Great need for legislation against racial discrimination

(by young post on 4 Nov, 2002)

Discrimination in any form is repugnant and intolerable, but  unfortunately it exists. Although HK is an international city, we have to put up with the fact that there is no legal protection against racial discrimination

The International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) has been in place in HK since 1969. however the HK Government relies on "self regulation " of the public.

It is understood that the enactment of legislation on racial equality cannot eliminate discriminatory attitudes and problem altogether . However the effect could be four-fold  .

First, the introduction of such a legislation will set a standard for people to follow. Legislation is in fact a form of education and send a powerful message that racial discrimination is morally wrong. It will raise public awareness of the issue by prosecuting and reprimanding discrimination behavior

Secondly, the legislation will give victims of discrimination some redress. Thirdly, it will encourage people to act more carefully ,in order not to violate the law. And finally, legislation with penalties will provide a strong deterrent against the discriminator .People will not change significantly overnight, but legislation on racial equality is a step towards solving the problem.

At present, protection against racial indiscrimination is insufficient. The Basic Law of HK Bill of Right ordinance governs the relationship between public bodies and individuals only, and does not apply in cases between two individuals

Although racial conflicts in HK have not reached riot stage , failure to handle them in HK courts will damage the territory's  international reputation. UK daily The Guardian once used "dirty secret" to describe a scandal in which a HK resident of Indian origin was alleged to have been a victim of racial discrimination after a hospital delayed his treatment. Legislation against racial discrimination in HK is the best available solution.