GENEVA - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today expressed solidarity with the victims of a deadly fire at an apartment complex in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China last month, and called for civic space to be ensured.
"At a tragic time like this, the space for discussion and debate on issues of major public interest and concern is more important than ever," Türk said.
"The people of Hong Kong understandably want answers and accountability, so that the hundreds of victims are properly compensated and to avoid such a tragedy occurring again."
The authorities have appointed an independent review committee and initiated criminal and anti-corruption investigations into the fire, but so far stopped short of appointing a commission of inquiry with full investigative powers. They have also offered support packages for affected residents and announced measures to remove hazardous materials from building sites and review fire-safety regulations.
"I am deeply concerned by reports that the territory's draconian security laws are being applied against individuals who have called publicly for a transparent and independent inquiry, a review of construction oversight, government accountability, and support for affected residents, among other things."
"I urge the authorities to drop these cases against those seeking accountability."
Türk called for the repeal, or at minimum significant amendment, of provisions in the security laws so that they fully comply with the requirements of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), by which Hong Kong is bound.
He reiterated that several provisions and practices under the 2020 National Security Law (NSL) and the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) do not comply with international human rights law that applies to Hong Kong, particularly the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality governing permissible restrictions on rights.
"The cumulative impacts of these laws reflect a systemic erosion in enjoyment of human rights, including the fundamental freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association in what was once a vibrant hub for civil society, vigorous debate on public policy, and independent media in the region," said Türk.
The two laws combined impose an extensive security framework covering broad forms of conduct alleged to constitute subversion, secession, terrorism, collusion with foreign forces, or external interference, while simultaneously expanding investigative, prosecutorial and supervisory powers in ways that significantly reduce existing legal safeguards.
As a result, this security framework has enabled -- in respect of broad, often vaguely defined offences -- extended pre-trial detention, denial of bail, non-jury trials, asset freezes, enhanced surveillance measures and extraterritorial application.
At the same time, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns about electoral changes which have reduced the proportion of directly elected District Council seats to less than 20 per cent of its full membership, and instituted vetting procedures to systematically bar opposition candidates.
"The compelled dissolution of major political parties has effectively eliminated organized political opposition," Türk said. "Political pluralism fosters diversity and equality, while also providing essential checks and balances needed for democratic accountability of the public authorities."
"There is an opportunity to restore meaningful civic space in Hong Kong, by rolling back these measures that restrict political participation and suppress dissent."
"The public's solidarity with the victims of the fire has shown the depth and resilience of the civic spirit in Hong Kong," he added, reiterating his continued engagement with the Hong Kong authorities on these issues as part of the UN Human Rights Office's ongoing dialogue with the Chinese authorities.
