Hong Kong Government Condemns Report on Academic Freedom
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has strongly condemned and rejected a report on academic freedom in Hong Kong published by US-based NGOs, calling its content "malicious smears and sweeping remarks."
The government noted that most interviewees in the report, published by Human Rights Watch and the Hong Kong Democracy Council, used pseudonyms, a tactic often employed by anti-China forces. This raises questions about the authenticity and credibility of the report.
The HKSAR government emphasized that academic freedom is a cherished value in Hong Kong and the cornerstone of its higher education sector. It stressed that fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the Basic Law and that the laws safeguarding national security prioritize human rights.
The Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) explicitly state that human rights will be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. They also guarantee the rights and freedoms enjoyed by residents under the Basic Law and international covenants.
The government affirmed that any measures taken under these laws must adhere to this principle. It highlighted that Hong Kong residents continue to enjoy various rights and freedoms, including academic research, artistic creation, expression, assembly, and association.
Article 137 of the Basic Law guarantees the autonomy and academic freedom of educational institutions. Hong Kong residents can exercise their freedom of expression, including criticizing government policies, without fear of repercussions.
Since the implementation of the NSL, academics and post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong have continued to engage in normal exchange activities with their foreign counterparts.
The HKNSL and SNSO provide a robust framework for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. This allows all sectors, especially higher education, to flourish in a safe and stable environment. Scholars and students can pursue their studies and research in a secure and inclusive setting.
5 Comments
Matzomaster
“The focus on legal jargon like ‘The Basic Law’ and ‘HKNSL’ seems like an attempt to intimidate critics rather than promote freedom.”
Rotfront
“This balanced approach reminds me that safeguarding national security doesn’t mean sacrificing the freedom to inquire and express ideas.”
Karamba
“Using pseudonyms doesn’t automatically discredit a report. It feels like the government is trying to shut down any independent criticism.”
Rotfront
“This is nothing but a government smear tactic—dismissing legitimate concerns about academic freedom by calling them ‘malicious smears.’”
Karamba
“It’s vital to protect our academic institutions from external influences that might jeopardize independence. This text does just that.”