“Walking Together for Justice: Hong Kong Legal Walk Ignites Hope for Migrant Workers”

Jaime Chu (Graduate Legal Fellow) and Celine Chan (Co-Head of Hong Kong Office) walking with representatives from Equal Justice and MindHK

The pro bono legal community has always been at the forefront of supporting JWB’s mission, and we are immensely grateful for their dedication to supporting those in need. We were honored when JWB was selected as a beneficiary of the Hong Kong Legal Walk, a remarkable walkathon led by the legal community to raise HK$1 million for charitable causes.       

Together with Equal Justice and MindHK, our team embarked on a 4.5 km journey through the vibrant streets of Yau Ma Tei, King’s Park, and Reservoir Rest Garden.

The generous support we received will directly contribute to our 2023-24 HK Caseworker Mentorship Programme, an initiative that empowers leaders within the migrant domestic worker community .

We aim to train 26 union representatives, offering them over 500 hours of comprehensive training on labour law, migrant worker rights in Hong Kong, and practical know-how on case management. Through outreach sessions, secondary beneficiaries will include 75 cases screened, 30 clients interviewed, and an additional 60 union members trained through project mentees. Leveraging our mentees’ networks, we anticipate reaching over 10,000 domestic workers annually.  This will elevate the legal awareness within the community, equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves and that just compensation can be pursued even after returning home. 

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the 850 lawyers and organizers of the Hong Kong Legal Walk. As Jaime Wong, our Co-Head of Hong Kong Office said: “Pro bono work is not merely about taking extra time to do something for free.  It is important to recognize the passion and energy of lawyers who are devoted to learning to do things beyond their comfort zone.  It was also our 10th anniversary last year, so it was especially memorable to see so many people eager to support our cause.”

By PR Fellow, Lucy Skrine