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Protect the rights of people in Hong Kong

People in Hong Kong are facing violent restrictions on their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Write to the government and demand they respect and protect the rights of people in Hong Kong now.

In March this year, the government of Hong Kong proposed a bill that, if passed, would have essentially allow the handover of persons in the territory of Hong Kong to mainland China. Millions of people came out in protest of the proposed changes – and since then the bill has been withdrawn. But the people of Hong Kong face the ongoing threats to their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression - and excessive police violence goes unpunished.

Our researchers have documented unnecessary and excessive use of force, including tear gas, batons and other less-lethal weapons, used by police, on the largely peaceful protesters; using vague charges to arrest and prosecute peaceful protesters; retaliatory violence against arrested persons in custody; and police’s lack of response when protesters were facing violent attacks by counter-protesters and other people.

This has happened both during the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in 2014 and the Extradition Bill protests that began in March this year. The Hong Kong authorities have used aggressive policing on occasions when they deem the protests are crossing the “red-line”. This “red line” is set by the Chinese government, and includes factors like advocating for democracy, challenging the Chinese government or endangering “national sovereignty and security".

The approach to policing used by police in Hong Kong violates international human rights laws and standards.

Write a message and demand that the rights of the people of Hong Kong are respected

Demand that the Hong Kong  immediately take necessary measures to establish a fully independent mechanism mandated to effectively conduct investigations into inappropriate use of force or other abuse by police, and respect and ensure the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

Note: when you take action, an email will be sent from the email address you provide to the government of Hong Kong. Other details you provide such as your name and country will be processed in line with Amnesty International’s privacy policy.