This report covers developments in Hong Kong from January 1, 2023 to March 30, 2024.

At the end of March 2024, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was enacted under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The new law contributed to the further erosion of civil liberties.

We also saw the Hong Kong government adopt extra-legal measures to tighten its control of civil society, carry out transnational repression, and resist oversight.

Contents:

• Part I: Were Human Rights Protected by the Rule of Law in Hong Kong?
  • (a) The National Security Law and its extraterritorial reach
  • (b) Article 23 and the Sedition Law and their extraterritorial reach
  • (c) Extra-legal measures
• Part II: Was the Rule of Law Implemented Well in Hong Kong?
  • (a) Independence of Lawyers and Judges
  • (b) Prisoners’ Rights
  • (c) Business Environment
• Part III: Was the Rule of Law Well Monitored in Hong Kong?
  • (a) Media Freedom
  • (b) Academic Freedom
  • (c) Civil Society & Participation