UN experts express deep concerns over Hong Kong security law

UN human rights experts have shown concerns that China’s new security law for Hong Kong poses a serious risk to the city’s freedoms.

The new security law is widely being criticized after China imposed it in Hong Kong in June after months of huge pro-democracy protests.

A 14-page letter was posted on the UN human rights office website, 48 hours after it was sent to the Chinese government. 

According to the international news agency, the letter was sent by Fionnuala Ni Aolain, a UN special rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism, and six other UN experts.

The letter mentions that the new law does not follow China’s legal obligations under international law.

The UN experts also showed concerns regarding the influence on the sovereignty that was granted to Hong Kong when it was given to China from British control in 1997. 

 “We are particularly troubled that this legislation may impinge impermissibly on the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and of peaceful assembly,” they wrote.

They also mentioned in the letter that it ran it can result in the “grave risk” of targeting the legitimate activities of political opponents, critics, students, and lawyers among others.

On the other hand, New Zealand has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to China’s controversial security law.

Travel advice has been given to people of New Zealand to alert them about risks presented by the law.