Hong Kong: Hong Kongers’ defiance against authoritarianism an inspiration for democracy, two years on
(Bangkok, 11 June 2021) – Two years since the protests against proposed extradition laws, Hong Kongers have continued to relentlessly advocate for their fundamental freedoms, amidst systematic repression from an authoritarian regime, said the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), Asia Democracy Network (ADN) and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) in a statement today.
‘12 June 2019 marked a significant moment in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. It was the day when Hong Kongers marched to the Legislative Council building and demonstrated defiance against an authoritarian regime that disregards the will of people,’ said the groups.
On that day, tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators took to the streets ahead of a debate on proposed extradition laws, which would allow local and foreign suspects to be extradited to mainland China, undermining Hong Kong’s judicial independence and exposing suspects to risks of human rights violations. Police’s violent crackdown injured at least 72 people.[1]
The use of excessive and disproportionate violence characterised the clashes between demonstrators and police in the following months. Demonstrators and bystanders, including pregnant women and children, were met with batons, tear gas and rubber bullets.
Since then, China and Hong Kong authorities have moved towards full-blown authoritarianism. In June 2020, China passed the National Security Law that would allow state officials to target anyone perceived to be against the government, under vaguely defined notions of security.[2]
Prominent pro-democracy activists and opposition leaders were charged under this law for their active participation in the pro-democracy movement. China’s national security office was installed in Hong Kong, cementing a culture of fear.
In April 2021, new amendments to electoral laws were introduced to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system which would favour pro-China candidates, including through a vetting committee which can ban anyone deemed disloyal to China from running in the elections, further diluting dissenting voices.[3]
‘Despite the increasing repression against Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, the people of Hong Kong have continued to speak up for their rights even when living in exile. Hong Kongers overseas continue to reach out to one another, building and strengthening networks. The spirit and courage they demonstrated on 12 June 2019 remains strong today, and has continued to inspire other pro-democracy movements in the region.
‘As we mark 12 June, the world must not forget that Hong Kong’s struggle for democracy has continued, and those who have been brave and courageous in the fight against unprecedented repression are not alone,’ said the groups.
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The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a regional network of 81 member organisations across 21 Asian countries, with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity-development and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. Its regional secretariat is in Bangkok, and it has sub-regional offices in Geneva, Jakarta, and Kathmandu. www.forum-asia.org
The Asia Democracy Network (ADN) works to promote and advance democratisation and democratic governance at all levels of society through effective solidarity and cooperation among civil society organisations and democracy advocates in Asia. ADN is committed to building a just, equitable and sustainable community of democratic societies in Asia, where all human rights of all individuals, groups and peoples are fully respected and realised. www.adnasia.org
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) is a non-governmental organisation established in 1989 to monitor and advocate for the respect of human rights in Malaysia. Through its consistent and uncompromising work, it has established itself as one of the key human rights organisations, one to which Malaysians turn for information and support. www.suaram.net
For further information, please contact:
- East Asia and ASEAN Programme, FORUM-ASIA, ea-asean@forum-asia.org
- Mandeep Singh, Public Relations Specialist, Asia Democracy Network, mandeep@adnasia.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
- Melissa Ananthraj, Communication and Media Programme, FORUM-ASIA, communication@forum-asia.org
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-protests-crowds-gather-as-lawmakers-prepare-to-debate-extradition-bill
[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53230391
[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hong-kong-announces-more-electoral-system-changes-favouring-pro-beijing-camp-2021-04-13/
This post was originally published on FORUM-ASIA.
