UN Rights Chief Warns Hong Kong Laws Suppress Accountability

Wang Fung Court apartment complex buildings on fire in Hong Kong.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has expressed concern that “draconian security laws” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China are being used to suppress people calling for an investigation into last month’s deadly apartment fire.

At least 160 people were killed in the blaze at the Wang Fung Court complex in Tai Po district, which was undergoing renovations.
Mr Türk expressed solidarity with the victims and urged the authorities to safeguard civic space.

Answers and accountability

“At a tragic time like this, the space for discussion and debate on issues of major public interest and concern is more important than ever,” he said.

“The people of Hong Kong understandably want answers and accountability, so that the hundreds of victims are properly compensated and to avoid such a tragedy occurring again.”

Mr Türk noted that the authorities have appointed an independent review committee and initiated criminal and anti-corruption investigations into the fire, but have so far not established a commission of inquiry with full investigative powers.

Authorities have also offered support packages for affected residents and announced measures to remove hazardous materials from construction sites and review fire-safety regulations.

Calls for an inquiry

“I am deeply concerned by reports that the territory’s draconian security laws are being applied against individuals who have publicly called for a transparent and independent inquiry, a review of construction oversight, government accountability, and support for affected residents,” he said.

“I urge the authorities to drop these cases against those seeking accountability.”

The UN rights chief stressed that several provisions and practices under the 2020 National Security Law and the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance do not comply with international human rights law, particularly with respect to legality, necessity and proportionality in restricting rights.

Erosion of human rights

“The cumulative impacts of these laws reflect a systemic erosion of human rights, including the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, in what was once a vibrant hub for civil society, public debate and independent media,” he said.

He also raised concerns over electoral changes that have reduced the proportion of directly elected District Council seats to less than 20 per cent of the total.

“The compelled dissolution of major political parties has effectively eliminated organised political opposition,” he said.
“Political pluralism promotes diversity and equality and is essential for democratic accountability.”

Mr Türk added that there is still an opportunity to restore meaningful civic space in Hong Kong by rolling back measures that restrict political participation and suppress dissent.