Human Rights in China (HRIC) calls for extension of consultation on Hong Kong’s Article 23

For Immediate Release
December 23, 2002

Human Rights in China has made a submission to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region regarding the government’s consultation document outlining its proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Article 23 provides for the enactment of laws to prohibit treason, secession, sedition, and subversion against the Central People's Government, as well as theft of state secrets and political activities by foreign political organizations in the SAR.

HRIC expresses concern over the implications of the proposed legislation for Hong Kong’s human rights situation, and recommends an extension of the consultation period. In addition, HRIC recommends that the Hong Kong SAR government issue a formal white paper so the public can review the specific language of the draft legislation.

Among its other proposals, HRIC calls for the government to

• remove archaic language from the proposed legislation


• eliminate the draft provisions relating to sedition, subversion, and secession


• withdraw proposals to expand the definition of “state secrets”


• eliminate proposals giving the central government in Beijing a role in the operation of the SAR’s security law


• bring the proposed legislation into compliance with international standards and jurisprudence on security law

HRIC notes with great concern the chilling effect discussion of the proposed legislation has already had on Hong Kong, and urges the SAR government to address the legitimate concerns expressed by many groups regarding the proposals.