AHRC MEDIA RELEASE
13 November 2002
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has grave concerns about the Hong
Kong government’s consultation document “Proposals to Implement Article 23
of the Basic Law” that was released for a three-month consultation period
on Sept. 24, 2002. Based on the effects that AHRC has witnessed where
similar national security legislation has been enacted in other countries
in Asia, AHRC believes that the rule of law may be eroded and that
corruption, which was effectively brought under control in Hong Kong with
the creation of the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) in
1974, could become an issue in the community again.
Like others in the human rights and legal communities in Hong Kong, AHRC
also cannot accept the provisions in the consultation document that permit
the police to search offices and homes and seize materials without a search
warrant. This extension of police power can easily lead to abuses that
infringe on the human rights of Hong Kong’s people and invite corrupt
practices among the police force. As a result, the basic freedoms granted
under the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-Constitution, will be eroded.
“The economic, social and cultural fabric of Hong Kong has historically
evolved on the basis of respect for people’s freedom,” said Basil Fernando,
the executive director of AHRC. “The balance that now exists can be
overturned if these freedoms are in any way undermined. The way of life in
Hong Kong is very different from that of Singapore. It would be a pity if
this lost.”
Because of these concerns, AHRC has made a written submission to the
Legislative Council (Legco) and Hong Kong government. The submission is
available at AHRC’s main web site at
questions, please contact
Wong Kai-shing or Bruce Van Voorhis at at: +(852)
2698-6339 (office hours) or +(852) 9436-8401 (after office hours).
Posting date: 18/Nov/2002
Original article date: 13/Nov/2002
Category: Media Reports
