APPENDIX 39
Memorandum submitted by Hong Kong Journalists
Association
The HKJA welcomes the Committee's continuing
interest in Hong Kong. We believe that international opinion continues
to be an issue of importance for the Hong Kong Government, and
as the former sovereign power the views of Britain are of particular
weight.
GENERAL POINTS
On a positive note, we are pleased to report
that the people of Hong Kong continue in large measure to enjoy
the right to freedom of expression, and that Hong Kong society
benefits from public debate and a relatively free press. But we
remain concerned about various longstanding threats to such freedom,
some a legacy from the period of British rule, others arising
from Hong Kong's re-incorporation into China.
We are especially concerned that during the
past year there have been several ominous developments that threaten
freedom of expression. Most worrying have been statements by Chinese
officials on the question of Taiwan's sovereign status, and whether
the media should be free to report views which contradict the
Beijing position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
Though they appear not to have had an immediate effect on the
coverage of Taiwan in the Hong Kong media, these interventions
should be regarded as part of a process of opinion and agenda-setting
by the Chinese government, and as a shot over the bows for the
media which maps out no-go areas for the future.
"NO GO
AREAS"
We are Concerned that issues considered vital
to the interests of the Chinese state will become no-go areas.
Even if the media continue to report freely and with great enthusiasm
on topics within Hong Kong, including vigorous reporting on Hong
Kong's business figures and government officials, this would represent
a "birdcage" freedom that would damage Hong Kong's ability
to function as an international city. Many international businesses
use Hong Kong as their HQ for China, and without access to real
news about China this would be impossible; they would be operating
without light.
Unfortunately the credibility crisis currently
faced by the media due to perceived low standards could undermine
public support for any moves by journalistic organisations to
combat the very real and significant danger of the government
enacting draconian anti-subversion laws. These laws, against treason,
secession, sedition, subversion as mandated under article 23 of
the Basic Law, are a sword hanging over our head. We fear that
the public may not be willing to support the media if it fails
to take concrete action to curb its excesses.
WHAT TO
DO
The most important single move that could be
made by the Hong Kong government would be to bring its laws and
practice regarding freedom of expression fully into line with
its international human rights, obligations, including under the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Sadly, at the end of British sovereignty the task of bringing
Hong Kong's laws into line with international standards was left
unfinished. The new administration has shown no interest at all
in continuing this task.
We call on the Chinese government to refrain
from any action that may curb freedom of expression or inhibit
legitimate reporting activities. It should repeal all regulations
restricting the right of Hong Kong and other journalists to work
on the mainland, and should adopt a more open and non-discriminatory
attitude to local journalists working on the mainland.
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