Amnesty International Establishes New Hong Kong Office Abroad

Amnesty International has announced the establishment of a new office dedicated to Hong Kong, operating from abroad, following the closure of its previous offices in the region in 2021 due to security concerns. The new office, named Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas (AIHKO), will be formally registered in Switzerland and primarily staffed by Hong Kong activists living in various countries including Australia, Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The decision to operate this new branch from outside Hong Kong comes in response to the ongoing deterioration of human rights conditions in the territory. Amnesty International's Secretary-General emphasized that this initiative reflects the organization's commitment to human rights advocacy despite significant challenges. Former Hong Kong lawmaker Fernando Cheung, now a board member of the new office, highlighted that working from a location outside of Hong Kong offers increased freedom to engage with international organizations and conduct necessary research.

The establishment of AIHKO aims to amplify the voices of Hongkongers both domestically and abroad, fostering a robust global diaspora community. This move comes as the city continues to face severe restrictions under a national security law imposed by Beijing, which has led to the arrest of numerous individuals for activities deemed subversive or protest-related since the large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.

Since the imposition of the security law, Amnesty International previously cited the law's implications as a significant barrier to their operations within Hong Kong, rendering it increasingly difficult for human rights organizations to function effectively. The organization reported that at least 322 people have been arrested under the security laws, with 163 individuals convicted to date. Furthermore, more than 10,000 arrests have been made in relation to protests, many involving young students.

Amnesty International's new office is a significant step in continuing its mission to defend human rights and advocate for individuals in Hong Kong who are facing repression. It signifies a resilient response to the challenges posed by the current political climate in the region.