The clock is ticking. Time is running out for democracy in Hong Kong.
We need allies around the world to #StandWithHongKong now.Mr. Joshua Wong
Student Activist and Leader of the Hong Kong Democracy Movement addressing politicians, civil society leaders, and journalists at the 2020 Copenhagen Democracy Summit hours after the announcement of 18 June 2020 that China will “fast-track” legislation undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy.
As a worldwide network of legislators dedicated to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and international peace and security, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) has previously been vocal in its support for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
The situation has only become more dire and the need for decisive and prompt action more acute. Yesterday, 18 June 2020, the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing announced that it tabled the Draft Hong Kong Security Law and plans to rush approval of the legislation in a whirlwind three-day session. This blatant attempt to undermine democracy in Hong Kong came one day after the Foreign Ministers of G7 nations decried attempts by the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to dismantle the two systems-one state arrangement enshrined in Basic Law that has peacefully safeguarded Hong Kong’s autonomy.
PGA Members worldwide have asked how they can act in support of democracy. In response, PGA has compiled an acrostic with five concrete ways you can S.T.A.N.D. with Hong Kong:
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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
The first and most basic step you can take is to show your support on social media with the hashtags #StandWithHongKong and #DefendDemocracy. From a grassroots initiative, these calls have grown exponentially and become synonymous with the global movement in solidarity with Hong Kong democracy and human rights defenders. Please consider using your unique platforms to raise awareness among your colleagues, constituents, and followers on social media. -
TABLE A RESOLUTION IN YOUR PARLIAMENT.
PGA members have taken the further step to co-sponsor resolutions in support of Hong Kong democracy, including in the European Parliament, where a joint resolution was co-sponsored by PGA Members EP Vice President Fabio Massimo Castaldo, MEP (Italy), and Ms. Hannah Neumann, MEP (Germany). Bipartisan legislation also passed unanimously in both the U.S. Senate, co-sponsored by PGA Member Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), and the U.S. House of Representatives, co-sponsored by PGA Members Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). For assistance preparing similar resolutions, including connecting with peers who have done so, please contact the PGA Secretariat. -
CONSIDER SPONSORING A “MAGNITSKY ACT.”
Current and former PGA Members have supported the establishment of so-called “Magnitsky Acts,” named for the late Sergei Magnitsky, allegedly murdered in retaliation for whistle-blowing into government corruption and fraud. The bills inspired by his legacy place sanctions on regimes that violate respect human rights. In January 2020, the Assembly of Kosovo became the eighth parliament to pass such legislation. Bills are currently pending before several legislatures, including in Australia and the European Parliament, where PGA Member Mr. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, MP (The Netherlands), himself targeted by Russian authorities, has led a major effort to advocate for a European Magnitsky act. The PGA Secretariat stands ready to support you in developing and advocating for legislation sanctioning individuals culpable for human rights violations (please contact democraticrenewal@pgaction.org for further information). -
ADD YOUR NAME TO A GLOBAL STATEMENT OF MPS AND WORLD LEADERS.
Several global coalitions and networks have issued statements of support for Hong Kong. A cross-party international coalition of 897 parliamentarians and policymakers from 43 countries or territories [as of 12 June 2020] issued a statement decrying Beijing’s "unilateral introduction of national security legislation in Hong Kong," and calling for sympathetic governments to unite against this "flagrant breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration," which is a legally-binding treaty between China and the UK. Led by the former Governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten, and the former UK Foreign Secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, and facilitated by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Hong Kong Watch, the coalition comprises of a depth of expertise and experience including former prime ministers, foreign secretaries, defense ministers, prominent legal and human rights experts, diplomats, Senators, and Members of Parliament. You can read more about the Statement, including the current list of signatories here.
Many PGA members have already signed the Statement in their personal capacities. Others have found complementary ways to #StandWithHongKong. To facilitate sign-on, please find a link to the full text wherein PGA members can directly add their names here: https://bit.ly/2BmblGS. -
DEMAND THAT YOUR GOVERNMENT REJECT ATTACKS ON HONG KONG’S AUTONOMY BY THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
Several governments have made public statements in support of Hong Kong democracy, including a joint statement by Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and a statement by European Union High Commissioner Josep Borrell. However, at the same time, other countries, as well as powerful banks, companies, and corporations are wary of raising China’s ire. Even countries that have taken such steps as opening up pathways to citizenship for asylees (which Mr. Wong has called a “lifeboat of last resort”) have been reticent to overtly criticize the PRC government. As parliamentarians, you can play a vital role by demanding your governments condemn the unlawful attacks on Hong Kong democracy, which are both illegal under international law and unconstitutional violations of Hong Kong Basic Law.
If you have further ideas for initiatives to support Hong Kong and/or would like to share actions you have taken, please contact the PGA Secretariat at democraticrenewal@pgaction.org .
The fight for democracy in Hong Kong may well be the fight of our time.Mr. Ali Ehsassi, MP (Canada)
PGA Executive Committee Member
