Home and Youth Affairs Bureau

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau is a Hong Kong government department responsible for policies related to family, women, and youth development. It is in the news due to several recent developments. Firstly, Beijing's top official on women's affairs, Shen Yiqin, recently outlined three goals for Hong Kong, emphasizing the need for measures that better meet the needs of women and families. This highlights the Bureau's role in implementing such policies. Secondly, the Bureau is set to receive a budget increase in the coming financial year, indicating a prioritized focus on its areas of responsibility. Thirdly, the closure of a government-subsidized youth hostel, BeLIVING Youth Hub, operated by the Hong Kong United Youth Association, has brought attention to the Bureau's role in providing affordable housing options for young people and the challenges faced when such initiatives are discontinued. These events underscore the Bureau's ongoing relevance in addressing social issues and implementing government policies related to its core mandates.