THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
The Zubin Foundation 2021 Policy Recommendations to Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong 23 September 2021 Email: ceo@ceo.gov.hk
1.
Ethnic Minority Representation on Advisory and Statutory Bodies
1.1
Since 2016 this administration has onboarded ethnic minorities with the relevant skills and experiences onto Advisory and Statutory Bodies (ASBs). This has been one of the greatest achievements of this administration about inclusion.
1.2
This inclusion is critical for Hong Kong for many reasons. It helps to give Hong Kong a competitive advantage by giving us access to a wider and more diverse set of views from different segments of the population. It also allows us to capitalize from our Hong Kong population with global viewpoints which may help Hong Kong differentiate itself from other cities in the Mainland. Also, it will ensure that we have access to some of the deep-rooted issues in the ethnic minority community so that we may address them suitably, such as the high poverty rate in some segments of this population.
1.3
We ask that the administration have a 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 to including best practice. The administration already works towards a target of 35% women and 15% youth on ASBs.
1.4
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. The reporting should include how many ethnic minorities on ASBs, how many ASBs have ethnic minorities and changes since the previous year.
2.
Funding for ethnic minority support programme for victims of family violence
2.1
In the 2019 Policy Address, the government said it would engage an NGO in to raise ethnic minorities’ awareness of domestic violence and sexual violence through community education programmes and encourage victims to seek help. The Zubin Foundation has been providing support to victims of domestic violence since 2019 and we have witnessed an increase in domestic violence victims from the ethnic minority community in the last 12 months. Much more funding and resources are needed in this area as there are many cultural issues to address which take time and a solid strategic view to change mindsets. Funding is also badly needed and should also look at how to provide women with ongoing support in English, Hindu, Urdu, and Nepali. This would include working with women on how to live a life free of fear.
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