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"There were also indications of street level discrimination, especially in the use of racial epithets that local people often use without thinking and usually without intent to offend or cause harm," he said.

The document also outlined existing measures against racial discrimination. These include legislation such as the Bill of Rights Ordinance which outlaws racial discrimination by the Government and public authorities, and other laws such as the Television Ordinance and the Telecommunication Ordinance.

Other measures include substantial efforts by the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education to address attitudes underlying discrimination through the school curriculum and a comprehensive programme to help new arrivals integrate into Hong Kong society.

On the possible options to address the issues, Mr Suen said that almost everyone who contributed to the compilation of the study considered education to be the best way to change the attitudes underlying discriminatory behaviour.

The document set out both sides of the argument for and against adopting legislative measures.

Essentially, those against felt that racial discrimination was not a significant problem in Hong Kong and that legislation could be counter-productive and engender vexatious litigation.

Those in favour of the legislative option argued that anti-discrimination laws were the hallmark of a civilised society. They would protect and reassure the ethnic minorities, and would demonstrate Government's commitment to eliminating discrimination.

In addition, other measures proposed by respondents included the following:

sheltered accommodation for domestic helpers in distress;

a dedicated body to assess the skills and qualifications of new arrivals;

handbooks in various languages for visitors and foreign workers;

dedicated schools for speakers of minority languages.

Reiterating the Government's firm commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all, Mr Suen said the issues were complex and a measured and prudent approach was required in Hong Kong's circumstances.

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