Hong Kong's Harmony Society, known as 融樂會, has officially announced its dissolution after 24 years of advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities. The announcement, made on February 28, 2025, marks the culmination of efforts to address racial disparities and promote equality among minority communities within the region.
During a special general meeting convened earlier today, the executive committee made the difficult decision to disband the organization, highlighting the successful impact of their past advocacy work. The meeting approved the resolution to voluntarily liquidate the society with 16 votes in favor and just 1 against, signaling strong support for this new chapter.
"We believe our historical mission has been accomplished," said committee chair 構明蓮 (Zhuang Minglian), according to reports from local news outlets. She elaborated, stating, "Over the years, our initiatives have begun to resonate and influence policy changes which have made significant strides toward equality for ethnic minorities."
The organization, founded by outreach social worker 王惠芬 (Wang Huifen) in 2001 and registered as a charity in 2005, focused on promoting rights for ethnic minorities. They campaigned for legislation prohibiting racial discrimination, which eventually led to the 2009 enactment of the Racial Discrimination Ordinance. The society has been integral to ensuring educational and employment opportunities for these communities, effectively transforming the narrative from being 'invisible' to achieving recognition and support.
With the decision to dissolve, the society appointed two liquidators to manage its debts and any remaining assets. Any leftover funds are earmarked for similar organizations dedicated to minority rights, ensuring the legacy of the society continues. "We have around 4 million dollars to account for, and after settling our debts, any remaining resources will be transferred to organizations with similar missions," Zhuang noted.
During its operation, 融樂會 not only pushed for legislative changes but also engaged with various regional stakeholders to provide educational support, facilitate minority access to mainstream schools, and advocate for greater opportunities within vocational training. With more than 30 organizations now addressing the unique needs of ethnic minorities, the vision of creating equitable, inclusive participation in Hong Kong’s diverse society is on the path to realization.
Despite the positive accomplishments, not all voices agree with the decision to dissolve the organization. Former executive director 謝永齡 (Xie Yongling) publicly opposed the resolution, labeling the reasoning behind it as "absurd and lacking persuasion." He argued, “Just because you have succeeded to some extent, it does not mean the work is complete. Discrimination against ethnic minorities is still prevalent.”
The rationale provided by the organization for dissolution, according to reports, does not correlate with any financial shortfalls or external pressures; instead, it stemmed from internal reflections over past activities. Zhuang expressed sentiments of sadness over the closure but described it as "a glorious end" to the society’s chapter. She emphasized, “We have successfully achieved our foundational objectives, and this decision does not tie back to political or economic variables.”
The process of winding up the organization will take time, according to Zhuang. She stated, “The legal procedures involved are complex, and the timeline will likely extend beyond mere months.” The group plans to hold future meetings to discuss the allocation of the remaining funds to identified organizations aligned with their goals.
While the society may be shutting its doors, Zhuang stressed the commitment of many board members and staff to continue advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities through different means. This perseverance, even after the formal dissolution, signals hope for the communities affected, indicating continued effort to secure equal rights and opportunities.
Reflecting on the social condition, she acknowledged past challenges but pointed out improvements brought by governmental and societal support toward fulfilling ethnic minority rights. “The road to achieving equity for all individuals, regardless of background, is becoming smoother,” she affirmed.
香港融樂會’s legacy will undoubtedly remain significant within the broader discourse on racial equality and minority rights, having led key initiatives and policy changes aimed at creating sustainable equity within the Hong Kong community.