Hong Kong Hosts International Ombudsman Summit Celebrating 35 Years of Commitment to Fairness and Accountability

Speech by CS at International Ombudsman Summit 2024 (with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the International Ombudsman Summit 2024 today (December 3):

Director-General Cai (Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the National Commission of Supervision of the People's Republic of China, Mr Cai Wei), Deputy Commissioner Fang (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Fang Jianming), President Benalilou (First Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute, Mr Mohamed Benalilou), President Qureshi (President of the Asian Ombudsman Association, Mr Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi), Mr Chan (Ombudsman of Hong Kong, Mr Jack Chan), Consuls-General, ladies and gentlemen,

​Good morning. I am delighted to welcome you to Hong Kong and the International Ombudsman Summit, which brings together some 140 ombudsmen and other senior players from ombudsman offices around the world.

You are here, in Hong Kong, because you are committed to the principles of fairness, accountability and transparency. Because you are eager to hear from high-profile speakers and your international colleagues about the latest developments and best practices in this critical area of public administration.

You are here, too, l am pleased to add, to help us celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Office of The Ombudsman.

Hong Kong is proud to host this global gathering - to welcome you and the invaluable experience you bring to this Summit. We have long acknowledged the importance of the Office of The Ombudsman and its essential role in Hong Kong's administration, our economy and our community.

The "one country, two systems" principle is the foundation of Hong Kong's governance and approach to the world. "One country, two systems" creates singular opportunities with our country, China, and enables us to do business and build connections and people-to-people ties with the world at large.

Hong Kong has much to offer the world, East and West. Our judiciary is independent, we practise the rule of law, believe in efficient government and a simple and low tax system. We are blessed with modern infrastructure, a world-class financial and professional services sector, and, yes, an internationally respected Office of The Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman serves as a bridge between the people of Hong Kong and the Government. It demands that we learn from history and that we anticipate the challenges ahead.

Those challenges have expanded, hand in hand - or should I say screen in hand - with the rapid advances of technology, the complexities of global interdependence, and the ever-evolving expectations of our citizens, who look to today's ombudsmen as custodians of the past, guardians of the present and architects of the future.

It is a demanding remit, but I am pleased to say that the Office of The Ombudsman in Hong Kong is committed to realising that responsibility. More than half of the Office's 120 employees are investigators, let me add.

And, as Chief Secretary for Administration, it is my responsibility to submit responses to the Ombudsman's recommendations - on behalf of the Government - to our Legislative Council.

Last year, the Office handled some 4 400 complaint cases. Through 95 full investigations and 10 completed direct investigation operations, the Office made 186 recommendations to various government bureaux and departments.

I welcome them, each and every one of them. They were made to improve the quality and the standards of public administration in Hong Kong. And to ensure the public that we are committed to accountability through independent, objective and impartial investigations.

We are also very much open to celebrations here in Hong Kong. As mentioned, this year is the 35th anniversary of the Office of The Ombudsman in Hong Kong. Since its establishment, the Office has been steadfast in driving a fair, efficient and accountable public administration, identifying areas that the Administration can improve in with sound recommendations.

I am pleased to congratulate the Office of The Ombudsman for 35 years of dedicated work and painstaking efforts on behalf of Hong Kong.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a rewarding Summit, and the best of health, and business, in the coming year. And I know you will enjoy all that Hong Kong, Asia's world city, has to offer you.

Thank you.

Speech by CS at International Ombudsman Summit 2024 (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CS at International Ombudsman Summit 2024 (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSARG responds to reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under HKHRDA incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 26) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects US' reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HKHRDA) incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

A spokesman for the Government said, "In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security, the US has exposed its double standards by pointing the finger at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security."

"The Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the related Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity, aiming at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts and activities of endangering national security. It targets only an extremely small minority of people without affecting the basic rights and freedoms lawfully enjoyed by Hong Kong residents."

He said, "The US openly clamour for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."

The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We have long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has been implementing a comprehensive and robust control regime over the import and export of strategic commodities and maintaining active participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners and internationally.

The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Currently, some 1 390 US companies operate in Hong Kong. If the US insists on its acts, it will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US, harming the interests of the US and its companies.

The spokesman reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.