STATEMENT: Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong calls on the UK Foreign Secretary to impose sanctions on China following the publication of damning FCDO report on the implementation and commitment to the 1984 Sino–British Joint Declaration
Tuesday 14th December - Today, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office published its six-monthly report assessing the implementation and commitment to the 1984 Sino–British Joint Declaration regarding Hong Kong.
Quite rightly, the report includes a comment from Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP who notes that “just over a year since the introduction of the National Security Law, the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have used the law and related institutions against all opposition, free press and civil society in Hong Kong.”
The report acts as a summary of what has been a harsh six months. It highlights the deterioration of freedoms for Hong Kongers caused by the implementation of the draconian National Security Law. The effects of electoral changes are also detailed in the report, which notes that those living in the city now are left with no option but to vote for anti-democracy candidates – or not vote at all.
The report highlights that the Chinese Government is in breach of its obligations under the Sino-British Declaration. However, the report leaves a gaping hole as to how the actions of China will be challenged by the international community.
Responding, President of the CFHK, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“Whilst the Foreign Office is correct to say there is a continuous breach of the commitments laid out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the report simply does not go far enough.
“The report and condemnation of China will not stop Beijing’s oppressive use of the National Security Law and its ongoing assault on democratic freedoms. Actions must now follow words. The UK must use its position – and exercise its responsibility as a signatory to the Sino-British Declaration, an internationally binding treaty - to build an international coalition for wide-ranging sanctions in response to China’s belligerent behaviour.
“Along with thorough international scrutiny of its attempts to sportswash genocide and other human rights abuses through events such as the Winter Olympics, sanctions send a painful message to the Beijing autocracy – and to their enablers throughout the ranks of government in Hong Kong - that their behaviour is seen and will not be tolerated.
“Accordingly, and without delay, we call on Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials from various branches of government, including the judiciary, who are implementing arbitrary policies that violate Hong Kongers’ internationally accepted human rights.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
E: media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk
Quite rightly, the report includes a comment from Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP who notes that “just over a year since the introduction of the National Security Law, the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have used the law and related institutions against all opposition, free press and civil society in Hong Kong.”
The report acts as a summary of what has been a harsh six months. It highlights the deterioration of freedoms for Hong Kongers caused by the implementation of the draconian National Security Law. The effects of electoral changes are also detailed in the report, which notes that those living in the city now are left with no option but to vote for anti-democracy candidates – or not vote at all.
The report highlights that the Chinese Government is in breach of its obligations under the Sino-British Declaration. However, the report leaves a gaping hole as to how the actions of China will be challenged by the international community.
Responding, President of the CFHK, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“Whilst the Foreign Office is correct to say there is a continuous breach of the commitments laid out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the report simply does not go far enough.
“The report and condemnation of China will not stop Beijing’s oppressive use of the National Security Law and its ongoing assault on democratic freedoms. Actions must now follow words. The UK must use its position – and exercise its responsibility as a signatory to the Sino-British Declaration, an internationally binding treaty - to build an international coalition for wide-ranging sanctions in response to China’s belligerent behaviour.
“Along with thorough international scrutiny of its attempts to sportswash genocide and other human rights abuses through events such as the Winter Olympics, sanctions send a painful message to the Beijing autocracy – and to their enablers throughout the ranks of government in Hong Kong - that their behaviour is seen and will not be tolerated.
“Accordingly, and without delay, we call on Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials from various branches of government, including the judiciary, who are implementing arbitrary policies that violate Hong Kongers’ internationally accepted human rights.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
E: media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk