Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor

The Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor (HKHRM) (Chinese: 香港人權監察) is a local non-governmental organisation which was established in April 1995.

Assertaining the human rights conditions in Hong Kong HKHRM undertakes research on a variety of important topics including immigration law, constitutional matters, freedoms of association, assembly and expression, the conduct of the police, and the treatment of prisoners.

The materials cover subject matter ranging from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to anti-small circle election.

Working on human rights-related issues HKHRM handles cases referred to it by other non-governmental organisations that have significant implications for legal or institutional improvements.

In the past, the HKHRM has held campaigns for improvements of the police complaint system, and even more in depth issues such as requesting an independent inquiry for Lee Shing Tat's victim case.

HKHRM Director Mr Law Yuk Kai claimed that the demonstrators were highly controlled but the police has over-reacted and lacked flexibility.

Complaints included harsh condition for polling officers, unprofessional handling of votes and promotional activities in non-canvassing areas.

In July 2006, HKHRM submitted the second periodic report on the HKSAR of the People’s Republic of China in light of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the United Nations.

[3] In 2000, HKHRM interviewed staff and residents in eight children's homes run by Social Welfare Department and obtained its findings from unannounced visits.

Together with other non-government organisations, HKHRM attended the hearing of China's report submitted in accordance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

During the hearing, it expressed strong opposition to the exclusion of mainland Chinese new immigrants from the government's proposed Racial Discrimination Act.

[6] In 2002, HKHRM Director Mr Law Yuk Kai and the Democratic Party Chairperson Lee Chu Ming went on a one-week visit to the United States.

[7] The organisation also caught global attention as it joined the United Nations Human Rights Committee hearing in Geneva in 1999.

This involvement will certainly help the organisation to learn more about the international context of human rights in Hong Kong and to gain further recognition from the local government.

In 1998, members of HKHRM met Tung Chee Hwa, the Chief Executive, and expressed their views on the issues of racial equality, the immigration appeal system, police monitoring and the pace of democratisation.

[11] In 2005, HKHRM organised three street forums in Siu Sai Wan, Causeway Bay and Tseuk Kwan O for community education and as an effort to request for the abolition of the functional constituencies.

Members are expected to fully understand and demonstrate a legitimate commitment to human rights and the rules and regulations of Hong Kong law.

Besides, “the one essential qualification for membership is a genuine commitment to human rights and the rule of law” and “members... are free to take as much or as little part in the Monitor's activities”.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor
Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor