Hong Kong is home to a vibrant and diverse population, including significant ethnic minority communities from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Despite their contributions, many face systemic barriers in education, employment, housing, and access to justice. Advocacy campaigns play a crucial role in amplifying their voices and pushing for policy changes. This article outlines several current advocacy campaigns focused on ethnic minority rights in Hong Kong and provides concrete steps on how you can join and make a difference.

Campaign for Equal Educational Opportunities

Education remains one of the most pressing issues for ethnic minority families. Many students from non-Chinese speaking backgrounds struggle with the Chinese language requirement for secondary school placements and university admissions. The campaign “Equal Education for All” led by organisations such as the Hong Kong Unison and the Zubin Foundation calls for a more inclusive curriculum and alternative assessment methods.

Key Demands

  • Introduction of a second language option (e.g., Urdu, Hindi, Nepali) as a core subject in public examinations.
  • Expansion of the “Chinese as a Second Language” (CSL) curriculum in all schools.
  • Removal of the Chinese language requirement for university admission for ethnic minority students who have studied in non-Chinese medium schools.

How to Join

  • Sign the online petition at change.org/EqualEducationHK.
  • Volunteer as a tutor or mentor through the tutoring programs offered by partner NGOs.
  • Attend public forums and town hall meetings – check the Hong Kong Unison website for upcoming events.
  • Write to the Secretary for Education via the official government portal expressing your support for inclusive education.

For more details on the current education system and resources, see our school enrollment guide.

Anti-Discrimination Law Reform Campaign

Hong Kong’s anti-discrimination laws, including the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO), have been criticised for weak enforcement and limited scope. The “Strengthen the RDO” campaign, spearheaded by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and civil society groups, aims to amend the ordinance to cover indirect discrimination, harassment by public bodies, and to lower the burden of proof for complainants.

Key Demands

  • Amend the RDO to prohibit indirect discrimination and racial harassment in all areas of public life.
  • Extend protection to cover discrimination by government departments and public authorities.
  • Establish a dedicated tribunal for race discrimination cases to expedite hearings.

How to Join

  • Submit a written submission to the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs during public consultation periods.
  • Participate in the EOC’s public education workshops – register at eoc.org.hk/workshops.
  • Share your personal story of discrimination (anonymously if desired) through the anti-discrimination laws page to help build the case for reform.
  • Follow the Hong Kong Unison social media channels for updates on rallies and signature drives.

Language Access and Interpretation Services Campaign

Access to government services, healthcare, and legal assistance is severely limited for ethnic minorities who do not speak Cantonese or English. The “Language Justice” campaign advocates for the provision of professional interpretation and translation services in all public-facing government offices and hospitals.

Key Demands

  • Mandatory provision of interpretation services at all public hospitals and clinics, with a budget allocation of at least HKD 50 million annually.
  • Development of a government-certified interpreter roster for South Asian languages.
  • Translation of all key government forms and websites into Urdu, Hindi, Nepali, Tagalog, and Bahasa Indonesia.

How to Join

  • Volunteer as a community interpreter through organisations like the interpretation services page lists training programs.
  • Sign the petition on change.org/LanguageJusticeHK.
  • Contact your District Council member and ask them to raise the issue in council meetings.
  • Donate to NGOs that provide free interpretation services, such as the Hong Kong Unison’s Language Support Fund.

For more on translation assistance, read our translation assistance documents article.

Workers’ Rights and Fair Employment Campaign

Ethnic minority workers often face exploitation, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. The “Fair Work for All” campaign, supported by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) and the Migrant Workers Programme, demands stronger labour protections and enforcement.

Key Demands

  • Mandatory employment contracts in the worker’s native language.
  • Establishment of a dedicated Labour Department hotline for ethnic minority workers with multilingual support.
  • Regular inspections of workplaces employing large numbers of ethnic minority staff.

How to Join

  • Attend the annual Labour Rights Forum organised by HKCTU – check their website for dates.
  • Report labour violations through the workers rights HK page which provides a list of legal aid contacts.
  • Distribute flyers in ethnic minority neighbourhoods about workers’ rights.
  • Support the campaign financially via the HKCTU donation page.

Immigration and Refugee Rights Campaign

Hong Kong’s immigration policies for non-refoulement claimants and overstayers are under scrutiny. The “Right to Stay” campaign, led by the Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre (HKRAC) and Justice Centre Hong Kong, calls for a fair and efficient asylum determination system.

Key Demands

  • Establishment of a formal refugee status determination procedure under Hong Kong law.
  • Provision of work permits for asylum seekers who have been waiting for more than six months.
  • Access to public healthcare and education for all refugee children.

How to Join

  • Volunteer as a legal assistant or translator through the immigration advice page.
  • Participate in the annual “Refugee Week” events – visit HKRAC’s website for details.
  • Write to the Secretary for Security urging the adoption of a humane refugee policy.
  • Host a film screening or discussion about refugee issues in your community.

Cultural Recognition and Representation Campaign

Ethnic minority festivals and cultural practices are often overlooked in Hong Kong’s public calendar. The “Celebrate Diversity” campaign pushes for official recognition of festivals such as Diwali, Eid, and Filipino Independence Day as public holidays or at least as school holidays.

Key Demands

  • Inclusion of Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha as public holidays for all workers.
  • Mandatory multicultural education in schools covering the histories and contributions of ethnic minorities.
  • Funding for community-led cultural events and festivals.

How to Join

For inspiring stories of individuals making a difference, see our success stories and youth voices articles.

How to Stay Informed and Take Action

Beyond specific campaigns, you can stay engaged by subscribing to newsletters from Hong Kong Unison, the Zubin Foundation, and the Equal Opportunities Commission. Follow Legislative Council meetings online and submit your views on relevant bills. Use your voice on social media with hashtags like #EqualEducationHK, #LanguageJustice, and #FairWorkForAll. Most importantly, build relationships with ethnic minority communities – listen to their needs and amplify their demands.

For a comprehensive overview of rights and resources, refer to our complete guide to ethnic minority rights and resources in Hong Kong.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Ethnic Minority Rights and Resources in Hong Kong
  • Anti-Discrimination Laws in Hong Kong: What You Need to Know
  • Workers’ Rights in Hong Kong: A Guide for Ethnic Minorities
  • Immigration Advice for Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong
  • Success Stories: Ethnic Minorities Making a Difference in Hong Kong