APPG on Hong Kong finds Hong Kong police “indisputably” broke international human rights laws
APPG on Hong Kong finds Hong Kong police “indisputably” broke international human rights laws
Yesterday, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hong Kong launched its inquiry report into human rights abuses perpetrated by the Hong Kong Police Force against humanitarian and medical workers. Their press conference was hosted by Baroness Bennett and Hong Kong Watch patron, Alistair Carmichael MP, and Darren Mann. The audience consisted of international press, including the BBC and Sky News, and parliamentarians, including Christine Jardine MP, Tony Lloyd MP and Baroness Hamwee.
Baroness Bennett said:
“It is indisputable that the Hong Kong Police Force has breached the Sino-British Joint Declaration, international human rights laws and international humanitarian laws. The actions of the police impeded the medical treatment of those who were in need and of the general population. Crucially, we suggest that the UK government should impose sanctions on those responsible for these abuses, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam. Hong Kong humanitarian workers should be considered under the purview of the refugee status. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who submitted evidence. We will remember the brave people whose words fill this report.”
Hong Kong Watch patron, Alistair Carmichael MP, said:
“From the Group, we extend the gratitude and admiration that we all share for those who have, at some personal risk, contributed to this report by submitting evidence. One witness said he feared that the police would one day kick down his door, that he will disappear and not be heard from again. Citizens should have the right to fair treatment and protection by law enforcement. Traditionally, the idea of policing by consent was absolutely central to the operation of the Hong Kong Police Force. But this idea has been lost. Life in Hong Kong is no longer the life that so many people in this country have known and understand. That change is something that needs to be clearly understood. We have to execute our historical and moral duty to the people of Hong Kong.”
Darren Mann said:
“I am very grateful to the APPG on Hong Kong for bringing very important matters of international concern to this audience. For those of you who have witnessed what has happened over the past year, what has happened is beyond belief. Hong Kong police no longer need reasonable grounds to arrest and apprehend individuals and more importantly, they see themselves as above the normal international laws. Unlawfully, they arrest humanitarian and medical workers. I am grateful that the experiences of those individuals have been brought to the fore. Consider this: since this inquiry began, the national security law has been implemented. To provide medical treatment to protesters would now be considered subversion [and illegal]. To provide shelter to protesters would be considered aiding terrorism. Let us consider the future. We need monitoring mechanisms to protect Hongkongers.”
Please find a link to the full press conference here: https://www.whitehouseconsulting.co.uk/blog/2020/08/04/appg-on-hong-kong-finds-hong-kong-police-indisputably-broke-international-human-rights-laws/