ANROEV’s Statement: ANROEV Mourns Victims and Stands with Communities Affected by the Hong Kong Fire
The Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims (ANROEV) expresses its deepest condolences to the victims, families, and communities affected by the catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po District, Hong Kong. The incident, which has claimed the lives of over 150 people and left hundreds injured, is further compounded by the ongoing search for individuals who remain unaccounted for. Early reports indicate that the rapid spread of the fire was exacerbated by the use of non-compliant nylon netting on scaffolding and expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) window materials — conditions that raise serious concerns about adherence to safety standards in building works.
ANROEV also extends its solidarity to the workers impacted by this tragedy, including the many migrant workers from Indonesia, the Philippines, and other countries who were residing or working in the area. Experiencing such a traumatic event while far from home deepens the emotional and psychological toll. We mourn those whose lives were lost and hope that the survivors receive the comprehensive medical, psychological, and social support they urgently need.
This tragedy is a stark reminder that unsafe working and living conditions, combined with failures in enforcement and oversight, place entire communities at risk. The magnitude of loss in this fire is deeply distressing. It is particularly painful that several victims remain unaccounted for, and that some who have been found cannot yet be identified due to the severity of the incident.
ANROEV stands ready to support the affected families during this difficult time. Our network member in Hong Kong, the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims (ARIAV), is currently on the ground providing direct assistance, particularly to workers and their families. ARIAV’s partner, Mission For Migrant Workers (MFMW), is organizing a donation initiative to support those affected. We encourage the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent fundraising efforts and to contribute only through verified and legitimate channels such as MFMW.
Finally, ANROEV calls for a full and transparent investigation into the safety violations that contributed to this disaster. Those responsible for negligence must be held accountable. We stand with the victims and survivors in their pursuit of justice, and we continue to advocate for safer environments for all workers and communities across the region.
Sources:
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-c9792622-43e7-4b04-8374-2771dce4fcd1
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-hong-kong-fire/