Govt rejects claims in US report on human rights

The government has strongly rejected claims made by the United States about the human rights situation in Hong Kong.

A government spokesperson on Wednesday rebutted claims in relation to the city’s electoral system, the National Security Law (NSL) introduced in 2020, academic freedoms, freedom of speech and of the press, and the disbandment of specific organisations made in the latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices published by the US State Department.

In a statement, the spokesperson said: “We strongly oppose the various unfounded allegations against the HKSAR Government in the Report. Human rights are fully protected by law in Hong Kong.

“The Government attaches the utmost importance and is firmly committed to upholding human rights and various freedoms in Hong Kong. We strongly urge the United States to immediately stop breaching the international law based on its biased political interests to intervene in Hong Kong matters, which are purely the internal affairs of the People’s Republic of China.”

The US report claims that in 2021, political freedoms and civil liberties were diminished in Hong Kong. It says changes were made to the city’s electoral system that allow Beijing to block unapproved political groups, and that opposition politicians have been prevented from participating in elections.

It also states that a government committee to protect national security is unaccountable under Hong Kong law and has taken actions against individuals and organisations deemed critical of the Hong Kong and central governments.

The government statement says Hong Kong’s new electoral system guarantees political inclusiveness and diversity, while ensuring that members of the Legislative Council “love the country and Hong Kong”.

It adds that all law enforcement actions taken under the NSL or other legislation are based on evidence, that the offences outlined under the law are “similar to those in the national security laws of other jurisdictions” and that the law does not violate the legal principle of presumption of innocence.

The statement says the government continues to guarantee autonomy and academic freedom for educational institutions but that these “also have the responsibility to make sure their operations are in compliance with the law and meet the interests of the community at large.”

On the disbandment of organisations, the statement asserts that Hong Kong’s Basic Law protects freedom of association and assembly, adding that groups may be disbanded in accordance with the law to minimise national security risks.