​The World Justice Project released the Rule of Law Index 2026 today (October 21). Hong Kong's overall ranking remains high and unchanged, ranking 6th in East Asia and the Pacific, and 24th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions globally. Hong Kong's scores in most of the aspects are similar to those of last year, and its overall ranking continues to be ahead of some western countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of Hong Kong.

     Hong Kong continues to maintain its position within the top 10 globally in respect of "Absence of Corruption" and "Order and Security", with the global ranking in relation to "Order and Security" rising to 7th. This demonstrates that the successive implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has provided better protection for the security of the city and maintained it as an excellent environment for business and investment. Hong Kong has long been renowned as one of the safest cities in the world and consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt places in the world. Hong Kong has achieved remarkable results in fighting against graft and promoting integrity, as well as preventing and combating crimes. All these have injected strong stability to Hong Kong, fully demonstrating that security is a clear advantage for Hong Kong's development.

     In respect of "Constraints on Government Powers" and "Civil Justice", Hong Kong's rankings are same as last year. Hong Kong's rankings in the aspects of "Open Government" and "Regulatory Enforcement" remain almost unchanged, while its rankings slightly drop in the aspects of "Fundamental Rights" and "Criminal Justice". Under the protection of the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law, Hong Kong has a robust legal framework for the protection of human rights and an open judicial system. The civil and criminal legal frameworks in Hong Kong align with international standards and keep up with the times, fully safeguarding the rights of the concerned parties. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law and is free from any interference. Under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, parties may initiate legal proceedings and seek judicial remedies in accordance with the law, and are protected by a solid legal aid system. The HKSAR Government will continue to steadfastly safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the law, and enhance its publicity and explanatory work through various channels to tell the good story of Hong Kong's rule of law to the international community.

     A robust rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's continuous high-quality development under the "one country, two systems" principle and a core advantage that underpins its position as an international legal hub. As the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world using Chinese and English, Hong Kong will give full play to its unique advantages to contribute to the upholding of the impartial and reasonable international rule of law and order, with its dispute-resolution rules and mechanisms aligned with international standards. The HKSAR Government will continue to comprehensively uphold the rule of law in the HKSAR, safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests under the rule of law, promote the rule of law education, and contribute to the cultivation of foreign-related legal talent.

Ends/Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 22:38

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