| HONG KONG Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu (special administrative region of China) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 12/09/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Hong Kong
7,089,705 (July 2010 est.)
Donald Tsang Yam-kuen
Chief Executive since 24 June 2005
Chief Executive since 24 June 2005
President elected by the National People's Congress for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); elections last held 1on 25 March
2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
term (eligible for a second term); elections last held 1on 25 March
2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Chief Executive elected for five-year term by 800-member
electoral committee; last held on 25 March 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
electoral committee; last held on 25 March 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Chinese 95%, Filipino 1.6%, Indonesian 1.3%, other 2.1% (2006 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Special administrative region of China with a limited democracy and no administrative divisions; Legal system is based on English
common law
Executive: President elected by the National People's Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held
15-17 March 2008 ; Next scheduled election: mid-March 2013 ; Chief Executive elected for five-year term by 800-member
electoral committee; last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Legislative Council or LEGCO (60 seats; in 2004, 30 seats indirectly elected by functional constituencies,
30 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 7 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2012)
Judicial: Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
common law
Executive: President elected by the National People's Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held
15-17 March 2008 ; Next scheduled election: mid-March 2013 ; Chief Executive elected for five-year term by 800-member
electoral committee; last held on 25 March 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Legislative Council or LEGCO (60 seats; in 2004, 30 seats indirectly elected by functional constituencies,
30 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 7 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2012)
Judicial: Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| LANGUAGES |
Cantonese 90.8% (official), English 2.8% (official), Putonghua (Mandarin) 0.9%, other Chinese dialects 4.4%, other 1.1% (2006
census)
census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Archaeological findings suggest human activity in Hong Kong dates back over 30 000 years. Stone tools of hong Kong's pre-
historic people during the old stone age have been excavated in Sai Kung in Wong Tei Tung. The stone tools found in Sai Kung was
perhaps from a stone tools making ground. Religious carvings on outlying islands and coastal areas have also been found, possibly
related to Che people in Neolithic. The latest findings dating from the Paleolithic suggest that Wong Tei Tung is one of the most
ancient settlements in Hong Kong. The territory was incorporated into China during the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC), and the
area was firmly consolidated under Nam Yuet (203 BC - 111 BC.) Archaeological evidence indicates that the population has
increased since the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220). In the 1950s, the tomb at Lei Cheng Uk from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 –
220) was excavated and archaeologists began to investigate the possibility that salt production flourished in Hong Kong around
2000 years ago, although conclusive evidence has not been found. Tai Po Hoi, the sea of Tai Po, was a major pearl hunting harbour
in China since Han Dynasty. The activities peaked during the Southern Han (917 to 971) and continued till Ming Dynasty (1368 to
1644) During the Tang Dynasty, the Guangdong region flourished as an international trading center. The Tuen Mun region in what is
now Hong Kong's New Territories served as a port, naval base, salt production centre and later, base for the exploitation of pearls.
Lantau Island was also the salt production centre where the salt smugglers riots broke out against the government. In 1276 during
the Mongol invasion, the Southern Song Dynasty court moved to Fujian, then to Lantau Island and later to today's Kowloon City,
but the child emperor, Zhao Bing, after being defeated in the Battle of Yamen, committed suicide by drowning with his officials.
Tung Chung valley, named after a hero who gave up his life for the emperor, is believed to have been a base for the court. Hau
Wong, an official of the emperor is still worshipped in Hong Kong today. However, during the Mongol period, Hong Kong saw its
first population boom as Chinese refugees entered the area. The main reason for them to enter Hong Kong was because of wars,
famines and some groups even came here to find jobs. Five clans of Hau (Hou), Tang (Deng), Pang (Peng) and Liu (Liao) and Man
(Wen) were claimed to be the Puntis from Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangxi in China. Despite the immigration and light development
of agriculture, the area was hilly and relatively barren. People had to rely on salt, pearl and fishery trades to produce income. Some
clans built walled villages to protect themselves from the threat of bandits, rival clans and wild animals. The famous Chinese pirate
Cheung Po Tsai also had many legendary stories in Hong Kong. The last dynasty in China, Qing Dynasty, would also be the last to
come in contact with Hong Kong. As a military outpost and trading port, the Hong Kong territory would gain the attention of the
world. By the early 19th century, the British Empire trade was heavily dependent upon the importation of tea from China. While the
British exported to China luxurious items like clocks and watches, there was an overwhelming imbalance between the trades. China
developed a strong demand for silver, which was a difficult commodity to come by in large quantities for the British. The
counterbalance of trades would come with illegal opium entering China. Lin Zexu would become the Chinese commissioner who
voiced to Queen Victoria the Qing state's opposition to the unlawful opium trade. It resulted in the Opium Wars, which led to British
victories over China and the cession of Hong Kong to the United Kingdom via the enactment of the new treaties. After the territorial
settlements, the achievements of the era would set the foundation for the culture and commerce in modern Hong Kong for years to
come. The territory's commercial and industry transitioned in numerous ways: Hong Kong and China Gas Company to the first
electric company; Rickshaws would transition to bus; ferries, trams and airline, there was no shortage of improvements. Every
industry went through major transformation and growth. Other vital establishments include the change in philosophy starting with a
western-style education with Frederick Stewart, which a critical step in separating Hong Kong from mainland China during the
political turmoil associated with the falling Qing dynasty. The monumental start of the financial powerhouse industry of the far east
would begin with the first large scale bank. The period is also challenged by the onslaught of the Third Pandemic of Bubonic Plague
changing the view of importance of the first hospital. On the outbreak of World War I in 1914, fear of a possible attack on the
colony led to an exodus of 60,000 Chinese. Statistically Hong Kong's population would continue to boom in the following decades
from 530,000 in 1916 to 725,000 in 1925. Nonetheless the crisis in mainland China in the 1920s and 1930s would leave Hong
Kong vulnerable to a strategic invasion from Japan. Hong Kong was occupied by Japan from 25 December 1941 to 15 August
1945. The period, called '3 years and 8 months' halted the economy. The British, Canadians, Indians and the Hong Kong Volunteer
Defense Forces resisted the Japanese invasion commanded by Sakai Takashi which started on December 8, 1941, eight hours after
the attack on Pearl Harbor. By the end of the war in 1945, the population of Hong Kong shrunk to 600,000, less than half of the
pre-war population of 1.6 million. The communist takeover of mainland China in 1949 led to another population boom in Hong
Kong. Thousands of refugees emigrated from mainland China to Hong Kong, and made it an important entrepôt until the United
Nations ordered a trade embargo on mainland China due to the Korean War. More refugees came during the Great Leap Forward.
Skills and capital brought by refugees of Mainland China, especially from Shanghai, along with a vast pool of cheap labor helped
revive the economy. At the same time, many foreign firms relocated their offices from Shanghai to Hong Kong. Enjoying
unprecedented growth Hong Kong would transform from a territory of entrepôt trade to industrial and manufacturing. The
manufacturing industry opened a new decade utilizing large portions of the population. The period is considered the first turning
point for Hong Kong's economy. The 1970s also saw the extension of government subsidized education from six years to nine years
and the creation of Hong Kong's country parks system. In 1982, the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, hoped that the
increasing openness of the PRC government and the economic reform in the mainland would allow the continuation of British rule.
The resulting meeting, led to the signing of Sino-British Joint Declaration and the proposal of the One country, two systems concept
by Deng Xiaoping. On April 4, 1990, the Hong Kong Basic Law was officially accepted as the mini-constitution of the Hong Kong
SAR after the handover. The pro-Beijing bloc welcomed the Basic Law, calling it the most democratic legal system to ever exist in
the PRC. The pro-democratic bloc criticized it as not democratic enough. In July 1992, Chris Patten was appointed as the last
British Governor of Hong Kong. On July 1, 1997 Hong Kong was handed over to the People's Republic of China by the United
Kingdom. The old Legislative Council, elected under Chris Patten's reforms, was replaced by the Provisional Legislative Council
elected by a selection committee whose members were appointed by the PRC government. Tung Chee Hwa, elected in December
by a selection committee with members appointed by the PRC government, assumed duty as the first Chief Executive of Hong
Kong. The new millennium would signal a series of events. A sizeable portion of the population who were previously against the
handover found themselves living with the adjustments. Article 23 became a controversy, and led to a marches in different parts of
Hong Kong with as many as 750,000 people out of a population of approximately 6,800,000 at the time. The government also
dealt with the SARS outbreak in 2003. Other health crisis such as the Bird Flu Pandemic (H5N1) gained momentum from the late
90s, and led to the disposal of millions of chicken and poultry. The slaughtering put Hong Kong at the center of global discussions.
At the same time, the economy is trying to rebound fiscally. Hong Kong Disneyland was also introduced in the much turbulent time.
In a very short time, the political climate heated up and the Chief Executive position would be challenged culturally, politically and
managerially.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Hong Kong
historic people during the old stone age have been excavated in Sai Kung in Wong Tei Tung. The stone tools found in Sai Kung was
perhaps from a stone tools making ground. Religious carvings on outlying islands and coastal areas have also been found, possibly
related to Che people in Neolithic. The latest findings dating from the Paleolithic suggest that Wong Tei Tung is one of the most
ancient settlements in Hong Kong. The territory was incorporated into China during the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC), and the
area was firmly consolidated under Nam Yuet (203 BC - 111 BC.) Archaeological evidence indicates that the population has
increased since the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220). In the 1950s, the tomb at Lei Cheng Uk from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 –
220) was excavated and archaeologists began to investigate the possibility that salt production flourished in Hong Kong around
2000 years ago, although conclusive evidence has not been found. Tai Po Hoi, the sea of Tai Po, was a major pearl hunting harbour
in China since Han Dynasty. The activities peaked during the Southern Han (917 to 971) and continued till Ming Dynasty (1368 to
1644) During the Tang Dynasty, the Guangdong region flourished as an international trading center. The Tuen Mun region in what is
now Hong Kong's New Territories served as a port, naval base, salt production centre and later, base for the exploitation of pearls.
Lantau Island was also the salt production centre where the salt smugglers riots broke out against the government. In 1276 during
the Mongol invasion, the Southern Song Dynasty court moved to Fujian, then to Lantau Island and later to today's Kowloon City,
but the child emperor, Zhao Bing, after being defeated in the Battle of Yamen, committed suicide by drowning with his officials.
Tung Chung valley, named after a hero who gave up his life for the emperor, is believed to have been a base for the court. Hau
Wong, an official of the emperor is still worshipped in Hong Kong today. However, during the Mongol period, Hong Kong saw its
first population boom as Chinese refugees entered the area. The main reason for them to enter Hong Kong was because of wars,
famines and some groups even came here to find jobs. Five clans of Hau (Hou), Tang (Deng), Pang (Peng) and Liu (Liao) and Man
(Wen) were claimed to be the Puntis from Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangxi in China. Despite the immigration and light development
of agriculture, the area was hilly and relatively barren. People had to rely on salt, pearl and fishery trades to produce income. Some
clans built walled villages to protect themselves from the threat of bandits, rival clans and wild animals. The famous Chinese pirate
Cheung Po Tsai also had many legendary stories in Hong Kong. The last dynasty in China, Qing Dynasty, would also be the last to
come in contact with Hong Kong. As a military outpost and trading port, the Hong Kong territory would gain the attention of the
world. By the early 19th century, the British Empire trade was heavily dependent upon the importation of tea from China. While the
British exported to China luxurious items like clocks and watches, there was an overwhelming imbalance between the trades. China
developed a strong demand for silver, which was a difficult commodity to come by in large quantities for the British. The
counterbalance of trades would come with illegal opium entering China. Lin Zexu would become the Chinese commissioner who
voiced to Queen Victoria the Qing state's opposition to the unlawful opium trade. It resulted in the Opium Wars, which led to British
victories over China and the cession of Hong Kong to the United Kingdom via the enactment of the new treaties. After the territorial
settlements, the achievements of the era would set the foundation for the culture and commerce in modern Hong Kong for years to
come. The territory's commercial and industry transitioned in numerous ways: Hong Kong and China Gas Company to the first
electric company; Rickshaws would transition to bus; ferries, trams and airline, there was no shortage of improvements. Every
industry went through major transformation and growth. Other vital establishments include the change in philosophy starting with a
western-style education with Frederick Stewart, which a critical step in separating Hong Kong from mainland China during the
political turmoil associated with the falling Qing dynasty. The monumental start of the financial powerhouse industry of the far east
would begin with the first large scale bank. The period is also challenged by the onslaught of the Third Pandemic of Bubonic Plague
changing the view of importance of the first hospital. On the outbreak of World War I in 1914, fear of a possible attack on the
colony led to an exodus of 60,000 Chinese. Statistically Hong Kong's population would continue to boom in the following decades
from 530,000 in 1916 to 725,000 in 1925. Nonetheless the crisis in mainland China in the 1920s and 1930s would leave Hong
Kong vulnerable to a strategic invasion from Japan. Hong Kong was occupied by Japan from 25 December 1941 to 15 August
1945. The period, called '3 years and 8 months' halted the economy. The British, Canadians, Indians and the Hong Kong Volunteer
Defense Forces resisted the Japanese invasion commanded by Sakai Takashi which started on December 8, 1941, eight hours after
the attack on Pearl Harbor. By the end of the war in 1945, the population of Hong Kong shrunk to 600,000, less than half of the
pre-war population of 1.6 million. The communist takeover of mainland China in 1949 led to another population boom in Hong
Kong. Thousands of refugees emigrated from mainland China to Hong Kong, and made it an important entrepôt until the United
Nations ordered a trade embargo on mainland China due to the Korean War. More refugees came during the Great Leap Forward.
Skills and capital brought by refugees of Mainland China, especially from Shanghai, along with a vast pool of cheap labor helped
revive the economy. At the same time, many foreign firms relocated their offices from Shanghai to Hong Kong. Enjoying
unprecedented growth Hong Kong would transform from a territory of entrepôt trade to industrial and manufacturing. The
manufacturing industry opened a new decade utilizing large portions of the population. The period is considered the first turning
point for Hong Kong's economy. The 1970s also saw the extension of government subsidized education from six years to nine years
and the creation of Hong Kong's country parks system. In 1982, the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, hoped that the
increasing openness of the PRC government and the economic reform in the mainland would allow the continuation of British rule.
The resulting meeting, led to the signing of Sino-British Joint Declaration and the proposal of the One country, two systems concept
by Deng Xiaoping. On April 4, 1990, the Hong Kong Basic Law was officially accepted as the mini-constitution of the Hong Kong
SAR after the handover. The pro-Beijing bloc welcomed the Basic Law, calling it the most democratic legal system to ever exist in
the PRC. The pro-democratic bloc criticized it as not democratic enough. In July 1992, Chris Patten was appointed as the last
British Governor of Hong Kong. On July 1, 1997 Hong Kong was handed over to the People's Republic of China by the United
Kingdom. The old Legislative Council, elected under Chris Patten's reforms, was replaced by the Provisional Legislative Council
elected by a selection committee whose members were appointed by the PRC government. Tung Chee Hwa, elected in December
by a selection committee with members appointed by the PRC government, assumed duty as the first Chief Executive of Hong
Kong. The new millennium would signal a series of events. A sizeable portion of the population who were previously against the
handover found themselves living with the adjustments. Article 23 became a controversy, and led to a marches in different parts of
Hong Kong with as many as 750,000 people out of a population of approximately 6,800,000 at the time. The government also
dealt with the SARS outbreak in 2003. Other health crisis such as the Bird Flu Pandemic (H5N1) gained momentum from the late
90s, and led to the disposal of millions of chicken and poultry. The slaughtering put Hong Kong at the center of global discussions.
At the same time, the economy is trying to rebound fiscally. Hong Kong Disneyland was also introduced in the much turbulent time.
In a very short time, the political climate heated up and the Chief Executive position would be challenged culturally, politically and
managerially.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Hong Kong
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on international trade and finance - the value of goods and services trade,
including the sizable share of re-exports, is about four times GDP. Hong Kong's open economy left it exposed to the global
economic slowdown, but its increasing integration with China helped it recover from the downturn more quickly than many
observers anticipated. Hong Kong over the past few years has become increasingly integrated with China through trade, tourism,
and financial links. The Hong Kong government is promoting the Special Administrative Region (SAR) as the site for Chinese
Renminbi (RMB) internationalization. Hong Kong residents are allowed to establish RMB-denominated savings accounts;
RMB-denominated corporate and Chinese government bonds have been issued in Hong Kong; and RMB trade settlement is
allowed. The government is pursuing efforts to introduce additional use of RMB in Hong Kong financial markets. The mainland has
long been Hong Kong's largest trading partner, accounting for about half of Hong Kong's exports by value. As a result of China's
easing of travel restrictions, the number of mainland tourists to the territory has surged from 4.5 million in 2001 to 17.7 million in
2009, outnumbering visitors from all other countries combined. Hong Kong has also established itself as the premier stock market
for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad. About 40% of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are now mainland
Chinese companies. These firms account for 60% of the Exchange's market capitalization and over 70% of turnover. During the
past decade, as Hong Kong's manufacturing industry moved to the mainland, its service industry has grown rapidly and in 2009
accounted for more than 90% of the territory's GDP. Hong Kong's natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must
be imported. GDP growth averaged a strong 4% from 1989 to 2008. Hong Kong's GDP fell in 2009 as a result of the global
financial crisis, but a recovery began in third quarter 2009. Hong Kong continues to link its currency closely to the US dollar,
maintaining an arrangement established in 1983.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Hong Kong)
including the sizable share of re-exports, is about four times GDP. Hong Kong's open economy left it exposed to the global
economic slowdown, but its increasing integration with China helped it recover from the downturn more quickly than many
observers anticipated. Hong Kong over the past few years has become increasingly integrated with China through trade, tourism,
and financial links. The Hong Kong government is promoting the Special Administrative Region (SAR) as the site for Chinese
Renminbi (RMB) internationalization. Hong Kong residents are allowed to establish RMB-denominated savings accounts;
RMB-denominated corporate and Chinese government bonds have been issued in Hong Kong; and RMB trade settlement is
allowed. The government is pursuing efforts to introduce additional use of RMB in Hong Kong financial markets. The mainland has
long been Hong Kong's largest trading partner, accounting for about half of Hong Kong's exports by value. As a result of China's
easing of travel restrictions, the number of mainland tourists to the territory has surged from 4.5 million in 2001 to 17.7 million in
2009, outnumbering visitors from all other countries combined. Hong Kong has also established itself as the premier stock market
for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad. About 40% of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are now mainland
Chinese companies. These firms account for 60% of the Exchange's market capitalization and over 70% of turnover. During the
past decade, as Hong Kong's manufacturing industry moved to the mainland, its service industry has grown rapidly and in 2009
accounted for more than 90% of the territory's GDP. Hong Kong's natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must
be imported. GDP growth averaged a strong 4% from 1989 to 2008. Hong Kong's GDP fell in 2009 as a result of the global
financial crisis, but a recovery began in third quarter 2009. Hong Kong continues to link its currency closely to the US dollar,
maintaining an arrangement established in 1983.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Hong Kong)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
On December 4, 2005, people in Hong Kong demonstrated against Donald Tsang's proposed reform package, before a vote on
December 21. An estimated 250,000 turned out into the streets.
The march has sent a strong message to hesitant pro-democracy legislators to follow public opinion. The pro-government camp
claims to have collected 700,000 signatures on a petition backing Mr. Tsang's reform package. This number, however, is widely
seen as too small to influence pro-democracy lawmakers. The Reform Package debate has seen the return of key political figure
and former Chief Secretary Anson Chan, raising speculations of a possible run up for the 2007 Chief Executive election, though she
dismissed having a personal interest in standing for the next election.
In August 2008, the appointment of Leung Chin-man as deputy managing director and executive director of New World China
Land, subsidiary of New World Development, was greeted with uproar amidst widespread public suspicion that job offer was a
quid pro quo for the favours he allegedly granted to NWD. Leung was seen to have been involved with the sale of the Hung Hom
Peninsula HOS public housing estate|housing estate to NWD at under-value in 2004.
In 2008, a row erupted over political appointees. Five newly appointed Undersecretaries declared that they were in the process of
renouncing foreign citizenship as at 4 June 2008, citing public opinion as an overriding factor, and one Assistant had initiated the
renunciation process. In January 2010, five pan-democrats resigned from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong to trigger a
by-election in response to the lack of progress in the move towards universal suffrage. They want to use the by-election as a de
facto referendum for universal suffrage and the abolition of the functional constituencies.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Hong Kong
December 21. An estimated 250,000 turned out into the streets.
The march has sent a strong message to hesitant pro-democracy legislators to follow public opinion. The pro-government camp
claims to have collected 700,000 signatures on a petition backing Mr. Tsang's reform package. This number, however, is widely
seen as too small to influence pro-democracy lawmakers. The Reform Package debate has seen the return of key political figure
and former Chief Secretary Anson Chan, raising speculations of a possible run up for the 2007 Chief Executive election, though she
dismissed having a personal interest in standing for the next election.
In August 2008, the appointment of Leung Chin-man as deputy managing director and executive director of New World China
Land, subsidiary of New World Development, was greeted with uproar amidst widespread public suspicion that job offer was a
quid pro quo for the favours he allegedly granted to NWD. Leung was seen to have been involved with the sale of the Hung Hom
Peninsula HOS public housing estate|housing estate to NWD at under-value in 2004.
In 2008, a row erupted over political appointees. Five newly appointed Undersecretaries declared that they were in the process of
renouncing foreign citizenship as at 4 June 2008, citing public opinion as an overriding factor, and one Assistant had initiated the
renunciation process. In January 2010, five pan-democrats resigned from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong to trigger a
by-election in response to the lack of progress in the move towards universal suffrage. They want to use the by-election as a de
facto referendum for universal suffrage and the abolition of the functional constituencies.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Hong Kong
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Despite strenuous law enforcement efforts, faces difficult challenges in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to
regional and world markets; modern banking system provides conduit for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic
drugs, especially among young people
regional and world markets; modern banking system provides conduit for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic
drugs, especially among young people
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Hong Kong, with a population of approximately seven million, is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China
(PRC). The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong and the SAR's charter, the Basic Law of the SAR (the
Basic Law), specify that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy except in matters of defense and foreign affairs. The Fourth
Term Legislative Council (LegCo) was elected from a combination of geographic and functional constituencies in September 2008
elections that were generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, although core issues remained.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Hong Kong, with a population of approximately seven million, is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China
(PRC). The 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong and the SAR's charter, the Basic Law of the SAR (the
Basic Law), specify that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy except in matters of defense and foreign affairs. The Fourth
Term Legislative Council (LegCo) was elected from a combination of geographic and functional constituencies in September 2008
elections that were generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, although core issues remained.
- The SAR limits the ability of citizens to participate in and change their government.
- Claims of press self-censorship persisted.
- The legislature is limited in its power to introduce or amend legislation and is not empowered to approve executive appointments.
- Disproportionate political influence is granted to certain sectors of society through the existence of small-circle "functional
constituencies," that elected half of the LegCo. - Societal prejudice against certain ethnic minorities persisted.
- The government began steps to implement a minimum wage for all workers except live-in domestic helpers and student interns,
who lacked a guaranteed right to bargain collectively.
28 August 2009
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Seventy-fifth session
3 – 28 August 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
(including Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions)
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the tenth to thirteenth periodic reports of the People’s Republic of China including Hong
Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions and the opportunity thus offered to resume the dialogue with the State party. It also
expresses its appreciation for the constructive dialogue held with the large and competent delegation and the comprehensive written and
oral responses provided to the list of issues and the questions posed by Committee members.
B. POSITIVE ASPECTS
7. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Chapter 602 of the Laws of Hong Kong), which
entered into force in 2009.
C. CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
27. The Committee expresses its concern about the definition of racial discrimination given in the Hong Kong SAR Race
Discrimination Ordinance, which is not completely consistent with article 1 of the Convention as it does not clearly define indirect
discrimination with regard to language, and it does not include immigration status and nationality among the prohibited grounds of
discrimination. (art. 1(1))
The Committee recommends that indirect discrimination with regard to language, immigration status and nationality be included among
the prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Race Discrimination Ordinance. It recalls its General Recommendation No. 30 (2004) on
non-citizens.
28. The Committee is concerned that the Hong Kong SAR Race Discrimination Ordinance only covers certain Government activities
and exercise of its powers in its scope of application, i.e. employment, education, and the provision of goods and services. (art. 2)
The Committee recommends that all Government functions and powers be brought within the scope of the Race Discrimination
Ordinance. It also recommends the adoption of an equality plan with a view to ensuring the effective implementation of the law and that
the Equal Opportunities Commission be strengthened.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Seventy-fifth session
3 – 28 August 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
(including Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions)
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the tenth to thirteenth periodic reports of the People’s Republic of China including Hong
Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions and the opportunity thus offered to resume the dialogue with the State party. It also
expresses its appreciation for the constructive dialogue held with the large and competent delegation and the comprehensive written and
oral responses provided to the list of issues and the questions posed by Committee members.
B. POSITIVE ASPECTS
7. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Race Discrimination Ordinance (Chapter 602 of the Laws of Hong Kong), which
entered into force in 2009.
C. CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
27. The Committee expresses its concern about the definition of racial discrimination given in the Hong Kong SAR Race
Discrimination Ordinance, which is not completely consistent with article 1 of the Convention as it does not clearly define indirect
discrimination with regard to language, and it does not include immigration status and nationality among the prohibited grounds of
discrimination. (art. 1(1))
The Committee recommends that indirect discrimination with regard to language, immigration status and nationality be included among
the prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Race Discrimination Ordinance. It recalls its General Recommendation No. 30 (2004) on
non-citizens.
28. The Committee is concerned that the Hong Kong SAR Race Discrimination Ordinance only covers certain Government activities
and exercise of its powers in its scope of application, i.e. employment, education, and the provision of goods and services. (art. 2)
The Committee recommends that all Government functions and powers be brought within the scope of the Race Discrimination
Ordinance. It also recommends the adoption of an equality plan with a view to ensuring the effective implementation of the law and that
the Equal Opportunities Commission be strengthened.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Partly Free
Overview
A record 150,000 people attended a candlelight vigil in June 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the massacre in which
Chinese security forces crushed prodemocracy protests in Beijing and other cities. In November, the Hong Kong government proposed
reforms to the electoral system. The plan included expansions of the legislature and the election committee that chooses the chief
executive, but would largely preserve the existing semidemocratic system. Separately, Beijing’s growing influence over Hong Kong’s
media landscape and immigration policies was evident during the year.
In November 2009, the government published a consultation document on proposed electoral reforms for the 2012 polls that would
ostensibly serve as a transitional arrangement until the anticipated adoption of universal suffrage in 2017 for the chief executive and 2020
for the Legco. The system outlined in the plan did not represent substantive progress toward full democracy. Observers noted that the
Hong Kong government’s reluctance to make more drastic changes was partly due to restrictions imposed by several decisions of China’
s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the most recent in 2007, and the requirement that any reforms obtain its
approval. At year’s end, the proposal remained open for public consultation, and Tsang was expected to submit a draft to the Legco in
February 2010.
Beijing’s growing influence over Hong Kong’s media landscape and immigration policies remained evident during 2009. However, partly
in response to comments by Tsang in which he downplayed the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, a record turnout of 150,000 people
joined an annual candlelight vigil in June to commemorate the incident, in which Chinese security forces had crushed prodemocracy
protests in Beijing and other cities. Public events marking the anniversary were not permitted in the rest of China.
Hong Kong’s Basic Law calls for the election of a chief executive and a unicameral Legislative Council (Legco). The chief executive is
elected by an 800-member committee: some 200,000 “functional constituency” voters—representatives of various elite business and
social sectors, many with close ties to Beijing—elect 600 members, and the remaining 200 consist of Legco members, Hong Kong
delegates to the NPC, religious representatives, and 41 members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a
mainland advisory body. The chief executive serves a five-year term.
The Legco consists of 30 directly elected members and 30 members chosen by the functional constituency voters. Legco members
serve four-year terms. The Basic Law restricts the Legco’s lawmaking powers, prohibiting legislators from introducing bills that would
affect Hong Kong’s public spending, governmental operations, or political structure. In the territory’s multiparty system, the five main
parties are the prodemocracy Democratic Party, Civic Party, and League of Social Democrats; the pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for
the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong; and the business-oriented Liberal Party.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 5
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Partly Free
Overview
A record 150,000 people attended a candlelight vigil in June 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the massacre in which
Chinese security forces crushed prodemocracy protests in Beijing and other cities. In November, the Hong Kong government proposed
reforms to the electoral system. The plan included expansions of the legislature and the election committee that chooses the chief
executive, but would largely preserve the existing semidemocratic system. Separately, Beijing’s growing influence over Hong Kong’s
media landscape and immigration policies was evident during the year.
In November 2009, the government published a consultation document on proposed electoral reforms for the 2012 polls that would
ostensibly serve as a transitional arrangement until the anticipated adoption of universal suffrage in 2017 for the chief executive and 2020
for the Legco. The system outlined in the plan did not represent substantive progress toward full democracy. Observers noted that the
Hong Kong government’s reluctance to make more drastic changes was partly due to restrictions imposed by several decisions of China’
s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the most recent in 2007, and the requirement that any reforms obtain its
approval. At year’s end, the proposal remained open for public consultation, and Tsang was expected to submit a draft to the Legco in
February 2010.
Beijing’s growing influence over Hong Kong’s media landscape and immigration policies remained evident during 2009. However, partly
in response to comments by Tsang in which he downplayed the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, a record turnout of 150,000 people
joined an annual candlelight vigil in June to commemorate the incident, in which Chinese security forces had crushed prodemocracy
protests in Beijing and other cities. Public events marking the anniversary were not permitted in the rest of China.
Hong Kong’s Basic Law calls for the election of a chief executive and a unicameral Legislative Council (Legco). The chief executive is
elected by an 800-member committee: some 200,000 “functional constituency” voters—representatives of various elite business and
social sectors, many with close ties to Beijing—elect 600 members, and the remaining 200 consist of Legco members, Hong Kong
delegates to the NPC, religious representatives, and 41 members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a
mainland advisory body. The chief executive serves a five-year term.
The Legco consists of 30 directly elected members and 30 members chosen by the functional constituency voters. Legco members
serve four-year terms. The Basic Law restricts the Legco’s lawmaking powers, prohibiting legislators from introducing bills that would
affect Hong Kong’s public spending, governmental operations, or political structure. In the territory’s multiparty system, the five main
parties are the prodemocracy Democratic Party, Civic Party, and League of Social Democrats; the pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for
the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong; and the business-oriented Liberal Party.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
NEWS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
AI Bulletin Vol. 13 No. 18, 17 September 2010
Hong Kong Undertakes First Mental Health Survey in Wake of Violent Cases
Heda Bayron | Hong Kong 14 September 2010
In the next few months, Hong Kong researchers will begin the city's first survey on mental health. This initiative comes after recent
violent incidents linked to the mentally ill.
In July, a mentally ill woman decapitated her mother before committing suicide by jumping out of her apartment window. In June, a
teenage boy stabbed his mother and sister to death. A month before that, a man with history of mental illness stabbed his neighbors,
killing two people.
These shocking incidents in low-crime Hong Kong have prompted urgent calls for greater help for people with mental illnesses.
Health-care experts stress that very few people with mental health problems are dangerous. There are worries, however, that there may
be more hidden cases of severe mental illness in the community that could lead to similar tragedies.
Rising demand for out-patient services
Hong Kong's public hospitals treated about 16,000 psychiatric patients between 2008 and 2009, slightly lower than the previous year.
But demand for out-patient services has risen since 2003, with 137,000 patients treated by 2007. There are worries that these cases are
just the tip of the iceberg.
Experts believe this is because mental illness carries a social stigma in Hong Kong - as it does in many parts of Asia. Linda Lam, a
psychiatry professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, says that while people's attitudes have changed over the past decade, there
is still reluctance to acknowledge serious mental problems.
"People are more willing to talk about having mood disorders, panic disorders, anxiety," said Lam. "But it is very difficult for family
members to admit that they have more serious mental illness, such as psychosis or schizophrenia."
In November, Lam and colleagues will start Hong Kong's first mental health survey, interviewing at least one member of nearly 6,000
households to get a sense of the prevalence and causes of mental problems in this city of 7 million people.
Click here to read more »
NEWS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
AI Bulletin Vol. 13 No. 18, 17 September 2010
Hong Kong Undertakes First Mental Health Survey in Wake of Violent Cases
Heda Bayron | Hong Kong 14 September 2010
In the next few months, Hong Kong researchers will begin the city's first survey on mental health. This initiative comes after recent
violent incidents linked to the mentally ill.
In July, a mentally ill woman decapitated her mother before committing suicide by jumping out of her apartment window. In June, a
teenage boy stabbed his mother and sister to death. A month before that, a man with history of mental illness stabbed his neighbors,
killing two people.
These shocking incidents in low-crime Hong Kong have prompted urgent calls for greater help for people with mental illnesses.
Health-care experts stress that very few people with mental health problems are dangerous. There are worries, however, that there may
be more hidden cases of severe mental illness in the community that could lead to similar tragedies.
Rising demand for out-patient services
Hong Kong's public hospitals treated about 16,000 psychiatric patients between 2008 and 2009, slightly lower than the previous year.
But demand for out-patient services has risen since 2003, with 137,000 patients treated by 2007. There are worries that these cases are
just the tip of the iceberg.
Experts believe this is because mental illness carries a social stigma in Hong Kong - as it does in many parts of Asia. Linda Lam, a
psychiatry professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, says that while people's attitudes have changed over the past decade, there
is still reluctance to acknowledge serious mental problems.
"People are more willing to talk about having mood disorders, panic disorders, anxiety," said Lam. "But it is very difficult for family
members to admit that they have more serious mental illness, such as psychosis or schizophrenia."
In November, Lam and colleagues will start Hong Kong's first mental health survey, interviewing at least one member of nearly 6,000
households to get a sense of the prevalence and causes of mental problems in this city of 7 million people.
Click here to read more »
China
Events of 2009
20 January 2010
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Foreign correspondents in China also continue to face restrictions and are barred from visiting Tibet freely. The Chinese government
allowed significantly greater foreign media access to Urumqi following deadly rioting there on July 5-7, 2009, than it did to Tibet during
the unrest that began there in March 2008, but access to areas outside Urumqi, particularly the city of Kashgar, was more restricted. On
July 10, 2009, government authorities in Kashgar forced Elizabeth Dalziel, an Associated Press photographer, and Mark Mackinnon,
correspondent for the Globe & Mail, to leave the city due to an unspecified "security" threat. Paramilitary police punched and kicked
three Hong Kong television journalists covering a peaceful public protest in Urumqi on September 4. On September 18 a group of
unidentified individuals attacked three reporters from Japan's Kyodo News Agency who were covering a rehearsal in Beijing for the
October 1 National Day parade.
Hong Kong authorities still have not provided a clear roadmap for moving to fully democratic elections of the chief executive and all
members of the Legislative Council, prompting fears that they will water down the "universal suffrage" requirement of Hong Kong's
Basic Law.
Decisions by immigration authorities to deny entry to several visitors critical of China's human rights record raised concerns that the
territory's autonomy was being eroded. On September 30, 2008, Hong Kong authorities handed over to mainland authorities an
ex-dissident who had tried to enter the territory from Macao on a borrowed passport.
Click here to read more »
Events of 2009
20 January 2010
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Foreign correspondents in China also continue to face restrictions and are barred from visiting Tibet freely. The Chinese government
allowed significantly greater foreign media access to Urumqi following deadly rioting there on July 5-7, 2009, than it did to Tibet during
the unrest that began there in March 2008, but access to areas outside Urumqi, particularly the city of Kashgar, was more restricted. On
July 10, 2009, government authorities in Kashgar forced Elizabeth Dalziel, an Associated Press photographer, and Mark Mackinnon,
correspondent for the Globe & Mail, to leave the city due to an unspecified "security" threat. Paramilitary police punched and kicked
three Hong Kong television journalists covering a peaceful public protest in Urumqi on September 4. On September 18 a group of
unidentified individuals attacked three reporters from Japan's Kyodo News Agency who were covering a rehearsal in Beijing for the
October 1 National Day parade.
Hong Kong authorities still have not provided a clear roadmap for moving to fully democratic elections of the chief executive and all
members of the Legislative Council, prompting fears that they will water down the "universal suffrage" requirement of Hong Kong's
Basic Law.
Decisions by immigration authorities to deny entry to several visitors critical of China's human rights record raised concerns that the
territory's autonomy was being eroded. On September 30, 2008, Hong Kong authorities handed over to mainland authorities an
ex-dissident who had tried to enter the territory from Macao on a borrowed passport.
Click here to read more »
Nineteenth Meeting of the Human Rights Forum
13 July 2010 at 3:00 pm
Room 601, 6/F, Central Government Offices, West Wing
Introduction
The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting.
An Outline of the topics in the third report of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the light of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (Agenda Item 1)
2. The Chairman said that the Government was preparing for the submission of the third report of the HKSAR in the light of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In accordance with the established practice, the Government prepared an
outline of the report to invite public views, which was issued to the public for consultation on 3 June 2010 and circulated to members
for comments. The consultation period would end on 15 July 2010. The Chairman invited members’ views on the outline of the report.
3. A member raised concern that some recent views expressed by Mainland officials might affect the separation of powers between the
executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR. The Chairman said that the Government would explain in the
Common Core Document of the HKSAR report the constitutional, political and legal structure of the HKSAR, and the functions and
powers of the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary.
Constitutional development and participation in public life
(Article 1 and 25)
4. A member suggested the Government to explain in the coming report the understanding of the Central People’s Government and
the HKSAR Government in respect of (a) the ultimate aim of constitutional development in Hong Kong; (b) Articles 45 and 68 of the
Basic Law in relation to the selection of the CE and forming of the LegCo; (c) the concept of universal suffrage and its application to
right to vote and right to be elected; (d) the role of functional constituencies (FCs) in the progressive move towards universal suffrage in
the electoral method for forming the Legislative Council (LegCo) in 2020. A member also asked the Government to explain if it had
changed its position as stated in the HKSAR’s 1999 report in the light of the ICCPR that “functional constituencies are transitional”.
Another member opined that according to Article 25 of the ICCPR, the right to vote and be elected by universal suffrage should be
“without unreasonable restrictions”.
5. The Chairman said that the HKSAR Government would report the progress of constitutional development in the HKSAR since the
submission of the last report to the passage in June 2010 of the package of proposals for the methods for selecting the Chief Executive
and for forming the LegCo in 2012. The Chairman said that the consistent position of the HKSAR Government was that the existing
electoral model for the FCs of the LegCo did not comply with the principles of universality and equality, and had made it clear that when
universal suffrage was implemented in Hong Kong, the electoral arrangements must comply with the Basic Law and the principles of
universality and equality.
Click here to read more »
13 July 2010 at 3:00 pm
Room 601, 6/F, Central Government Offices, West Wing
Introduction
The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting.
An Outline of the topics in the third report of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the light of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (Agenda Item 1)
2. The Chairman said that the Government was preparing for the submission of the third report of the HKSAR in the light of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In accordance with the established practice, the Government prepared an
outline of the report to invite public views, which was issued to the public for consultation on 3 June 2010 and circulated to members
for comments. The consultation period would end on 15 July 2010. The Chairman invited members’ views on the outline of the report.
3. A member raised concern that some recent views expressed by Mainland officials might affect the separation of powers between the
executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR. The Chairman said that the Government would explain in the
Common Core Document of the HKSAR report the constitutional, political and legal structure of the HKSAR, and the functions and
powers of the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary.
Constitutional development and participation in public life
(Article 1 and 25)
4. A member suggested the Government to explain in the coming report the understanding of the Central People’s Government and
the HKSAR Government in respect of (a) the ultimate aim of constitutional development in Hong Kong; (b) Articles 45 and 68 of the
Basic Law in relation to the selection of the CE and forming of the LegCo; (c) the concept of universal suffrage and its application to
right to vote and right to be elected; (d) the role of functional constituencies (FCs) in the progressive move towards universal suffrage in
the electoral method for forming the Legislative Council (LegCo) in 2020. A member also asked the Government to explain if it had
changed its position as stated in the HKSAR’s 1999 report in the light of the ICCPR that “functional constituencies are transitional”.
Another member opined that according to Article 25 of the ICCPR, the right to vote and be elected by universal suffrage should be
“without unreasonable restrictions”.
5. The Chairman said that the HKSAR Government would report the progress of constitutional development in the HKSAR since the
submission of the last report to the passage in June 2010 of the package of proposals for the methods for selecting the Chief Executive
and for forming the LegCo in 2012. The Chairman said that the consistent position of the HKSAR Government was that the existing
electoral model for the FCs of the LegCo did not comply with the principles of universality and equality, and had made it clear that when
universal suffrage was implemented in Hong Kong, the electoral arrangements must comply with the Basic Law and the principles of
universality and equality.
Click here to read more »
Issue No. 2 of Reporting Year 2010/11
(9 September 2010)
Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong
Direct Investigation into Special Education Services for Students with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
The Ombudsman has decided to initiate a direct investigation into the administration of special education services for students with
emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The investigation will focus on the procedures for admission of such students to special schools and their subsequent re-integration into
mainstream education. The background, purpose and scope of this direct investigation is at Annex A.
Direct Investigation into Driving-offence Points System
The Administration’s efforts in 2009 to amend the legislation underpinning the driving-offence points (“DOP”) system aimed to plug the
loopholes in the service of DOP summonses to drivers who have accumulated 15 or more DOP. However, despite the amendment,
drivers can still avoid being disqualified from driving.
The Ombudsman’s direct investigation has shown that drivers can still avoid being disqualified from driving by not attending court
disqualification hearing. Also, there continues to be little incentive for compliance since the disqualification period is the same for evaders
and those who readily comply with summonses and disqualification orders. Although pursuant to the amendment, the Commissioner for
Transport (“C for T”) can refuse to issue a driving licence to a driver who has failed to appear in court, that has very limited deterrent
effect as most driving licences are valid for as long as ten years. We have also noticed that no systematic records have been kept on
drivers’ DOP and their propensity to be involved in traffic accidents.
We have made five recommendations to the C for T for improvements.
Click here to read more »
(9 September 2010)
Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong
Direct Investigation into Special Education Services for Students with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
The Ombudsman has decided to initiate a direct investigation into the administration of special education services for students with
emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The investigation will focus on the procedures for admission of such students to special schools and their subsequent re-integration into
mainstream education. The background, purpose and scope of this direct investigation is at Annex A.
Direct Investigation into Driving-offence Points System
The Administration’s efforts in 2009 to amend the legislation underpinning the driving-offence points (“DOP”) system aimed to plug the
loopholes in the service of DOP summonses to drivers who have accumulated 15 or more DOP. However, despite the amendment,
drivers can still avoid being disqualified from driving.
The Ombudsman’s direct investigation has shown that drivers can still avoid being disqualified from driving by not attending court
disqualification hearing. Also, there continues to be little incentive for compliance since the disqualification period is the same for evaders
and those who readily comply with summonses and disqualification orders. Although pursuant to the amendment, the Commissioner for
Transport (“C for T”) can refuse to issue a driving licence to a driver who has failed to appear in court, that has very limited deterrent
effect as most driving licences are valid for as long as ten years. We have also noticed that no systematic records have been kept on
drivers’ DOP and their propensity to be involved in traffic accidents.
We have made five recommendations to the C for T for improvements.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM CHINESE BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
To: The Editor
By: RTHK Campaign support
Date: December 3, 2010
New tactics to undermine the editorial independence of the old Utah
Over the years the Government intervention through personnel appointments and other arrangements for the autonomy of Hong Kong
and Taiwan, and to freeze civil service recruitment and long-term implementation of the containment building and the construction of
new radio equipment, such as dried development policies have caused public concern and discontent in the heavily criticized after the
earlier to commitment to provide funding and channels to hide the ugly, but really not paying lip service to, but in reality the practice of
Hong Kong and Taiwan continued dry, unfortunately. Government accountability to the public until today some of half-adjustment
measures, it is too late and limited. The arrangement of the staff, but thawing of the existing vacancies in Hong Kong and Taiwan civil
service recruitment, not only no substantial increase in manpower, and even to absorb the current contract personnel "positive" is not
enough, but no substantial additional resources to meet the broadcast digital channels to improve content. The so-called new channel
assignment, channel no real growth in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Hong Kong and Taiwan show more self-interference, to bear in its
channel program to play the responsibility of the central station, complete loss of autonomy of one channel of programming. At the
central station and its programs, whether and how the regulatory system by the Hong Kong Broadcasting and practices regulated and
reasonable arrangements have not been clarified, the Government of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Taiwan to undertake such a channel, it is
not acceptable.
"Hold RTHK Campaign" ("Movement") issued a statement today criticizing the government accountable for development, in fact, be long
delayed. In the past, Hong Kong and Taiwan were "dry" under the haze, resulting in brain drain and technical backwardness of the
damage has been irreparable, now back to the recruitment of about 80 civil servants, in fact, just the previous vacancies have been
frozen, it is a contract to replace a similar number of posts, no substantial increase in manpower, and insufficient to meet the increased
work of Hong Kong and Taiwan, they can not absorb the present, more than 250 non-civil service contract staff, even with the
regularization of contract staff, some have to start from the low-level, in order to attract Hong Kong and Taiwan and retention continued
to create obstacles. Government in the past "dry up" measures to Hong Kong and Taiwan, only a slight relaxation, did not stop.
New recruitment and appointment of Director of Broadcasting, also increased from the government discretion, and most foreign
airborne RTHK to maintain the government's influence and control, so that Hong Kong and Taiwan can not edit other agencies and
enjoys real autonomy.
Government announced to RTHK Channel 5 digital audio broadcasting, that the Government has essentially rejected the Hong Kong and
Taiwan for additional audio channels and the corresponding number of resource requirements. New channel, 4 is basically used to
improve the existing AM radio play and improve their programming content, but there is no additional manpower and other resources
accordingly; another new channel will broadcast for CCTV programs. The latter is the channel through Hong Kong and Taiwan and
resources for landing in Hong Kong, CCTV broadcast, editorial independence of RTHK intervention was, however, also take to the
community radio stations such as the available legal channels for cooperation. "Movement" that the Hong Kong and Taiwan
independence in the program, play what programs, program source, shall be in Hong Kong and Taiwan at all levels of the professional
decision not to be government intervention or force upon their Hong Kong and Taiwan, or Hong Kong and Taiwan by the Government to
impose arranged agreement on behalf of Director of Broadcasting.
Click here to read more »
To: The Editor
By: RTHK Campaign support
Date: December 3, 2010
New tactics to undermine the editorial independence of the old Utah
Over the years the Government intervention through personnel appointments and other arrangements for the autonomy of Hong Kong
and Taiwan, and to freeze civil service recruitment and long-term implementation of the containment building and the construction of
new radio equipment, such as dried development policies have caused public concern and discontent in the heavily criticized after the
earlier to commitment to provide funding and channels to hide the ugly, but really not paying lip service to, but in reality the practice of
Hong Kong and Taiwan continued dry, unfortunately. Government accountability to the public until today some of half-adjustment
measures, it is too late and limited. The arrangement of the staff, but thawing of the existing vacancies in Hong Kong and Taiwan civil
service recruitment, not only no substantial increase in manpower, and even to absorb the current contract personnel "positive" is not
enough, but no substantial additional resources to meet the broadcast digital channels to improve content. The so-called new channel
assignment, channel no real growth in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Hong Kong and Taiwan show more self-interference, to bear in its
channel program to play the responsibility of the central station, complete loss of autonomy of one channel of programming. At the
central station and its programs, whether and how the regulatory system by the Hong Kong Broadcasting and practices regulated and
reasonable arrangements have not been clarified, the Government of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Taiwan to undertake such a channel, it is
not acceptable.
"Hold RTHK Campaign" ("Movement") issued a statement today criticizing the government accountable for development, in fact, be long
delayed. In the past, Hong Kong and Taiwan were "dry" under the haze, resulting in brain drain and technical backwardness of the
damage has been irreparable, now back to the recruitment of about 80 civil servants, in fact, just the previous vacancies have been
frozen, it is a contract to replace a similar number of posts, no substantial increase in manpower, and insufficient to meet the increased
work of Hong Kong and Taiwan, they can not absorb the present, more than 250 non-civil service contract staff, even with the
regularization of contract staff, some have to start from the low-level, in order to attract Hong Kong and Taiwan and retention continued
to create obstacles. Government in the past "dry up" measures to Hong Kong and Taiwan, only a slight relaxation, did not stop.
New recruitment and appointment of Director of Broadcasting, also increased from the government discretion, and most foreign
airborne RTHK to maintain the government's influence and control, so that Hong Kong and Taiwan can not edit other agencies and
enjoys real autonomy.
Government announced to RTHK Channel 5 digital audio broadcasting, that the Government has essentially rejected the Hong Kong and
Taiwan for additional audio channels and the corresponding number of resource requirements. New channel, 4 is basically used to
improve the existing AM radio play and improve their programming content, but there is no additional manpower and other resources
accordingly; another new channel will broadcast for CCTV programs. The latter is the channel through Hong Kong and Taiwan and
resources for landing in Hong Kong, CCTV broadcast, editorial independence of RTHK intervention was, however, also take to the
community radio stations such as the available legal channels for cooperation. "Movement" that the Hong Kong and Taiwan
independence in the program, play what programs, program source, shall be in Hong Kong and Taiwan at all levels of the professional
decision not to be government intervention or force upon their Hong Kong and Taiwan, or Hong Kong and Taiwan by the Government to
impose arranged agreement on behalf of Director of Broadcasting.
Click here to read more »
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Hu Jintao
President of China since 15 March 2003
President of China since 15 March 2003
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
