Responding to the promulgation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, under Article 23 of the Basic Law, by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on March 19, 2024.

International Affairs

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Introduced on June 3, 2024 by Adam Schiff

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Legislation Details

The resolution responds to the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
It recalls the Sino-British Joint Declaration’s promise that Hong Kong would maintain its capitalist system and way of life for 50 years post-1997.
It notes the decline of Hong Kong’s semi-democratic governance and freedoms due to increasing PRC control.
It mentions the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 by the PRC, which limited Hong Kongers’ freedoms.
It highlights the arrest and conviction of Jimmy Lai under the national security law.
It discusses the dismantling of Hong Kong’s democratic institutions and the overhaul of its electoral system to favor pro-Beijing politicians.
It condemns the passage of the Article 23 legislation, which restricts freedoms and could punish political activists and journalists.
It mentions the negative impact of these restrictions on Hong Kong’s status as a global financial hub.
It asserts the right of Hong Kongers to exercise basic human rights and democratic representation through at least 2047.
It notes international condemnation of the Article 23 legislation.
The resolution supports Hong Kongers’ rights and condemns the erosion of democracy and freedoms in Hong Kong.
It states that Hong Kong laws, including the Article 23 legislation, do not apply outside of China.
It urges Hong Kong authorities to refrain from abusing national security laws, respect freedoms, amend the Article 23 legislation to align with human rights standards, and release political prisoners.
It calls on the U.S. President to use the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act to sanction officials undermining rights in Hong Kong and to support Hong Kongers facing political threats.
It encourages international condemnation of the undermining of freedoms in Hong Kong, the imposition of targeted sanctions, and support for Hong Kongers.

Last updated 8/19/2024