With no right to work locally or open a bank account, affording daily necessities is a struggle. Here’s how you can help refugees in Hong Kong.
World Refugee Day is marked on 20 June every year, but every day is a good day to try to help refugees where we can. The Hong Kong government provides $3,200 a month in assistance to help refugees with rent, food, transportation, and utilities. But without the legal right to work, paying for education, personal care, and other expenses is a struggle. Here’s where you can make a difference and help refugees in Hong Kong by donating or volunteering.
How to help refugees in Hong Kong
1. Refugee Union
Founded with the aim to protect refugee rights and safeguard their wellbeing, Refugee Union has partnerships with other charities and social enterprises like Feeding Hong Kong and Zubin Foundation. To contribute, you can make cash donations or pay by cheque or e-payment. Alternatively, you can donate old clothes, books, laptops, and kitchen utensils.
Refugee Union, Unit E, 2 Floor, Lee Fung Building, 315-319 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9828 7176
2. Run HK
Why the name RUN? One; the members have fled from some of the world’s most serious human rights abuses in some of the hardest places to call home. Two; refugees are empowered through sports events like hiking and running as it eases their trauma, builds confidence, and brings them together in a welcoming community. RUN also provides childcare, healthcare, food, and emergency services to refugees.
To get involved, you can either make donations that will directly go towards sports events, training, equipment, transportation, and food. You can also buy a copy of their diverse cookbook that includes recipes from around the world, join their charity race, or volunteer to assist with weekly sports events.
Run Hong Kong, Suite 502, 5th Floor, Sun Hing Industrial Building, 46 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, p. 6593 8159
3. Amnesty International
Being one of the world’s largest human rights organisations, Amnesty advocates for the rights of marginalised groups including refugees, domestic workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. Refugees are sometimes frowned upon and are labelled as trouble-makers that will pose a threat to social order. Amnesty aims to educate the public about refugee’s struggles through films, talks, and online media. They also work closely with NGOs to protect refugee rights and safeguard them from hate campaigns.
Donations help to fund educational talks and campaigns advocating for human rights. Contributions can be made on a regular monthly-basis or as a one-time donation.
Amnesty International, Unit 3D, Best-o-best Commercial Centre, 32-36 Ferry Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2300 1250
4. Justice Centre HK
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHr9hPJgucy/
Since 2007, Justice Centre has worked to empower and protect marginalised groups in Hong Kong including refugees, victims of torture, human trafficking, and forced labour. Their team consists of lawyers and advocates dedicated to promoting and protecting fundamental rights and access to justice. They provide legal services, counselling, and social welfare services.
You can make direct donations, or if you’re in the legal sector, you can partner with the Justice Centre to join their team.
Justice Centre HK, theDesk, 511 Queens Road West, Sai Wan. Hong Kong, p. 3109 7359
5. Grassroots Future
Grassroots Future grew out of the Table of Two Cities initiative. Launched in 2016, it uses the medium of food to tell the refugee’s narratives and to connect people from all walks of life (with a full tummy!). They also hold creative workshops, self-defence classes, and concerts to provide safe spaces for survivors of trauma through the power of sharing art and culture.
To play a part, you can make direct donations either in cash or donate used textbooks. You can also volunteer to help with their events.
You can reach out to Grassroots Future on Instagram for more information and for updates on events.
