July 28, 2022
1 min read

UN urges China to repeal HK national security law

The committee said China hasn’t ratified the international covenants on civil and political rights, or economic rights, so the treaties wouldn’t apply to such cases….reports Asian Lite News

The UN has called on China to repeal a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020, citing a lack of protection for civil and political rights under a citywide crackdown on political opposition and public dissent.

In a report following its periodic review of China’s compliance with international human rights covenants, the UN Human Rights Committee said it was “deeply concerned” that the national security law is being interpreted too broadly, citing a lack of clarity about the meaning of “national security”, RFA reported.

“Since its enactment in 2020, the (law) has reportedly led to the arrests of over 200 people, including 12 children,” the report said, adding that there is also provision under the law for people to be sent to China for investigation, prosecution, trial and to serve sentences.

The committee said China hasn’t ratified the international covenants on civil and political rights, or economic rights, so the treaties wouldn’t apply to such cases.

It called on the Hong Kong authorities to “take concrete steps to repeal the current National Security Law and, in the meantime, refrain from applying the Law”, RFA reported.

The report added: “The excessive power of the Chief Executive and other measures provided for in the Law … can effectively undermine the independence of judiciary and procedural safeguards for access to justice and right to a fair trial.”

It also called for an independent national human rights institution with a comprehensive mandate and appropriate powers to promote and protect human rights.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) defines “national security” broadly, and its laws at home and in Hong Kong criminalize overseas contacts and fundraising, criticism of the authorities and peaceful political opposition.

The law ushered in a crackdown on Hong Kong that has seen several senior journalists, pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai and 47 former lawmakers and democracy activists charged with offenses from “collusion with a foreign power” to “subversion”, RFA reported.

ALSO READ: India rakes up killing of peacekeepers at UNSC

Previous Story

Energy costs set to skyrocket  in UK

Next Story

Sunak pledges major crackdown on sex offenders

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

2 prominent legal activists jailed for subversion in China

The detentions come after thousands of people took to the

China ready to help Russia in Ukraine?

In a diplomatic cable, the US relayed to its allies