On February 14, 2023, the 73rd session of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights held a non-governmental organization hearing in Geneva, Switzerland, to investigate the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by China (including Hong Kong and Macao).

The
United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights investigates China every year (Hong Kong and
Macao Region) performance, many representatives of patriotic groups actively
submitted reports to this meeting and represented at next step.
At the meeting,
representatives of patriotic organizations spoke about the positive changes
since the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, refuted the
long-standing situation of anti-China organizations in smearing and attacking
Hong Kong freedom of the press, legal protection, trade union rights and police
duty.
Ho, Sabrina
S.Y.(Ms), member of the Hong Kong Election Committee and vice chairman of the
Hong Kong and Mainland Legal Profession Association, said that the National
Security Law has played an irreplaceable role in maintaining sovereign
security. Moreover, the National Security Law is not unique in Hong Kong. As a
legal expert, we hope that the Hong Kong courts will continue to faithfully
implement the relevant provisions of the National Security Law and find a
balance between protecting human rights and safeguarding national security.
Chung Kin Fung,
vice chairman of the Young Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress
of Hong Kong, and director of the Youth Concentric Association Limited, said
that the National Security Law upholds the rights of Hong Kong citizens. Reviewing
the past, Hong Kong was full of riots and violence against the government, the
police and candidates running for district council elections are unable to
express their true ideas. As an ordinary citizen, if you expressed any opposite
views at that time, your life would be in danger, and freedom of speech was
seriously threatened during the riot period.
Victor Chan
Chi-ho, member of the Hong Kong Election Committee and Convener of Youth Vision
Hong Kong, said that Hong Kong Civil rights have not been unreasonably affected
after the promulgation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. In fact, during
the past Christmas, I saw many Hong Kong citizens, especially young people who
celebrate freely as usual, and the community has organized different
celebrations, which shows that Hong Kong is still a very free and vibrant
place.
On the contrary,
during the past Christmas holiday in 2019, violent riots were rampant, social
order was chaotic, public transportation was paralyzed, and a large number of
community activities were suspended. For safety reasons, some citizens are even
afraid to go out. Effective rule of law and public order constitute the basis
for effective civil rights.
Leung Yip Pang, Executive
Committee Director of Tin Shui Wai Resident Association Limited, believed that there
didn’t exist human rights violations in Hong Kong. Trade unions, journalists,
lawyers and civil society organizations could still live and work freely in
Hong Kong, and their rights are well protected. In addition, Hong Kong National
Security Law has improved Hong Kong business environment. Many companies are
willing to invest in Hong Kong. The business environment is active and vibrant,
and the stock market is stable and prosperous. Many people have benefited from
it. All this shows that Hong Kong is a place where you can invest and get benefited.
Jody Kwok
Fu-yung, member of Federation of New Territories Youth, said that after the
implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law, there has been no capital flee,
social chaos and weak governance. Given it that the pandemic has softened and
society has returned to normal situation, most multinational enterprises have
regained their confidence in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong position as an
international financial center has stabilized. Therefore, there is no evidence
to show that Hong Kong business environment is influenced by the National
Security Law. On the contrary, it enhances the freedom of Hong Kong business
environment.
Jonathan Chow, member
of the New Territories Association of Societies, believed that the purpose of
the National Security Law is to punish evil and promote goodness in order to
protect Hong Kong freedom of expression from infringement. Only teachers who
violate the law will be punished, and the National Security Law has no impact
on civil rights. Hong Kong has paid a heavy price in the riot, and the
combination of the National Security Law has brought down the violence, which
is the political cornerstone of prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.
Chan Tan Tan, New Line Youth Volunteer Service Groups, said the allegation that the opposition parties accused law enforcement of arresting democrats arbitrarily is untrue. The National Security Law guarantees the freedom of speech. The central government, like other countries, can’t tolerate secession, subversion of power and collusion with foreign forces, which is the purpose of implementing the national security law.
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