Domestic worker NGOS, lawmaker Emily Lau and the Philippines and Indonesian consulates will come together on Saturday to discuss issues affecting the helper community in Hong Kong.
Problems suffered by domestic migrant workers have recently come to the forefront in Hong Kong, with various high-profile cases highlighting just how serious and complex the circumstances impacting the rights of these women are.
As populations age and incomes rise, the demand for domestic workers is increasing. Yet the problems they face – including predatory and illegal lending practices, abuse by employers, falling prey to human trafficking, vulnerability to violent crime, and cruel and inhumane treatment – persist without satisfactory protection of their interests and rights.
To explore these issues – particularly what sending and receiving governments can do to address the situation more comprehensively and ensure enhanced protection of domestic workers – the Centre for Comparative and Public Law (CCPL) at the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Public Interest Law and Advocacy Society (PILAS) are co-sponsoring a day of structured dialogue.
While the morning session will be closed-door, a limited number of places are available with registration on a first-come-first-serve basis (details below) for members of the public who wish to attend and participate in the following sessions:
2pm – 2:10pm
Review of morning proceedings and introduction to the afternoon panels
Speakers/Moderator: Allan Bell (Director of PILAS) and Hon. Emily Lau (member of LegCo)
2:10pm – 2:35pm
Presentation: Indonesian Consulate
Speakers/Moderator: Hon. Emily Lau (Member of LegCo)
2:35pm – 3pm
Presentation: Philippines Consulate
Speakers/Moderator: Hon. Emily Lau (Member of LegCo)
3:15pm – 4:15pm
Inspirational Leaders
Moderator: Archana Kotecha (Head of Legal, PILAS)
4:15pm – 5:10pm
The Way Forward – Outcomes and Recommendations
Moderator: Hon. Emily Lau (Member of LegCo)
5:10pm – 5:15pm
Closing Remarks
Puja Kapai (Director of CCPL)
Registration for this event is essential and will close today at 5pm. It will take place at 11/F, Cheng Yu Tung Tower, Faculty of Law, University of Hong Kong.
A version of this article previous appeared on HK Helpers Campaign.
