CS explains HK situation at UN
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today attended the meeting of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The working group examined China's fourth report, which includes a part concerning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, submitted under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UNHRC.
In his opening remarks delivered at the meeting, Mr Chan said that with the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and an improved electoral system the days of social disturbance and fear are now over.
“Stability as well as law and order have been restored, and our city is back on track. Our people can continue to enjoy the legitimate rights and freedoms guaranteed by our country's Constitution, the Basic Law as well as the relevant provisions of international covenants that apply to Hong Kong.”
Noting that the rule of law is a cornerstone and core value of Hong Kong's success, he said the city’s common law system and independent exercise of judicial power are protected by the Basic Law.
“Our judiciary is well regarded internationally. Being a market-oriented, open and international economy underpinned by the rule of law, Hong Kong has exactly what it takes to be a successful global city.”
The Chief Secretary also responded to comments and concerns raised at the meeting, which he noted clearly came from misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the real situation.
“For those who doubted the need for the Hong Kong National Security Law, let me bring you back to the darkest times of Hong Kong in 2019. Violent and random assaults took place on our streets like never before. Thousands of petrol bombs were thrown; public property was destroyed; traffic was brought to a standstill; and law enforcement officers were viciously attacked.”
He went on to say that the security law was enacted precisely to tackle the situation and has brought stability and security back to the city, in addition to the rights and freedoms its people had been deprived of during the period of serious violence.
“Fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech and of the press, are guaranteed by the Basic Law at the constitutional level. Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.”
Mr Chan pointed out that any measures or enforcement actions taken under the security law must observe the aforesaid principle, but that rights and freedoms are not absolute and that the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights clearly states that they can be restricted by law where necessary to ensure national security or public order, or to protect the rights and freedoms of others.
“Law enforcement actions are taken strictly in accordance with the law, including the protection of fundamental rights. Such actions are entirely based on available evidence and applicable law, and have nothing to do with a person's background, occupation or political stance.”
While noting that is inappropriate to comment on or interfere with the ongoing legal proceedings mentioned at today’s meeting, he did say that judges decide national security cases independently in accordance with the law.
As deputy head of China's delegation at today’s meeting, Mr Chan highlighted the Hong Kong SAR Government’s commitment to fully co-operate with the motherland in the Universal Periodic Review of the UNHRC.
“The Hong Kong SAR Government is firmly committed as ever to the protection of human rights and always seeks to make improvements suited to Hong Kong's realities.
“With the strong support from our country, we will continue to better harness our unique institutional strengths in a new chapter from stability to prosperity.”