Today, 1 July 2020, marks the 23rd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from British administration. However, this day might be remembered in future both for the end of Hong Kong’s colonial rule and demise of its democracy, with the entry into force today of the National Security Law.
Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) calls upon the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to repeal or halt its application with respect to its international law’s obligations under the Sino-British treaty of 1994 that created the “two systems-one country” status of Hong Kong vis-à-vis China, as well as the Basic Law of Hong Kong. As PGA Member and Chair of the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) has noted:
These actions push Hong Kong's autonomy to the breaking point, violating the PRC government's obligations under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, an international treaty. The political turmoil in Hong Kong over the past year is the result of actions taken by the Hong Kong and PRC governments, including the unwillingness to address the legitimate petitions of the Hong Kong people and failures to stop excessive police violence against peaceful protesters.”
The legislation “bans sedition, secession and treason against China,” and penalizes those offenses with life imprisonment. As respected domestic Hong Kong legal professionals and international leaders have affirmed (the latter with rare unanimity), this extraordinary maneuver by the National People’s Congress of the PRC – which rushed the legislation in an unprecedented three-day session – constitutes a blatant attempt to curb opposition, silence dissenting voices, and illegally delimit the fundamental freedom of expression. The impact of this frontal assault on Hong Kong’s democracy will be devastating and may be indelible.
PGA’s President, Swedish Parliamentarian Ms. Margareta Cederfelt, stated:
It is in the interest of the People’s Republic of China to respect international law. The autonomous status of Hong Kong is internationally protected and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights are legally binding in Hong Kong until 2047.
The Swedish Lawmaker emphasized that the international law framework is applicable in Hong Kong, as agreed by the PRC and the United Kingdom.
Respect for international law is a guarantee for the stability of international relations, and it is in the ultimate interest of all law-abiding nations to guarantee continuity and observance of international treaties. In addition to posing a threat to the enjoyment of civil and political rights for the population of Hong Kong, this National Security Law entails a breach of international legal obligations that can trigger counter-measures by any other concerned State.
PGA has previously issued a number of statements highlighting the inconsistency of this type of measures with fundamental human rights and international law. PGA also has issued a urgent call to action and redoubles its exhortation to all PGA members and allies to act urgently and decisively to S.T.A.N.D. with Hong Kong. As PGA Executive Committee Member Mr. Ali Ehsassi, MP (Canada) has emphasized:
The fight for democracy in Hong Kong may well be the fight of our time.