Letters | UN rights review gives Hong Kong a chance to uphold core values
- Every state that made a recommendation on Hong Kong can receive the same from China when they come under review
- Dismissing UPR recommendations from foreign governments as interference undermines Hong Kong’s objectives as “Asia’s World City”
The UPR hearing was significant. Five years ago, when the hearing was last held, not one recommendation mentioned Hong Kong.
As Mr Lo notes, the human rights records of western nations are not perfect. Countries such as Australia, France and Canada all have human rights problems. Nevertheless, that does not make their recommendations less valid. All countries should receive international scrutiny for their human rights records.
Thankfully, the UPR process provides the opportunity to do just that. The UPR is a peer review mechanism. Every state that made a recommendation on Hong Kong can receive recommendations from China when they come under review.
Civil society has an important role to play in the UPR, as an interface between the international community, local citizenry, residents and the government. Over the last year, we have sought meetings with principal officials and civil servants, while promoting measures to increase transparency and accountability. Meaningful engagement is necessary to deliver outcomes that will benefit Hong Kong people.