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Education

In 2015, the commission released a report on the "Youth Competitiveness Indicator System in Hong Kong" study, which aimed to clarify the concept of youth competitiveness, develop approaches to define the concept and propose assessment standards and coverage.

Children's Rights

The Children's Rights Forum is a platform for children's organisations, children and the government to exchange views on matters that concern children. This platform helps the Family Council assess the impact of government policies on the family by relaying to the council children's views on government initiatives expressed at the forum. To enhance understanding of children's rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Children's Rights Education Funding Scheme has supported non-governmental bodies to implement around 270 projects since its establishment in 2006.

Promotion of Racial Equality and Harmony

Committee on the Promotion of Racial Harmony

The committee advises the government on the promotion of racial harmony and equality, including the provision of support services for ethnic minorities, and on proposals for race- related public education and publicity. Secretariat support is provided by the Home Affairs. Department's Race Relations Unit.

Support Services for Ethnic Minorities

The department commissions non-governmental organisations to run six support service centres and two sub-centres for ethnic minorities, offering tailor-made classes, counselling and integration programmes. The youth units in all these centres provide dedicated activities for ethnic minority youths. One centre also provides free language interpretation on the telephone to assist ethnic minorities in the use of public services. The department sponsors two community support teams to offer special services for ethnic minority groups through members of their own communities.

In addition, the department funds radio programmes and publishes service guidebooks in a number of ethnic minority languages. Other services include District-based Integration Programmes to help ethnic minorities better understand Hong Kong and encourage them to take part in community activities; the Ambassador Scheme, which introduces public services to ethnic minorities and makes referrals where necessary; and the Youth Ambassador Scheme to proactively reach out to ethnic minority youths who are in need of services. The department also recruits people who are familiar with ethnic minority cultures and languages to promote racial harmony in the community.

Websites

Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau: www.cmab.gov.hk

Education Bureau: www.edb.gov.hk

Home Affairs Bureau: www.hab.gov.hk

Home Affairs Department: www.had.gov.hk

Race Relations Unit: www.had.gov.hk/rru/

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