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Over 30 Human Rights Organisations Call the EU to Add a Human Rights Clause in the China-EU Investment Agreement and to be Tougher on the Issue in a Joint Petition

The European Union and China reached an agreement on the China-Europe Investment Agreement (CEI) last month. Hong Kong Global Connect, together with more than 30 human rights organisations around the world, signed a joint letter on Wednesday, asking the EU to be tougher on human rights issues in China and to reconsider the CEI and the inclusion of human rights clause in the agreement.

More than 30 organisations signed the letter and sent the letter to President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and the President of the European Parliament. Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and President of the European Parliament David Sassoli. The joint letter states that they are "deeply concerned" about the omission of the human rights clause from the final text of the agreement, which they believe that the EU will give a message about the promotion of close cooperation with China regardless of the scale or severity of human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party.

The organisations noted that the EU has an agreed and moral obligation to respect democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights when negotiating with China. They also recommend the EU to ensure that China ratifies key conventions, including the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, before acceding to the agreement. They also suggested that a human rights clause should be included in the EU-China Investment Agreement.

Hong Kong Global Connect, Hong Kong Watch, Human Rights in China, the International Federation for Human Rights, the International Campaign for Tibet, the World Uyghur Congress, and other human rights organisations signed the joint letter.

Source: Apple Daily #Jan13

https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20210113/WC3VWVZSRRCVJDJJ7WSMWJRSOA/

#EuropeanUnion #EU #China #EUChinaInvestmentAgreement #humanrightsissue #jointpetition #HongKongGlobalConnect #HongKongWatch #Tibetan #Uyghur #HumanRights #ChinaEU
#Pertition
Over 100 UK parliamentarians call for tit-for-tat sanctions against China

//In a joint petition led by #ChrisPatten, the last British Governor of Hong Kong, 103 U.K. parliamentarians called on the U.K. government to sanction Chinese officials, in response to Chinese sanctions on British lawmakers and entities.

“These sanctions reflect the increasingly authoritarian nature of the Chinese Government, which seeks to sanction U.K. parliamentarians, academics, and leading lawyers for the ‘crime’ of daring to voice concern over the persecution of Uighurs,” Patten wrote in the letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“This unprecedented attack on democratic representatives of the Western world deserves a robust and coordinated response,” Patten wrote in the letter, which was posted on the Facebook page of human rights group #HongKongWatch.

“It is clear that the so-called ‘golden-era’ of relations between the U.K. and China is now over,” he added. “We would urge the Government to immediately review, publish, and implement a cross-departmental strategy on how the U.K. can deal with the growing challenge the Chinese Government presents to the democratic world.”

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy, Asia Minister Stephen Kinnock and former leader of the Conservative Party, Iain Duncan Smith were among the signatories.//

Source: Apple Daily #Apr15
Image: Stand News

https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20210415/AA7LXSA5NFEHZPNGREDOB64IWA/

https://www.thestandnews.com/international/%E5%BD%AD%E5%AE%9A%E5%BA%B7%E7%8E%87-103-%E5%90%8D%E8%8B%B1%E5%9C%8B%E6%9C%83%E8%AD%B0%E5%93%A1%E5%8E%BB%E4%BF%A1%E8%8B%B1%E6%8F%86-%E8%A6%81%E6%B1%82%E5%88%B6%E8%A3%81%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E5%AE%98%E5%93%A1/
MPs from UK, US, and Canada Condemn Sentencing of 9 Veteran Pro-Democracy Figures and Calls for #Sanctions

Source: Stand News #Apr16

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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29476
#GlobalConcern
MPs from UK, US, and Canada Condemn Sentencing of 9 Veteran Pro-Democracy Figures and Calls for #Sanctions

In a statement of condemnation issued via #HongKongWatch, a group of parliamentarians from UK, United States, and Canada denounced the sentencing and imprisonment of 9 of the "most moderate and distinguished pro-democracy activists" of Hong Kong for participating in the peaceful protest at Victoria park on Aug 18, 2019.

"The CCP's comprehensive assault on the freedoms of Hong Kong and its rule of law continues relentlessly", said former governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten. "The CCP simply does not understand that you cannot bludgeon and incarcerate people into loving a totalitarian and corrupt regime. While Hong Kong's values are attacked by the Communist Party, the regime is also careful in its attempt to safeguard the use of the city as a secret means for the family and friends of Beijing's leaders to store away the proceeds of their corruption."

UK shadow minister for Asia & Pacific Stephen Kinnock called it "dark day for democracy, free speech and liberty in Hong Kong". He praised the 9 activists as "brave" and "an inspiration to us all." He goes on to say that "by standing strong and united against the authoritarian bullying of the Chinese government they have set an example that democracies around the world would do well to follow."

US senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney called for the immediate release of the 9 pro-democracy activists. He said that they "stand with the people of Hong Kong in their fight for freedom and democracy", and exhorts the US administration to "work with our allies and partners to support the people of Hong Kong and impose meaningful sanctions on the CCP."

Canadian Senator Leo Housakos, who had been a proponent of Magnisky Act sanctions on Chinese officials since last year, asserted that not only must Canada "unequivocally condemn this tyrannical and oppressive behaviour", the country must also "do all that we can to provide refuge to those courageous enough to take on the communist regime of China."

The 9 veteran pro-democracy figures were found guilty for organizing and participating in unlawful assembly for taking part in the demonstration and march from Victoria Park on Aug 18, 2019. Their sentences range from 8 to 18 months, and only four of them received suspended sentences, while the rest are immediately jailed.

The verdict by Judge Amanda Woodcock noted that the case did not involve violence, however the potential risk of heightened emotions in gathering crowds escalating into violence must be accounted for.

Additionally, as all 9 defendants are well known public figures, when they lead a march, a large crowd would be sure to follow; therefore they made a "conscious decision" to commit a crime, with the intent to challenge the police, the law, and public order. The conclusion was that prison was the only appropriate sentence.

Source: Stand News #Apr16
https://www.thestandnews.com/international/8-18-%E6%A1%88-%E8%8B%B1%E7%BE%8E%E5%8A%A0%E8%AD%B0%E5%93%A1%E7%99%BC%E8%81%B2%E6%98%8E%E8%AD%B4%E8%B2%AC%E5%88%A4%E5%88%91-%E7%BE%85%E5%A7%86%E5%B0%BC%E4%BF%83%E6%94%BE%E4%BA%BA-%E7%A8%B1%E7%BE%8E%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C%E6%87%89%E6%96%BD%E5%8A%A0%E5%88%B6%E8%A3%81/
#GlobalSupport
#HongKongWatch calls for establishment of a #UN Special Envoy for Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Watch Facebook #May18
Image: Stand News

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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29813
#GlobalSupport
#HongKongWatch calls for establishment of a #UN Special Envoy for Hong Kong

Hong Kong Watch, a British non-government organization focusing on Hong Kong issues, released a statement on May 18, 2021, calling on the United Nations (UN) to form a special envoy to Hong Kong, in order to monitor the deteriorating human rights situation, as well as to coordinate an international response.

Lord Patten of Barnes, the last Governor of Hong Kong, adds:

“The establishment of an international contact group to coordinate a global response would be a positive way forward. Moreover, the creation of a UN special envoy for Hong Kong would contribute both to monitoring human rights and encouraging dialogue and reconciliation. Many UN member states would see it as a constructive proposal worthy of support.”

Source: Hong Kong Watch Facebook #May18
Image: Stand News

https://www.facebook.com/HongKongWatchOrg/posts/3881971295256648

#ChrisPatten #LastGovernor #SpecialEnvoy
Hong Kong Watch: 3 public pension funds in Canada involved in investment and human rights violations by Chinese companies  
 

Hong Kong Watch, the organisation which concern about Hong Kong human rights, published a report on Thursday. It discovered that there are 3 public pension funds in Canada invest in the Chinese companies which involve in Chinese military and human rights violations. The investigation discovered, two of the funds have been invested into the Chinese companies such as China Communications Construction, which have been blacklisted by United States. The investment involved amounts to $373 million Canadian dollars (approximately $2.39 billion HKD) 
  
Hong Kong Watch suggested the Canada Members of the Parliament of Canada urge the government, ban pension funds from investing in companies that involve persecuting Uyghurs and Tibetans and suppressing Hong Kong. Furthermore, it also encourages the government to include companies involved in human rights violations on the “Entity List” and requires the Financial Consumer Council of Canada to pass legislation to restrict investment in companies involved in human rights violations.  
 
Source: Stand News #Jun11

https://bit.ly/3wMg2ln

#HongKongWatch #Canada #China #HumanRights #Uyghurs #Xinjiang #Tibetans #HongKong #Suppression #EntityList #Legislation  
Demonstrations form many countries call for boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics, Hong Kong Watch Rogers: people can boycott the Winter Olympics and sponsors 
 
Beijing Winter Olympics will be held on February 2022, many groups around the world say that China’s human rights problems are serious, urging the international community to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics. Yesterday (23June) the organisation NoBeijing hold a “Global Day of Action”, the organiser said there were total 53 cities within 24 countries had protests. In London, the founder of Hong Kong Watch Benedict Rogers spoke and stated, people can boycott the Winter Olympics and sponsors.  
 
The meeting of England is located outside the Prime Minister’s Office, approximately 50 people participated, which included Hongkongers, Tibetans, and Uyghurs. People hold posters such as “China fail human rights” and “Boycott Beijing 2022”, and they also shouted the slogans like “Down Down CCP”, “Free Hong Kong” and “Free Tibet”.  
 
Source: Stand News #Jun24

https://bit.ly/3hpxk2y

 
#Beijing #WinterOlympics #HongKongWatch #Boycott #NoBeijing #HumanRights #Democracy #London #China #InternationalCommunity  
#UKParliament Denies Amendments to Expand #BNO #Visa to Hong Kong Youths

On December 6, 2021, pro-democracy activists - who fled Hong Kong amidst National Security threat and are now residing in UK - gathered outside the government house on Downing Street in London.

The group urged the passage of proposed amendments to the Borders and Nationality Bill to extend the eligibility of BNO visas to cover youngsters in Hong Kong who were bornafter the 1997 Handover.

Initiated by former Deputy Prime Minister #DamianGreen and supported by more than 20 cross-party MPs, the amendment bill aimed to allow those between the ages of 18 to 24 who have at least one parent with BNO status to claim that status in the UK, without being accompanied by their parent.

Several members of the Parliament and high-profile public figures attended the gathering to show their support. They include #AlynSmith MP, #AfzalKhan MP, #NusGhani MP, author and media veteran #EdwardLucas, #HongKongWatch CEO #BenedictRogers and Hong Kong Watch Senior policy advisor #SamGoodman.

Deliberated in the Parliament, the proposed amendment, unfortunately was rejected on December 8, 2021, as UK’s immigration minister #KevinFoster considered the expansion "too broad".

Foster claimed that alternative ways for those ineligibles to apply for BNO include student visa or working holiday.

Source: Harbour of Freedom, #Dec6; Stand News, #Dec8

https://thestandnews.page.link/My2AEzNN2yisKFEG8
#CallforAction
#HongKongWatch: Elections in Hong Kong Do Not Represent the Vox Populi of #Hongkongers

Hong Kong Watch is organising a social media campaign to call for people's attention to Hong Kong political issues, which include the upcoming #LegCoElections on #Dec19 2021 and the 47 pro-democracy activists and legislators imprisoned or under trial due to the pro-democracy primaries in 2020.

The organisation called for people to upload photos onto social media with the hashtags #ReleaseMyCandidate and/or #釋放我的候選人, stating that it could not represent the vox populi of Hongkongers.

Shortly after the campaign, many activists and politicians have started their participation, including Lord Alton of Liverpool, MEP Engin Eroglu, human rights activist Laura Harth and Hong Kong artiste Joe Tay.

To learn more about the campaign: https://twitter.com/hk_watch/status/1470428393057488903?s=21

Source: Hong Kong Watch
#Dec17
#Campaign #LegCo #Election #Primaries #NSL
#LegCoElection
How Hongkongers Respond to "Patriots-Only" #Election

After having been postponed for more than a year by the authorities, the Legislative Election took place in Hong Kong on December 19, 2021, when the majority of the city's pro-democracy camp are detained, jailed, or exiled. Prior to the election, public polls have shown that Hong Kong citizens expressed little interest in the "Patriots-Only" election.

Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31651

While the authorities have sent at least one SMS to the population (including non-voters) encouraging them to vote, at least ten civilians have been arrested for "inciting" others to cast #BlankVote or invalid vote. In addition, at least five exiled activists are wanted by the Hong Kong government for encouraging the public to boycottt the election.

Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31652

https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31654

Around noon, it was reported that over 900 #ICAC staff were deployed in different polling stations to ensure that the election is conducted in a "just and fair" manner. Earlier, the authorities announced that polling staff were forbidden from wearing yellow masks and anyone wearing an outfit with phrases like "Add Oil Hong Kong" would be asked to remove or cover it.

Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31621

Ms Ng, in her sixties, told Stand News that "everyone knows" the agenda of the authorities behind offering free public transport on the Election Day. [Editor's note: Voters are always assigned to a polling station nearest to their residential address.] Regarding thd candidates in the nicknamed "Patriots-only" election, Ms Ng said, "I don't even know just one of them!"

Ms Ng added that the [goverment's] act would be futile, "Elderly like us only think about hiking, not voting."

Meanwhile, huge crowds were spotted at amusement parks like #DisneyLand and #OceanPark. Some tourists claimed that they have never seen so many people in the park.

This year, in Taikoo Shing, a residential area on Hong Kong Island East, the polling station was relatively 'empty' when compared to the 2016 LegCo Election and the 2019 District Council Election. Back then, voters had to line up and wait before casting their ballot. This year, there were more people queuing at the bus station.

Pro-Beijing figure Lo Man-sui, who occupied positions in CCP organizations like the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said that "The winning of all 90 seats by the Pro-Establishment Camp would go against the original intent of the Central Government."

#TedHui, now-exiled former lawmaker in pro-democracy camp, answered the call by #HongKongWatch, uploading a photo of himself holding a sign that reads #ReleaseMyCandidate. Hui added that those who can represent Hongkongers' voices are in jail, and that ths only thing a Hongkonger can do is to boycott the election.

Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31644

Source: Stand News; InMedia #Dec19
https://bit.ly/3Fc2XWK

https://bit.ly/3e4ngcu

https://thestandnews.page.link/VJLfT7xux5Do6sj89 -

#FailedState #FakeElection #CCPStyle #Voter #PoliceState

===
Related News

HK Police Intimidates Reporter and Warns of "Loitering" Charges in Polling Station
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31656
#Statement
#G7, #EU and the #Five Eyes Express Concerns Over China's Control of Hong Kong #LegCoElection

//The Five Eyes and G7 together with the high representatives of the European Union, have issued joint statements expressing deep concern that the Chinese Communist Party has taken away the few remaining democratic elements of Hong Kong's electoral system.

Both statements pointed out that the newly reformed electoral system, with fewer directly elected seats and new vetting procedures that restrict voter choice, undermines the high degree of autonomy promised to Hong Kong in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Both joint statements call on China to act in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration and other legal obligations, and to respect the basic human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong as promised in the Basic Law.

They also called on the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to stop suppressing dissenting voices and to stop unreasonably suppressing those who advocate democratic values and defend freedom and human rights.//

[Editor's notes: The Five Eyes countries are the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The G7 countries are US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.]

Read the statements by the UK Foreign Ministry:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-issues-joint-statement-with-international-partners-on-hong-kong-elections-20-december-2021

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/g7-foreign-ministers-issue-joint-statement-on-hong-kong-elections

Source: Hong Kong Watch #Dec21
https://www.facebook.com/HongKongWatchOrg/posts/4540172279436543

#HongKongWatch #LegcoElection #FakeElection
#HKProtest #Exile
2 Years After PolyU Siege, 19-year-old HongKongers in Exile: "I Earnestly Want to Return to Hong Kong"

#AntiELAB #PolyUseige #LOTR #HongKongAidUK

Source: RFA; #Nov17

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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31813
#HKProtest #Exile
2 Years After PolyU Siege, 19-year-old HongKongers in Exile: "I Earnestly Want to Return to Hong Kong"

Read Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31791

Read Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31807

Continue with Part 3:
People inside the city want to escape; people outside want to return

#HongKongWatch, a UK #HumanRights organisation, estimates that there are 120 political asylum seekers from HK at the moment and 200 to 300 HKers with a temporary or expired tourist visa in the UK.

Some UK #MPs suggested amending BNO application terms and conditions that a Hker could have the right to stay in the UK if one of the parents qualified for a #BNOvisa, including HK young people born after 1997.

The amendment bill is an aid for people like Ivan, whose parents do not want to leave for the UK and need to be political asylums.

The total amount of these people are estimated to be 100 thousand, expanding HKer groups in the UK. However, the #parliament rejects the decision after a 2-days discussion on Dec 8 due to the scale of expansion.

While people in the city try to get out very hard, people outside the city earnestly want to get back. Ivan hopes to see HKers can have shumai (a traditional Cantonese dim sum) at home together.

"I really want to return to Hong Kong"

Ivan sees Hong Kong as his home even though he is in the UK now. When he saw people giving applause welcoming the soldiers on Remembrance Day, he wished to have another Liberation Day for Hong Kong, the day when he could go back to Hong Kong.

He expressed, "I would like to say to everyone one day: let's return to HK. An ethnic group has nothing wrong to go back to their origin. Hong Kong was colonised by the UK and is colonised by the #CCP. I feel very unwilling as HKers have fought for a long term but can't make any decision for themselves. If Hong Kong is liberated one day, do still I have a chance to travel, or am I "lying in a box covered by a blanket"?"

No one can predict when it will be, but Ivan will continue to embrace this hope to survive in a foreign country.

#LOTR

Source: RFA #Nov17
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/hk-polyu-11172021060537.html
#AcademicFreedom
U.S. LGBTQ scholar denied visa to Hong Kong, possibly due to ties with Human Rights Watch

U.S. law scholar Ryan Thoreson, who studies the social and legal issues of #LGBTQ, was denied having a teaching visa from the University of Hong Kong (#HKU) as a tenured Assistant Professor. The scholar did not receive any reason for the denial.

Read related article
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/32082

As there was no official explanation, Ryan Thoreson could not say whether it was because of his ties with Hong Kong Watch. "I don't think my studies have special criticisms on China as my main focus is on LGBTQ rights."

RFI said that the incident increased concerns about academic freedom in Hong Kong.

#RyanThoreson #HongKongWatch #AcademicFreedom

Source: RFI #Feb02

https://bit.ly/3GJVdej
#Censorship #InternetFreedom
Pro-democracy NGO #HongKongWatch website reportedly blocked in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Watch; Hong Kong Free Press; InMedia #Feb15

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#Censorship #InternetFreedom
Pro-democracy NGO
#HongKongWatch website reportedly blocked in Hong Kong

On February 15, 2022, the website of Hong Kong Watch, a NGO based in the UK, cannot be accessed in Hong Kong, unless a VPN is used.

It is reported that the Hong Kong authorities have requested internet service providers such as PCCW, CMHK, HKBN and Navigator networks among others, to delist the website.

In 2021, the Hong Kong government has taken down other websites including HKChroniclees.com, Transitional Justice Commission, and HK Charter 2021.

Benedict Rogers, CEO of Hong Kong Watch, said:

“If this is not just a technical malfunction, and Hong Kongers will no longer be able to access our website because of the #NationalSecurityLaw, then this is a serious blow to internet freedom. With the steady drip of website removals, there are fears that China could begin introducing its Great Internet Firewall into the city."

Source: Hong Kong Watch; Hong Kong Free Press; InMedia #Feb15

https://www.hongkongwatch.org/all-posts/2022/2/14/hong-kong-watch-website-blocked-by-internet-firms-in-hong-kong

https://hongkongfp.com/2022/02/15/website-of-ngo-hong-kong-watch-appears-blocked-amid-rising-fears-of-internet-censorship/

https://bit.ly/3uRjQDQ
#NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState
Hong Kong Watch, the first overseas organisation accused of National Security Violations

Sources: The Chaser News, HKFP; #Mar14

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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/32405