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2025
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it will make full preparations for the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation to be held in the city on May 30. Nearly 60 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and about 20 international organisations including the United Nations will send senior representatives to attend the signing ceremony for the convention. A global forum on international mediation will be held in the afternoon to discuss topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes. In 2022, China and nearly 20 like-minded countries jointly initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The negotiations on the convention have successfully concluded and a unanimous consensus has been reached to establish the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong. The IOMed will be the world's first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, and will be an important mechanism for upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Established more than half a century ago, the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC) has long been a foundation for the development of local aviation talent. Until recently, however, training was carried out at borrowed school and community centre facilities. HKACC Commanding Officer Chan Mang-lang highlighted the challenges faced over the years. “Venue limitations restricted our ability to hold training activities according to our needs or introduce professional equipment like flight simulators.” Renovation project To improve its training environment, in 2018 the corps began looking for a suitable location to establish a new headquarters and training centre. Ultimately, in 2023, it chose a vacant school on Shiu Fai Terrace in Wan Chai. HKACC Deputy Officer Commanding Operations Group Martin Choi explained that the original school had 12 classrooms and an assembly hall, meaning the refit could be accomplished without major renovations, allowing for time and cost savings. After over a year of refurbishments, the new headquarters officially opened in March. Classrooms were transformed into multi-purpose rooms, conference rooms and other facilities, providing cadets with ample training and learning areas. The corps also added several small flight simulators and a helicopter simulator. “As Hong Kong integrates into the Greater Bay Area’s aerospace developments, the new headquarters equip the youth with cutting-edge facilities to explore aviation careers,” said Mr Choi. “These professional facilities could enhance the cadets’ technical skills. In future, we will also introduce one-to-one fixed-wing aircraft simulators for cadets.” Overcoming challengesAs a youth uniformed group, foot drill training is vital for the corps. The original playground has been converted into a parade ground for Chinese-style foot drills and a flag-raising training zone. During reconstruction, however, technical challenges arose when it came to installing flagpoles. Due to the lack of road access, which prevented large machinery from entering the site, the contractor opted to use manual labour and small machines to lift and install three steel sections for the 15m main flagpole and the two 13m flagpoles on either side of it. Building prideThe new headquarters also features a national education corner aimed at strengthening young people’s national identity and pride through showcasing the country’s achievements and development. HKACC No. 402 Squadron Non-commissioned Officer-in-charge Lui Wai-fung, who joined the corps five years ago, outlined that the new training centre offers numerous opportunities for training and growth, as well as increasing cadets’ sense of belonging. Vital supportFrom April 2024, the corps has been supported and funded by the Government Flying Service (GFS), which also assisted in establishing the new headquarters. GFS Air Crewman Officer III Nicholas Choi stated that the service participated in site selection meetings led by the Security Bureau and the Development Bureau to ensure that the facilities at the new headquarters would meet the corps’ future development needs. Having offered technical and professional advice to assist the corps in setting up its flight simulation equipment and teaching facilities, it also provides ongoing virtual reality and flight simulator training for cadets. In addition, it hosts cadets at GFS headquarters on enriching educational field trips. Bright prospectsGFS Acting Senior Pilot Martin Yu explained that on such visits, “when the cadets enter the hangar, they may actually have a quick touch on the helicopters, so they are usually very happy and become more interested in our daily job for GFS and aviation on the whole.” Mr Yu also revealed that over 10% of current flight personnel in the GFS are former cadets, and said he hopes this percentage can rise even further in the future. “Apart from that, many cadets has become a professional in aviation industry, including in many different streams, like the air traffic controllers, like in the maintenance industry, in the aviation, as well as a pilot.”
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned US senators who requested a review, through a so-called bill, that includes a number of judges and the Department of Justice’s prosecutors in a so-called list of sanctions, in an attempt to intimidate Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security. In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and the implementation of the National Security Law is free from any intervention. It further pointed out that the US politicians, however, insisted on turning a blind eye to facts and even clamoured for so-called sanctions against the Hong Kong SAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security. Stressing that it despises any so-called sanctions and shall never be intimidated, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the city shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. It also strongly urged the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs. Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government said its law enforcement agencies have been taking enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. It also emphasised that the Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions of the Hong Kong SAR and makes all its prosecutorial decisions on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws. Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. It explained that the courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. Additionally, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt to interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the city’s rule of law. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice. Moreover, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
The Government today said that it has no issue with people purely “checking in” or taking photos near prohibited places while passing by, provided there is no intention to endanger national security. The Government was responding to media enquiries about reporting, photo-taking and video-shooting at locations specified prohibited places under new subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). It outlined that if people deliberately take photos or footage of the entrances or interiors of prohibited places so as to inspect such places, or engage in other conduct while filming or taking pictures that gives reasonable grounds to believe that they may endanger national security, police officers or guards at these sites have the power to ask them to leave. At a meeting of the Legislative Council subcommittee and a subsequent media session yesterday, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said that under section 45 of the SNSO a “specified officer” who has reasonable grounds to believe that exercising such power is necessary for safeguarding national security, may order any person to refrain from approaching or inspecting a prohibited place, including by electronic or remote means, and may order persons to leave. Any person who contravenes such an order commits an offence.
The Treasury Department today alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages purportedly issued by the department which ask recipients to pay a fixed penalty offence via a hyperlink provided. The department said it has no connection with the fraudulent SMS messages and has reported the case to Police for further investigation. It reminded the public that the Treasury will not send SMS messages to ask recipients to settle payments via hyperlinks.
A Legislative Council subcommittee today completed the negative vetting of two pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung met the media after attending a meeting of the Subcommittee on Two Items of Subsidiary Legislation Made under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance this afternoon. Mr Lam said that in relation to the subsidiary legislation concerning the power of the Office for Safeguarding National Security, there are only 15 provisions. As to the declaration concerning prohibited places, it only refers to six premises. He also noted that more than five hours were spent on the vetting, with the number of questions and opinions expressed by lawmakers exceeding 150. “So I think any reasonable person would have agreed that the whole process is extremely serious and a thorough discussion had been given to all relevant provisions.”
The Acting Chief Executive-in-Council today approved the making of two pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), which were gazetted and came into effect immediately. They provide specific details in respect of the provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) concerning the mandate of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS) and declare the premises where the OSNS performs its mandate as prohibited places. The Hong Kong SAR Government said national security risks to which the Hong Kong SAR is exposed can arise all of a sudden with the increasingly turbulent global geopolitical landscape. Therefore, the Hong Kong SAR Government must perform its constitutional duty to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security and to formulate comprehensive measures for safeguarding national security to better implement the mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and prevent and tackle in a timely manner national security risks that may arise unexpectedly. The subsidiary legislation clearly outlines the Hong Kong SAR Committee for Safeguarding National Security (CSNS) making an overall plan for, and co-ordinating, the implementation of the opinions provided by the OSNS on the OSNS's oversight and guidance, and the CSNS Secretariat's assistance in giving effect thereto, for the better carrying into effect of the relevant provisions of the HKNSL. The HKNSL Aricle 55 provides that the OSNS shall, upon approval by the CPG, exercise jurisdiction over a case concerning the four types of offences endangering national security under the HKNSL under three specified special circumstances, which target a very small number of endangering national security cases that are of a serious and egregious nature and involve a significant impact. The subsidiary legislation provides for the implementation details, including requirements on public servants to provide all necessary and reasonable assistance to the OSNS in a timely manner; any person must comply with legal instrument issued by the OSNS under the HKNSL Article 57; and the provision of immunity from civil liability for complying with the OSNS's legal instrument. Furthermore, the subsidiary legislation provides for relevant offences, including offences for failing to comply with legal instrument, providing false or misleading information, and disclosing information on the OSNS's investigation. The subsidiary legislation also provides for specific details in respect of the provisions of the HKNSL regarding protection in respect of the OSNS and its staff in the performance of its mandate, including requirements on the Hong Kong SAR Government and any public servant to provide, in accordance with the law and in a timely manner, all necessary and reasonable assistance, facilitation, support, backing and protection; admissibility of an identification document or a document of certification created or issued by the OSNS to be in evidence in legal proceedings; making the acts of wilfully resisting or obstructing the OSNS in the performance of a duty, impersonating a staff member of the OSNS, or forging documents of the OSNS, an offence; and the obligation of any person to keep confidential the work-related information in connection with the OSNS.In addition, the subsidiary legislation clearly sets out the detailed addresses of the prohibited places and the clear coordinates of the points that can be linked to clearly define the entire prohibited area. Noting that the subsidiary legislation will go through the negative vetting procedure at the Legislative Council, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it will make every effort for the early completion of the scrutiny with a view to effectively safeguarding national security as soon as possible. It added that the subsidiary legislation will not affect the lives of the general public, nor the normal operation of any institution and organisation. Plus, the places designated as prohibited places do not involve private residences and will not cause any unreasonable impact on the surrounding community.
Since 2024, the Police Force has partnered with three post-secondary institutions to offer the Diploma of Applied Education - Police Cadet Training Programme. Through classroom learning, physical training and outdoor experiences, the programme aims to better prepare young people who aspire to join the force. Personal growthOne such trainee is Park Hae-jun, a 27-year-old born in Hong Kong to Korean parents. Before joining the programme, he voluntarily returned to Korea to complete his military service, hoping to build discipline and confidence. “I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and I consider Hong Kong my home - that is why I chose to come back,” he said. He shared that the programme offered far more than textbook knowledge. Instructors taught him how to manage conflict and overcome challenges. “When we face stress or setbacks, most of us want to give up. But here, we are trained to solve problems. The perseverance we have learned will not only help us in our careers but also in life.” Hands-on learning Another trainee, 19-year-old Sae-ung Wing-man, described the field trips as being the most valuable part of the programme. “They helped me to understand the work of the department I want to join, and how officers deal with different situations every day.” . Wing-man has long aspired to join the force in order to support the public. “The job is meaningful. It helps citizens solve problems. I want to be someone people can rely on. “In preparation, I will further improve my physical fitness, stress management, legal knowledge and communication skills.” Preparatory trainingThe Police Cadet School was established in 1973 and fulfilled its historical mission by 1990. Chief Inspector Wong Tak-choi, now responsible for physical and experiential training at the Police College, was once a cadet himself. He hopes that the trainees of the Police Cadet Training Programme can carry forward the spirit of the Police Cadet school. “Training methods may have changed, but our purpose remains the same - we want to nurture passionate young people who are ready to serve the community,” he said. He also noted that many who fail to complete police training often lack physical or mental preparation - areas the cadet training programme addresses directly. Course structureThe Police Force has co-organised this one-year training programme with the Caritas Institute of Community Education, the Hong Kong College of Technology, and the Hong Kong Institute of Technology. Apart from core and supplementary subjects, the curriculum includes a 180-hour elective cluster titled “Police Cadet Training”, which is composed of “Police Studies”, “Police Recruit Preparatory Training” and “Physical & Mindset Development”. Upon graduation, the trainees can attain a qualification equivalent to Level 2 in five Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education subjects, meeting the academic requirement for police constable recruitment. Final challenge After completing 22 weeks of police cadet training, the cadets took part in a passing-out parade. The event was inspected by Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming, who witnessed their growth and expressed his high expectations for their future success. He highlighted that the final challenge includes a five-day, four-night “hell week” involving outdoor endurance tasks similar to the Outward Bound adventure training. Mr Chow joined cadets on the final early morning hike to Tai Mo Shan and expressed that he was impressed by how spirited they were. “Some cadets had been injured earlier and could not complete the whole week, but they still tried to take part. Others felt exhausted, but they would still hold their heads up and pressed on.” During a sharing session on the mountain, cadets reflected on their experiences and Mr Chow shared his own. “The police career is long. Sometimes it feels lonely or dark - like the weather that day. But when you work as a team, someone will lead, and soon you will see the sunshine.” Future visionMr Chow revealed that the cadet programme took more than three years to develop. He acknowledged the challenges, but praised his team for their dedication. “It was like witnessing the birth of a child,” he stated. In addition to preparing future officers, Mr Chow stressed that he hopes the programme will revive the spirit of the former cadet school, whose graduates served with distinction across the force. “They lived by the values of wisdom, courage, integrity and perseverance. I hope this new generation will carry that torch forward.”
The Department of Justice today held its biennial "Mediate First" Pledge Event to encourage the community to use mediation for dispute resolution, with around 900 participants from different sectors taking part in the activity. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said in the opening remarks that mediation is the future of dispute resolution, adding that Hong Kong has a mature development in the field of mediation. He emphasised that the city will continue to promote mediation in dispute resolution and connect local, regional and global parties, fully demonstrating its vibrancy and charm as the Capital of Mediation. A forum was held as the first part of the event, followed by a panel discussion exploring the role of the Judiciary in promoting mediation. Family mediators and mediation institutions from different sectors shared their insights and discussed with stakeholders the direction in promoting family mediation in the future. The afternoon session began with another panel discussion, highlighting the collective efforts of the Government and stakeholders on ways to promote and deepen the mediation culture. Additionally, students who participated in the peer mediation training spoke on the use of mediation to resolve peer disputes and the benefits it brought. The event concluded with Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan delivering closing remarks. Fifty-two pledgees were presented awards in recognition of their achievements in promoting and adopting mediation in the course of their business operations. More than 1,000 organisations and individuals have signed the pledge since its launch in 2009.
Chief Executive John Lee has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) that William Gillow Gibbes Austen Young be appointed as a non-permanent Court of Final Appeal judge. Subject to the Legislative Council’s endorsement, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law and section 9 of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance. Mr Lee announced that he is pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation, noting that Mr Young retired from his role as a Permanent Judge of New Zealand’s Supreme Court, that country's final court of appeal, in April 2022. “He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation," the Chief Executive said. "I am confident that he will contribute substantively to the Court of Final Appeal.” Mr Lee highlighted that with Mr Young’s appointment, the panel of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of six eminent judges from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. “The presence of these esteemed overseas jurists as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal is a manifestation of the independence of the Judiciary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as protected by the Basic Law. “Their participation demonstrates a high degree of confidence in the Hong Kong SAR’s judicial system, and enables Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions.” The Chief Executive expressed confidence that distinguished jurists bringing profound judicial experience from overseas will remain a unique strength of Hong Kong's judicial system. Article 90 of the Basic Law and section 7A of the ordinance provide that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of Court of Final Appeal judges. The Government will seek such an endorsement in due course.