Blog

Corruption of omission: looking the other way from something patently wrong

Feb 15th, 2015 | Crime, Legal, Media | Comment

SCMP - Corruption thrives in Hong Kong

AFP photographer visits the slums

Feb 13th, 2015 | Housing, Immigration, Media | Comment

Following the death of a refugee in the Hong Kong slums, AFP went on assignment with the Refugee Union. The shameful treatment of vulnerable asylum seekers was captured by an expert lens for the world to witness. Over a day we visited five notorious slums and met refugees who on average waited already five years for a decision on their claims without receiving a reply. They wait patiently in total destitution as those responsible turn a blind eye to their plight. 

The material used to partition slum rooms are advertising billboards that might have been discarded after some fancy show at luxury shopping mall. It is striking that amid the city’s unbridled affluence there are human beings suffering under government care without proper accommodation. These living conditions tarnish the reputation of Hong Kong as an international financial centre where every person ought to be treated with respect, irrespective of immigration status.

The refugees welcomed us inside their shacks where, they explained, every item was recovered from garbage pits including electric stoves and flat-panel TVs. They spoke about the dynamics of survival in a metropolis, where coping without work is harsher than most people  imagine. Despite such odds, refugees preserve great dignity which was masterfully captured by the photographer.

From all accounts, it might be the twilight of refugee slums in Hong Kong and the Refugee Union was grateful for the coverage this reprehensible policy is getting. “Show the world how they treat us,” exclaimed Afzaal from Pakistan, “We are not animals to lock in a farm shed. One night a snake bit my leg inside my hut. I had no idea if it was poisoned. We are scared of electricity, flooding, fires and the police banging our doors in the middle of the night. We are refugees, not criminals.”

 

Erwiana’s case is not isolated, and government must broaden protection for all helpers

Feb 12th, 2015 | Media, VF Team | Comment

SCMP - Erwiana's case is not isolated - 12Feb2015

Don’t lie to your lawyer

Feb 11th, 2015 | Immigration, Legal, Media | Comment

Don't lie to your lawyer

ISS-HK director quitting DAB chairmanship

Feb 9th, 2015 | Housing, Media | Comment

According to Wikipedia, Mr. Tam Yiu Chung is the Legislative Council (LegCo) representative for New Territories West from 1998 till present.

Mr. Tam Yiu Chung was appointed member of the board of directors of International Social Service (ISS-HK) on 23 November 1999.

According to our list of 69 slums, 64 are located in New Territories West, while 5 were established near Ping Che (NT East) by an operator from Kam Tin. 

SCMP - DAB chairman Tam Yiu-chung retires

違法寮屋火災奪難民命 社署:難民選擇留居該處

Feb 7th, 2015 | Food, Housing, Media, Welfare | Comment

inMedia on the plight of refugees - 6Feb2015

百多名難民指控社福署為殺人兇手

Feb 7th, 2015 | Housing, Media, Welfare | Comment

inMedia on RU protest at SWD - 6Feb2015

Asylum seekers stage a protest for their rights

Feb 6th, 2015 | Housing, Media | Comment

AFP - RU protest at SWD after slum fire - 6Feb2015

Hong Kong refugee rules shake-up urged after Sri Lankan dies in ‘slum’ fire

Feb 6th, 2015 | Housing, Media, Welfare | Comment

SCMP - RU protest at SWD after slum fire - 6Feb2015

是難民,不是敵人:錦上路奪命火災揭難民非人生活

Feb 6th, 2015 | Housing, Media, Welfare | Comment

inMedia on the slum fire - 6Feb2015

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