On Feb. 14, 2023, The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights held a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to review a report sent by Beijing which gave an account of Hong Kong and Macau.
Hong Kong Watch, a British non-governmental organization advocating for the human rights situation in Hong Kong, submitted its report and urged the United Nation Committee to closely observe the impact of the National Security Law on Hong Kong’s cultural rights and trade union rights.
“Almost all independent and pro-democracy media outlets have been forced to close down after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, 18 journalists have been arrested, and 12 journalists and senior media executives are still awaiting trial in prison,” reported Hong Kong Watch.
Deterioration of Press Freedom
The report cited the results of the member survey released by the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) in November 2021. It’s reported that 84 percent of the interviewed journalists expressed that press freedom has deteriorated in Hong Kong under the National Security Law. About 76 percent are “apprehensive” about the possible establishment of fake news law. And 77 percent of journalists fear being monitored by digital or physical surveillance. At least 46 percent of surveyed journalists said they considered leaving Hong Kong, while 34 percent were considering fleeing. Another 12 percent have already planned for their permanent departure from Hong Kong.Laws Target Media
The report also stated that Articles 9 and 10 of the Hong Kong National Security Law target the media. Article 9 stipulates that the Hong Kong government shall strengthen public promotion, guidance, supervision, and management of schools, social organizations, media, and networks related to national security; Article 10 stipulates to carry out national security education through schools, social organizations, media, and networks.Hong Kong Watch pointed out that the definition of Article 54 is conceivably targeting foreign media. Article 54 mentions strengthening the management and services of foreign and overseas non-governmental organizations and news agencies in Hong Kong.