HRIC Calls for Reassessment of Article 23 Submissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Human Rights in China (HRIC) objects to the Hong Kong SAR Security Bureau’s classification of its submission on Article 23 as “unclear” and calls for an objective reassessment of all submissions.

HRIC’s views on Article 23 are very clear. HRIC has not taken a stand on Article 23 itself, but its submission outlines detailed objections to the Hong Kong SAR government’s proposals to implement Article 23. HRIC feels that the Hong Kong SAR government’s assessment is flawed by its focus on Article 23 of the Basic Law – a fait accompli – rather than on the detailed views and recommendations of groups such as HRIC who wish to provide effective input into the legislative drafting process. For that reason, HRIC feels the Hong Kong SAR government should arrange for an independent and objective reassessment of all of the submissions.

In addition, HRIC reiterates its call for the Hong Kong SAR government to issue a White Paper so the public has an opportunity to view and comment on the actual wording of the legislation proposed for implementing Article 23.

Human Rights in China is an international monitoring and advocacy non-governmental organization based in New York and Hong Kong. Founded in March 1989 by Chinese scientists and scholars, it conducts research, education and outreach programs to promote universally recognized human rights and advance the institutional protection of these rights in the People’s Republic of China.

HRIC’s submission on Article 23 is available on our Web site at
HRIC Response to the Hong Kong SAR Consultation Document on proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law (372 K)

For more information, contact:
Stacy Mosher (852) 2710-8021 (English-Hong Kong)
Liu Qing 212-239-4495 (Chinese-New York)