Page 101 - Words

Society Shum Kam Yuk, Joanna 6F (2016-2017)

Dear Editor,

I am writing to bring to the attention of your readers the issue
of domestic helper abuse in Hong Kong which is pressing. In recent
years, domestic helper abuse has become more and more rampant and
commonplace despite Hong Kong being an oasis of human rights. One
notable case, Erwiana, who was savagely abused by her employer, has rung
the alarm and brought the issue under international spotlight by standing
up for her human rights. In a metropolis which takes pride in being a
developed society with a high level of social harmony and compatibility,
such unrelentingly brutal, shameless acts of abuse should never be tolerated.

First and foremost, domestic helper abuse is terribly unfair treatment
that severely violates the fundamental human rights. Foreign domestic
helpers are humans, regardless of their race, and they are not born as slaves
to serve their employers or unconditionally put up with their every single
sudden whim. They should not be deemed as inferior groups of people
just because of their occupation. They are entitled to a harmonious and
safe living environment. It is way too immoral and inhumane to deprive
them of the rights they deserve. People who flout this matter of fact or fail
to address the gravity of the situation should be justly put behind bars, in
order to add to the deterrent to illegal abuse.

In fact, domestic helper abuse not only breaches the law of humanity
and results in legal infringement, but also has a detrimental effect on
the upbringing of kids and young children. Youngsters are innocent and
impressionable. They are easily affected by the surrounding environment as

With Pride, We Stride 101