CS at UN Human Rights Council session stresses National Security Law contributes to Hong Kong's progress
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He stressed that National Security Law is designed to bolster the successful "one country, two systems" principle, which will continue to drive Hong Kong's progress.
He underlined that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. He explained that the National Security Law was enacted to address the increasing threat to national security in Hong Kong posed by the escalating violence by rioters during the social unrest last year. "Effective measures must be taken to restore safety and stability," he said.
"The Law is vital in bringing Hong Kong back on track and safeguarding our country's sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.
He stressed that the Law has been effective in restoring stability so far. Advocacy of "Hong Kong independence" and collusion with external forces have visibly subsided, as have acts of violence and blatant defiance of law and order.
In addition, he pointed out that the National Security Law seeks to preserve Hong Kong's core values, including rights and freedoms, the rule of law and judicial independence, while fundamental rights and freedoms remain intact under the Basic Law and the relevant provisions of international covenants as applied to Hong Kong.
He said that as almost all countries have their own national security laws, "it is unthinkable therefore that our national security law should be a cause for concern for some countries." He called on the international community not to adopt a double standard.
"Hong Kong will continue to forge ahead as a vibrant, open and international financial and business centre, with a prosperous and stable future," Mr Cheung concluded.
Ends/Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 22:04
Issued at HKT 22:04
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