The Safety Forum for Works and Property Management Services 2024, organised by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), the Occupational Safety and Health Council and the Construction Industry Council, was held today (July 31) … read more
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (July 31) strongly disapproved of and condemned the absurd and unfounded remarks on Hong Kong’s situation, in areas such as safeguarding national security and protecting human rights, made by the Consul General of the United States of America (US) to Hong Kong, Mr Gregory May, in a media interview.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) in June 2020, the US has ignored the large-scale and incessant riots that occurred in 2019 that devastated society, livelihoods and the economy of Hong Kong. Instead, it piled up false stories and fabricated narratives to maliciously slander laws relevant to safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and blatantly attacked the HKSAR in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law. The US has also deliberately neglected the fact that the NSL has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community as well the business environment to return to normalcy, exposing its hypocrisy with double standards.
“The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. It is a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under ‘one country, two systems’ and comes directly under the Central People’s Government. The legal basis for implementing ‘one country, two systems’ comprises the Constitution and the Basic Law, which provide a constitutional guarantee for fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to equality before the law, and is buttressed by the rule of law and independent judicial power,” the spokesman stressed.
“Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The legal framework in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR is in line with relevant international human rights standards. The NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc.
“As a matter of fact, it is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. The US has at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security. It is therefore in no position to point its finger at the HKSAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security.”
The spokesman stressed, “The offences endangering national security stipulated by the NSL and the SNSO target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons concerned. Law-abiding persons will not unwittingly violate the law. The remarks made by the Consul General of the US to Hong Kong on the so-called ‘chilling effect’ are purely malicious smears on the NSL and the SNSO.”
The spokesperson reiterated, “The HKSAR Government is steadfast in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully upholding this top priority of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. At the same time, it protects the legal interests, rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents and other people in Hong Kong in accordance with the law, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the Consul General of the US to immediately stop the malicious smears of and interference in Hong Kong matters which are purely China’s internal affairs.” read more
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Mong Kok this morning (July 31) in which a woman died. At 10.05am, a medium goods vehicle (MGV) driven by a 46-year-old man wa… read more
The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (Amendment Ordinance) will come into operation tomorrow (August 1).
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said, “The Amendment Ordinance aims to expand the current territory-wide prohibition on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons, increase the maximum penalty for illegal feeding from a fine of $10,000 to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year, and introduce a fixed penalty of $5,000, with a view to further curbing illegal feeding activities, thereby reducing the nuisance and environmental hygiene problems caused to the public by feeding feral pigeons and wild animals, and maintaining an ecological balance.”
In addition, the Amendment Ordinance will expand the scope of the Government’s enforcement officers for effective enforcement. Apart from AFCD officers and police officers under the existing arrangement, appointed officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Housing Department can also take enforcement action against illegal feeding. The AFCD and relevant departments will adopt a risk-based strategy and take appropriate enforcement action in accordance with intelligence and reports received.
The spokesman noted that in order to allow sufficient time for members of the public to understand the new requirements, during the first month after the Amendment Ordinance comes into operation (i.e. between August 1 to August 31), enforcement officers will first give a verbal warning to any person who is found to be illegally feeding feral pigeons or wild animals. If the relevant person continues the illegal act, enforcement officers will take enforcement action. Starting from September 1, enforcement officers will take enforcement action immediately without prior verbal warning if any person is found to be illegally feeding feral pigeons or wild animals.
The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities with the theme of “All For No Feeding” to raise public awareness on the negative impact of feeding feral pigeons and wild animals, as well as the latest requirements under the feeding ban and its relevant penalties. Relevant information has also been uploaded to the AFCD webpage (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_fau/con_fau_wild_the.html). Members of the public may report any suspected illegal feeding of feral pigeons or wild animals by calling 1823. read more
​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) organised the Hong Kong, China Night reception on July 30 (Paris time) in Paris, France. Reception attendees cheered for the Hong Kong athletes participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics while showcasing vibrant cultural scenes of Hong Kong to the international audience. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, officiated at the reception.
In her welcome remarks, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, highlighted the importance of sports in connecting cultures and people. She also invited friends from around the world to visit Hong Kong and experience its diversified culture with a wide range of mega events.
The Hong Kong, China Night provided guests with a taste of Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West culture and the creativity of Hong Kong talent. A string duo featuring Hong Kong musicians Grace Chan (double bass) and Melody Lau (violin) brought a harmonious blend of iconic Cantonese pop songs with Western classical music.
The best of Hong Kong’s design and innovation were also presented through a fashion showcase at the Hong Kong, China Night. The Culture X AI 2024-25: Kan Tai Keung X AiDLab X Hong Kong Fashion Designers Show, organised by the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design, which was jointly established by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Royal College of Art in the United Kingdom, featured the collaborative efforts of renowned design master and ink painter, Dr Kan Tai-keung, and five esteemed Hong Kong fashion designers, highlighting the convergence of cutting-edge technology and artistic expression in the fashion industry. In addition, a series of sportswear design collections in celebration of the 2024 Paris Olympics, launched by the PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles, was also featured at the Hong Kong, China Night as a highlight of Hong Kong’s innovative world of fashion and textiles.
The Hong Kong, China Night reception was co-organised by Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; HKETO, Brussels; the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; and the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council. The reception was attended by Hong Kong athletes and more than 300 guests from the government, business, sports, art and culture, as well as creative sectors from various cities.
