Powers under the national security law should be used in a “considered and proportionate manner,” said Hong Kong Bar Association chairman Victor Dawes during the ceremonial opening of the Legal Year at City Hall on Monday.

Dawes, who is nearing the end of his three-year term, said that 2024 is an “eventful year” for the city’s legal community. He cited two Court of Final Appeal judgments from last November that ruled same-sex couples should have equal access to public housing and affirmed equality of inheritance rights for minority groups.

Dawes also acknowledged foreign criticisms of the city’s justice system, particularly regarding national security-related matters.

These criticisms, he said, are often met with strong rebuttals from the SAR administration, which has granted law enforcement agencies “extensive powers” under the National Security Law (NSL) -- powers that are also found in other jurisdictions recognized for upholding fundamental rights.

“Our administration must demonstrate that we are a jurisdiction where the rights of citizens are respected. In this regard, powers under our national security legislation should be used in a considered and proportionate manner,” he said.

“This is not only vital to the success of our economy and the well-being of our people, but it is also intricately linked to the success of One Country, Two Systems, which is crucial to the future of Hong Kong.”

Reflecting on the past year, which marked the 75th anniversary of the Bar Association, Dawes expressed that the association will continue to show “commitment to the rule of law” and support the city’s independent judiciary as it looks ahead to 2025.

(Eunice Lam)

Calls for responsible use of National Security Law powers: Hong Kong Bar Association chairman