging the gap between the ethnic minority elderly with mainstream public resources, providing better access to information on public resources, and facilitate better service delivery by enhancing public services providers’ understanding of the needs of the ethnic minority elderly.
3.9. Better recognition of academic qualifications from South and Southeast Asian institutions
Situation:
3.9.1. The government has been promoting the need to import foreign talent to address the issue of labour shortage in Hong Kong.
3.9.2. At the same time, there are ethnic minorities living in Hong Kong who are overseas university educated in several different fields (in STEM, nursing, medical related, for example) who are unable to gain relevant employment that is commensurate with their qualifications – because employers do not recognise their academic qualifications, resulting in them working in lowpaying jobs. This is compounded by lack of relevant Chinese language skills that would allow them to be employable for local positions.
Recommendations:
3.9.3. While Hong Kong has the QCF that facilitates the recognition of different levels of academic qualifications, ethnic minorities often do not know that it exists and do not understand how the system works. As such, it would be appropriate to increase the ethnic minority community’s understanding of QCF so that they may obtain recognition of their academic qualifications, which may lead to better employment. For those whose qualifications are assessed to be not up to standard, there should be courses and further professional development training that could allow them to meet an academic standard that is compatible with the standard required for the positions that they are applying for.
3.9.4. In terms of Chinese language skills, there is a need to establish a standardized and effective curriculum for learning Chinese as a second language so that non-Chinese speakers can gain sufficient Chinese language skills to allow them to meet requirements of prospective positions.
3.10. Tendering service from the government across bureaus and departments
3.10.1. We urge the government to take the lead that any tendering activities to give priority / extra points to the vendor organisations who provides job opportunities / provide targeting services to ethnic minorities.
3.10.2. Social services related tendering activities should include a requirement focusing on serving EM. Also, it is always important to have a mandatory requirement for periodic cultural sensitivity
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong.
香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
staff training. In addition, there should be a service indicator for clients from different backgrounds for different public service providers to report on.
3.10.3. For NGOs tendering to government on EM related projects, the government should impose that the boards of directors of these NGOs includes EMs to be comforted that the NGOs have both links and authentic understanding of the community they are serving. [Imagine, funding an NGO to assist women and there are no women on the board. It is the same thing].
3.11. Housing Authority, Hospital Authority, LCSD
3.11.1. We see the improvement in the visibility of ethnic minorities in the vast majority of government initiative -related media. It is important to send a message to the world that Hong Kong is an inclusive and welcoming city while the administration has spent a lot on the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign, it is urged the administration to continue keeping an eye on the end product to ensure it sends the correct message to the rest of the world.
3.11.2. Posters and notices on Housing Authority, Hospital Authority and LCSD venues including premises, lifts, entrance areas and notice boards should be in all of Hong Kong's official languages, including both Chinese and English. Many ethnic minorities can speak Cantonese but are unable to read Chinese. It is critical that they understand the notices which may contain important information so that they are aware of any latest updates.
3.12. Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB)
3.12.1. Hong Kong's sports teams have included members of the Non-Chinese community for a number of years. This is wonderful as sports are a platform to foster social harmony and integration. Sports such as hockey, cricket, rugby, equestrian riding, all include Hong Kong’s non- Chinese on their teams.
3.12.2. Many ethnic minority children are good at sports and have great potential to develop further and represent Hong Kong SAR in global and regional competitions. However, currently most of the classes organized or subsidized by CSTB are in Cantonese and this results in children losing interest because they cannot access these programmes. CSTB should ensure that all activities provided or supported are available to children who do not speak Cantonese. This should be included across CSTB programmes so that individuals who require this programme to be conducted in English, should have the same access opportunities. On every activity or programme organized or hosted by the CSTB, there should be a section on language and translators should be provided based on the selected language. (Cantonese/ Putonghua/ English)
3.12.3. As in the case of the provision of health services through the Hospital Authority, translators should be made available in the English language at a minimum (and as an official language of Hong Kong). Children should not be excluded from cultural and sports activities because of language. These may be the future Olympic gold winners for Hong Kong SAR
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
3.13. Housing Bureau
3.13.1. Because some ethnic minorities tend to have larger family sizes and are growing in number, they tend to wait for a much longer time than the average of 5 to 6 years. The existing waitlist for most ethnic minorities for public housing is 7 to 8 years; some have been waiting for even longer. We urge the administration to consider building more big size flats or measures when they plan the building of new public estates
3.13.2. More ethnic minority families can move to light public housing, transitional housing and public housing estates. We urge the government to help promote racial inclusion in these newly built estates (whether these are short term or not) through different inclusion programmes for all residents there to promote a harmony and inclusive environment.
3.14. Education Bureau
3.14.1. It is very important to build EM professionals (EM social workers, EM counsellors, EM psychologists, EM nurses, EM doctors, etc.) to handle more severe cases with treatment-related casework To do so, the government must encourage universities to admit EMs into these courses. We need these talents to slowly and eventually build a diverse workforce.
3.14.2. We also urge the government to support NGOs in conducting life and career planning for EM students in Hong Kong. Most students lack visibility of what their future could be in Hong Kong given they see Hong Kong as their home, they do not see much hope here.
3.15. Anti-Race Discrimination Public Awareness
3.15.1. The Zubin Foundation has observed a steady increase in racial discrimination against ethnic minorities over the last year from our work with EM children, elderly, etc. This manifests itself in schools, in the rental of homes, in public transport and in daily life.
3.15.2. School-aged children are seeing our counsellors and are traumatised by the daily abuse at school and race discrimination from teachers and students alike.
3.15.3. In addition, discrimination complaints from ethnic minority teachers and teacher assistants have increased with many complaining that their school has discriminated against them for their dress and their ethnicity.
3.15.4. Furthermore, we have seen an increase in race discrimination against ethnic minorities seeking rental accommodations.
3.15.5. We strongly recommend that the government enhance public awareness of inclusion and acceptance of ethnic minorities as fellow Hong Kong people. The government is urged to take a very strong stance against race discrimination.
3.16. Mandatory Training for frontline staff DoH, EDB and SWD on unconscious bias
3.16.1. We commend the government for improving the Administrative Guidelines on Promotion of Racial Equality (Guidelines) in April 2020. Alongside the guideline, the government is strongly encouraged to begin training frontline staff in the Department of Health, Social Welfare Department and Education Bureau. This should apply to those who work directly in the community and those who are in public relations.
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org
Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
3.17. Statutory Children's Commission
3.17.1. We urge the administration to consider the setting up of an independent statutory commission for children in line with international best practice. It is critical that the lives of children are considered as fundamental to policymaking in Hong Kong and that the needs of children are considered all the time.
3.18. Clarification on legal guidelines concerning Muslim marriages and divorces
3.18.1. We have found that Legal Aid is rejecting the divorce applications concerning women married in Pakistan. Many of these women are from Hong Kong. Legal Aid should be made aware of the case of RM v AY in 2023 here a woman was married in Pakistan and the case for divorce was heard in Hong Kong.
4. Enquiries:
4.1. For further information and discussion, please contact:
Shalin Mahtani, Founder and CEO, email at mummy@zubinfoundation.org
Sandy Chan, Operations Director, email at sandy@zubinfoundation.org End
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344).
小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。
Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。
Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org