PROTEST – Erwiana Suspect in Court as Gov’t Ignores Calls for Reform


As the employer accused of torturing Indonesian helper Erwiana Sulistyaningsih appears at a Kwun Tong court facing seven charges of abuse, helpers and local people gathered at the Star Ferry last night for a candlelit vigil in her name.

Despite tireless efforts by the Justice Committee, international condemnation, multiple submissions to the government calling for reform and subsequent torture cases, the Hong Kong authorities are yet to announce any change in the rules which enabled the torture of Erwiana.

Today’s court appearance comes as the SCMP revealed that the are no laws protecting domestic workers against human trafficking. Liberty Asia found that, unlike in Macau and Taiwan, Hong Kong law is powerless to protect workers from sexual exploitation, enforced labour, domestic servitude or debt bondage…

“Figures show that between January and July last year, 2,172 foreign domestic workers were granted visa extensions to resolve legal disputes with employers or agencies, but not a single case of trafficking for forced labour was identified by the Hong Kong authorities, the report says.”

Liberty Asia are planning to compile a database of abuse cases to support legal action against agencies and moneylenders. HK Helpers Campaign is also collecting cases to challenge government policy directly.

By definition, helpers who are forced to work off a debt over several months are entrapped in a form of slavery known as debt bondage.

Although there were a record number of complaints against Hong Kong’s 1,200 employment agencies last year, the Labour Department only revoked four licences. It also admitted last week that it kept no record of employers who breach contracts.

Many local people stood alongside helpers in solidarity last night

Last night, Yentl, a local activist from Yau Ma Tei’s Tak Cheong Lane community group, spoke about the “visible and invisible violence” suffered by some helpers and how the government enables the abuse…

Yentl, a local activist from Yau Ma Tei’s Tak Cheong Lane community group

Pasha from Socialist Action also spoke about government complicity at last night’s vigil…

Dolores from the Asian Migrant Coordinating Body was a speaker at the event…

Earlier this month, employer groups gathered at government headquarters to rally against reforms that would improve the rights of domestic workers.

Over in Java, Erwiana has left hospital and confirmed that she intends to return to Hong Kong to testify against her tormentor. However, her supporters say that she has been placed under considerable pressure by Indonesian authorities who wish to control the criminal proceedings, preventing any wider change in the law.

JusticeForErwiana.com Committee members outside court this morning, via RTHK

JusticeForErwiana.com Committee members outside court this morning, via RTHK

The next court hearing is on April 29th. Please support the JusticeForErwiana.com Committee and make a donation to their efforts.

Fs3RNsal.jpg (640×361)

Members of the Justice for Erwiana Committee supporting Erwiana in Java

Also, check out the HK Helpers Campaign Action Centre – we also accept donations.

Our content and photos are available freely to the media and fellow bloggers – please contact us.

Action point:

  • Contact HK’s leader. Email the Honourable Leung Chun-ying at ceo@ceo.gov.hk, telephone 2878-3300 or fax for free viaOutfax at 2509-0580. Or write to him at Office of the Chief Executive, Tamar, Hong Kong.