Hong Kong’s homegrown national security law comes into effect

Hong Kong’s homegrown national security law, known as Article 23, comes into effect on Saturday, a day after Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu signed it into law. 

“It signifies that Hong Kong has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility as stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law to enact local legislation to safeguard national security, and accomplish a historic mission, living up to the trust placed in us by the Central Authorities and the country," Lee said. 

Lee also said that the completion of the legislation is essential to the implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems” and that the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will bring safety to society. 

“With safety comes stability; with stability comes prosperity,” Lee also said. 

The CE added that the law protects human rights and freedoms in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 

“The SAR Government will continue to lead Hong Kong in fully focusing on economic development, improving people’s livelihoods, and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability of the city, with a view to create a brighter and more abundant future together,” Lee said.