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" /></td> <td> <p style="font-size:1.4em;">United Nations</p> </td> <td> <p> <span style="font-size:2em;">CCPR</span>/C/CHN-HKG/CO/4</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> <p style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.7em;">International Covenant on Civil and Political R ights</p> </td> <td> <p>Distr.: General</p> <p>11 November 2022</p> <p>Original: English</p> </td> </tr> </table> <div class="content"> <p style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2em;">Human Rights Committee</p> <h2 style="font-weight:bold;">Concluding observations on the fourth periodic report of Hong Kong, China *</h2> <p>1.The Committee considered the fourth periodic report of Hong Kong, China, at its 3891st, 3893rd and 3895th meetings, held on 7, 8 and 12 July 2022, in a hybrid format owing to restrictions imposed in connection with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. At its 3912th meeting, held on 22 July 2022, it adopted the following concluding observations.</p> <h3>A.Introduction</h3> <p>2.The Committee welcomes the submission of the fourth periodic report of Hong Kong, China, and the information presented therein. It expresses appreciation for the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with the delegation of Hong Kong, China, on the measures taken during the reporting period to implement the provisions of the Covenant. The Committee is grateful for the written replies to the list of issues, which were supplemented by the oral responses provided by the delegation, and for the additional information subsequently provided to it in writing.</p> <h3>B.Positive aspects</h3> <p>3.The Committee welcomes: </p> <p>(a)The adoption of the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Ordinance 2021;</p> <p>(b)The adoption of the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2020;</p> <p>(c)The establishment in 2018 of the Commission on Children to formulate long-term targets and strategic directions concerning the holistic development and important growth stages of children;</p> <p>(d)The introduction in 2015 of statutory paternity leave;</p> <p>(e)The launch in 2014 of the Unified Screening Mechanism.</p> <h3>C.Principal matters of concern and recommendations</h3> <h3>Constitutional and legal framework within which the Covenant is implemented</h3> <p>4.The Committee acknowledges the commitment by both the Central People s Government and the Government of Hong Kong, China, to the principle of  one country, two systems , which is aimed at preserving the autonomy of the Government of Hong Kong, China, in managing its own affairs. The Committee notes the unique legislative arrangements under this principle and the complexities therein surrounding the fulfilment by Hong Kong, China, of its Covenant obligations, given the fact that the Central People s Government is not bound by the Covenant. It also notes with appreciation that the provisions of the Covenant have been incorporated or guaranteed in local laws of Hong Kong, China, including the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People s Republic of China and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance. However, the Committee is deeply concerned that the Law of the People s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law) prevails over other local laws in case of conflicts and consequently overrides fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Covenant. Reiterating its previous concerns about the constitutional interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People s Congress, the Committee is also concerned about the absence of measures to ensure full conformity with the Covenant of the Standing Committee s interpretation of the Basic Law (arts. 2 and 14). </p> <p style="font-weight:bold;">5. Hong Kong, China , should ensure that the Covenant prevails over local legislation and laws applicable in Hong Kong, China, including the National Security Law , and bring these laws and practices in full conformity with the Covenant. It should also ensure that all interpretations, including those by the Standing Committee , of the Basic Law and all other laws applicable in Hong Kong, China, and all practices are in full conformity with the Covenant and with the principle of  one country, two system s  . </p> <h3>National human rights institution</h3> <p>6.While noting the assertion by Hong Kong, China, about the existing institutional framework of statutory organizations mandated to promote and safeguard human rights, namely the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and the Ombudsman, the Committee remains concerned about the gaps in the mandate and powers of those organizations, individually and collectively, to promote and protect all the rights enshrined in the Covenant, and about their insufficient independence in carrying out their respective mandates (arts. 2 and 14). </p> <p style="font-weight:bold;">7. The Committee urges Hong Kong, China , to establish an independent national human rights institution with a comprehensive mandate and appropriate powers in full compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). Until such an institution is established, Hong Kong, China , should take concrete measures to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the existing institutions and to expand their mandate s . </p> <h3>Non-discrimination</h3> <p>8.The Committee notes the efforts made by Hong Kong, China, to improve its anti-discrimination legislation, including the adoption of the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2020 and the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Ordinance 2021. The Committee, however, remains concerned about the persisting lacuna in the existing anti-discrimination framework with regard to protection against all forms of discrimination based on all prohibited grounds of discrimination, including age, sexual orientation and gender identity, in all spheres, and the fragmentary approach of Hong Kong, China, to addressing it. In this context, the Committee regrets the explicit intention of Hong Kong, China, not to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that a minimal number of racial discrimination complaints have been filed with the Equal Opportunities Commission despite the reportedly frequent incidents of racial discrimination experienced by migrant workers, and that none of the discrimination claims brought before the Commission under the four anti-discrimination ordinances has been successful (arts. 2, 3, 25 and 26).</p> <p style="font-weight:bold;">9. The Committee urges Hong Kong, China , to reconsider its position and to take concrete steps to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that prohibits all forms of direct, indirect and multiple discrimination, based on all prohibited grounds of discrimination, including age, sexual orientation and gender identity in all public and private spheres. Hong Kong, China , should enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the Equal Opportunities Commission to competently carry out its complaint s- handling and other mandates.</p> <h3>Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons </h3> <p>10.The Committee is concerned about the lack of effort made by Hong Kong, China, to raise awareness among its population of the effects of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity on victims. It is also concerned about the absence of a legal framework to address the discrimination, harassment, hate speech and hate crimes that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons continuously face. It is further concerned that, despite an interdepartmental working group on gender recognition having been established in 2014, no progress has been made towards drafting a law on genderrecognition, and transgender persons continue to be required to undergo surgery in order to have their gender marker changed in their identity documents (arts. 2, 25 and 26). </p> <p style="font-weight:bold;">11. Hong Kong, China , should:</p> <p style="font-weight:bold;">(a) Intensify its efforts to combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons , including by conducting public awareness-raising campaigns;</p> <p style="font-weight:bold;">(b) Adopt a legal framework to explicitly prohibit and prevent discrimination, harassment, hate speech and hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons , ensure that all such cases are thoroughly investigated, prosecuted and sanctioned, and provide access to effective remedies for victims;</p> <p style="font-weight:bold;">(c) Put in place a quick, transparent and accessible procedure for the legal gender recognition of transgender persons and immediately discontinue the policy of requiring medically unnecessary gender - reassignment surgery.</p> <h3>National Security Law</h3> <p>12.The Committee notes with concern that the National Security Law was passed by the National People s Congress without consultation with the public and civil society in Hong Kong, China. The Committee is deeply concerned about the overly broad interpretation and arbitrary application of the Law, reportedly leading to the arrests of more than 200 persons since its enactment in 2020, including 12 children, on grounds of endangering national security, and 44 of the charges against the 12 persons convicted under the Law not falling within the four categories of offences specified therein. Furthermore, it is concerned that, despite article 4 of the Law guaranteeing respect for and protection of human rights in safeguarding national security, the application of the Law and the implementation rules established under article 43 thereof have unduly restricted a wide range of Covenant rights, as mentioned throughout the present concluding observations (arts. 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 25).</p> <p>13.The Committee notes with grave concern the following