Hong Kong*
The people of Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, traditionally enjoyed substantial civil liberties and the rule of law under their local constitution, the Basic Law. However, the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 has amounted a multifront attack on the “one country, two systems” framework. The territory’s most prominent prodemocracy figures have been arrested under its provisions, and NSL charges or the threat of charges have resulted in the closure of political parties, major independent news outlets, peaceful nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and unions.
Freedom in the World — Hong Kong Report
Hong Kong is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2024, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.
Sign up for the Hong Kong Media Bulletin
The Hong Kong Bulletin is a monthly email newsletter that provides unique insight into media freedom and freedom of expression issues in Hong Kong, drawing on both English and Chinese-language sources.
Each month, the newsletter features cutting edge analysis of the latest trends in Hong Kong as the territory is being vastly transformed by the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, highlighting the following topics:
- Analysis on monthly trends
- Short news updates on traditional media, internet freedom, and academic freedom
- Tracking what to watch for as the crackdown deepens
- Spotlight on initiatives by Hong Kongers, exiles and supporters globally, and the international community
Countries in the Spotlight
Freedom in the World's Countries in the Spotlight features countries that experienced important developments in 2019 that affected their democratic trajectory, and deserve special scrutiny in 2020. In Hong Kong, sustained demonstrations against meddling by Beijing were met with police violence, but undeterred voters expressed overwhelming support for prodemocracy candidates in local elections. View the full Freedom in the World report to learn about the other Countries in the Spotlight.
Recommendations for Policymakers: Democratic Crisis in Hong Kong
The United States and other democracies must take strong, immediate action to stand with the people of Hong Kong in their defense of democratic values.
News & Perspectives:
* Indicates a territory as opposed to an independent country.