Eric Chan refutes untrue remarks on Hong Kong's situation in latest UN human rights review

The Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki has sternly and robustly refuted the "unfounded and untrue" remarks from some of the countries on Hong Kong's human rights situation.

He made the comment at a meeting of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday.

The Group examined China's fourth report, which includes a part concerning HKSAR, submitted under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UNHRC.

Chan, as deputy head of China's delegation, said some of the concerns about Hong Kong's human rights situation come from "misconceptions and a lack of understanding" about the city's actual situation.

Responding to the doubts about the need for the Hong Kong National Security Law, Chan said no country will watch with folded arms in the face of acts and activities that endanger national security.

He added that the NSL was enacted precisely to tackle "the darkest times of Hong Kong in 2019" while bringing back stability and security as well as allowing residents to return to their peaceful and prosperous way of living.

As for some Western governments call for the release of Jimmy Lai, a former publisher on trial for alleged national security violations, Chan stressed in the meeting - without naming Lai's case - that all law enforcement actions are taken strictly in accordance with the law and including the protection of fundamental rights. 

He said the legal actions are entirely based on available evidence and applicable law, and have nothing to do with a person's background, occupation or political stance.

“I wish to make it clear that it is inappropriate to comment on, or interfere with, the ongoing legal proceedings which were mentioned today,” he said.

The chief secretary stated that the SAR government will continue to cooperate with the mainland in the Universal Periodic Review and tell the international community good stories of the HKSAR's human rights situation. 

He added that the government is firmly committed as ever to the protection of human rights and always seeks to make improvements suited to the city's realities.