Briefing: Human rights developments in Hong Kong in March 2021

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in March 2021 focusing on the rapid deterioration of human rights in the city following the introduction of the National Security Law in July.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

POLITICAL PRISONERS: ARRESTS, CHARGES, & TRIALS

  • In March 2021, we have witnessed the continued crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, with the trial of seven prominent pro-democracy leaders for ‘unlawful assembly’, charges laid against Andy Li under the National Security Law after a period of incommunicado detention, the jailing of former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Nok-hin, the bail hearing of student activist Tony Chung, and the Hong Kong Court ruling giving the Justice Department the power to introduce ‘joint-enterprise’ for any ‘unlawful assembly’ or ‘rioting’ case.

 ELECTORAL REFORM

  •  On 30 March 2021, the National Standing Committee formally adopted changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system. Amendments to Hong Kong’s elections include the reduction of directly elected members of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council from 35 to 20 and the increase of the Legislative Council’s size from 70 to 90, to ensure the dilution of the influence of directly elected members.

  • Under Beijing’s changes anyone wishing to stand for election will need to be vetted by a newly established committee to ensure the city is “governed by patriots”. The National Security Committee and the national security police will provide reports on each candidate to assist the vetting committee.

 BNO PASSPORTS & THREATS TO SACK CIVIL SERVANTS

  •  In March 2021, the Hong Kong Government formally wrote to 14 countries to ask them to stop accepting the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a form of identification or travel documentation.

  • The Hong Kong Government also threatened to sack close to 200 civil servants if they refuse to sign an oath of allegiance to Beijing.

CENSORSHIP OF THE NEWS & ARTS

  • In the last month, the Hong Kong Government has moved quickly to censor the city’s news and vibrant arts scene in the name of national security.This includes banning the broadcasting of the Oscars for the first time in 52 years due to two films featuring the Hong Kong protest movement being nominated for awards. 

CHANGES ALLOWING CORPORATE DIRECTORS TO OBSCURE IDENTITIES

  •  In March 2021, the Hong Kong Government announced changes to the public listing of corporate company directors to allow them to obscure their identities. Financial experts have warned the measure would seriously undermine Hong Kong’s status as a transparent financial hub. 

RESPONSES TO THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG

  •  24 Hong Kong activists, including 13 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in exile, have written to EU leaders to call for CAI to be blocked until the National Security Law is repealed, pro-democracy activists are released, and Hong Kong’s electoral system is restored.

  • G7 Foreign Ministers released a joint-statement condemning Beijing’s changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system.

  • Canadian parliamentarians have urged the Canadian Government to upgrade its lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers.

  • EU parliamentarians called for the EU Commission to introduce Magnitsky sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials responsible for human rights violations in the city.

 

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