Perceived discrimination of asylum seekers and refugees in Hong Kong: the empowering role of refugee-led organizations

Abstract Asylum seekers and refugees often experience diverse sources of discrimination, yet these experiences are seldom understood systematically. Furthermore, less is discussed on how they utilize platforms led by themselves to address these challenges. This study incorporates Burns’ structural discrimination theory and Toomey’s empowerment framework to systematically analyze how members of the asylum-seeking community in Hong Kong perceive the experience of discrimination and how they utilize the platform of the refugee-led organizations (RLOs) as a means of empowerment to combat discrimination. This study draws on thirty in-depth interviews with asylum seekers recruited by a Hong Kong RLO. The qualitative results show that the asylum seekers experienced both institutional and cultural discrimination, but the perceived level of discrimination was mild owing to robust social support. RLOs fulfill traditional roles as a ‘provider’ and ‘liberator’, as well as alternative roles as a ‘catalyst’, ‘facilitator’, ‘ally’, and ‘advocate’. The study emphasizes the importance of the role of ‘ally’ in supporting marginalized asylum seekers and provides policy implications for fostering an inclusive environment for asylum seekers in the context of Hong Kong.