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2025
Hong Kong's ranking in the Rule of Law Index 2025 continues to rank sixth in East Asia and the Pacific, and 24th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions globally, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said. In a statement responding to the annual World Justice Project Rule of Law Index released today, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the city’s overall score remains unchanged and is the same as the countries ranked 22nd and 23rd globally. The scores in most of the aspects have only been slightly adjusted, the statement said, adding that Hong Kong remains high in the overall ranking and continues to be ahead of some European and American countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of the city. Hong Kong maintains its position within the top 10 globally in respect of “Absence of Corruption” and “Order & Security”. The global rankings in relation to “Absence of Corruption” and “Regulatory Enforcement” are higher than last year, ranking 9th and 15th respectively. This shows that in addition to its comprehensive regulatory enforcement mechanism, Hong Kong remains one of the most corruption-free places in the world and that the effectiveness of its anti-corruption efforts has been recognised internationally, the statement pointed out. This also demonstrates the Hong Kong SAR Government’s full commitment to combating acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law after the full implementation of the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, restoring order in the community and ensuring steady economic development and its long-term prosperity and stability effectively. The Hong Kong SAR Government said that the continuous improvement in these areas is conducive to the construction of rule of law and positive business environment, consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's unique advantages, and allowing it to fully play its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” through its connectivity with both the Mainland and the world. Hong Kong’s rankings in respect of “Criminal Justice”, “Civil Justice” and “Constraints on Government Powers” remain almost unchanged. Its judicial system is protected by the Basic Law, while all prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective analysis of admissible evidence and applicable laws, free from any interference. The legal framework in Hong Kong aligns with international standards and keeps up with the times, fully safeguarding the rights of all parties. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and anyone charged with a criminal offence or involved in civil and commercial cases has the right to a fair hearing. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's scores and global rankings slightly drop in the aspects of “Open Government” and “Fundamental Rights”. However, its rankings in these areas in East Asia and the Pacific remain unchanged. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the minor drop in the rankings does not fully reflect the real situation in Hong Kong, emphasising that it will continue to strengthen its explanatory work through various channels. Hong Kong has a robust legal framework for the protection of human rights and an open judicial system, and its Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens as protected under the law, the statement said, adding that its residents can seek justice through legal means and are protected by a solid legal aid system under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world. Its legal system is fair and well-established, highly aligned with international standards, and home to a deep pool of legal professionals with extensive international experience, the statement outlined. The construction of rule of law in Hong Kong remains robust and stable, and its high standard of justice has been widely recognised and respected by the international community, it added. The Hong Kong SAR Government will steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully live up to the principle of “one country, two systems” and promote the rule of law education to comprehensively uphold the rule of law in the city. It will also enhance its explanatory efforts through various channels, including inviting overseas people to engage in international events in Hong Kong such as international legal forums, enabling them to experience and understand its actual situation first hand.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Beijing this evening to attend a session on the rule of law in finance at the "Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2025" tomorrow. Mr Lam will deliver a keynote speech on innovation, transformation, and the restructuring of financial development within the framework of the rule of law. He will share his views on the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal and financial systems, and ways to deepen Hong Kong-Beijing co-operation, with a view to enhancing foreign-related rule of law. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.
In Seoul, South Korea, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today met representatives of the local legal sector with a view to strengthening Hong Kong-Korea legal co-operation. He also attended a joint legal workshop co-organised by the two places. In the morning, Mr Lam visited the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board International and met its chairman, Prof Chang Seung-wha. The two had a lunch together with representatives from the Korean Council of International Arbitration, during which they discussed enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and Korea on cross-border business dispute resolution and arbitration, and on legal matters. In the afternoon, Mr Lam attended a legal workshop themed “Strengthening Business & Legal Cooperation: Korea & Hong Kong” and co-organised by the Department of Justice and the Korean Ministry of Justice. In his opening remarks, Mr Lam highlighted that Hong Kong, as the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world using both English and Chinese, is home to a large pool of lawyers with extensive international experience, and maintains a close connection with the legal system of the Chinese Mainland. As a centre for international legal and dispute resolution in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong provides fair and efficient dispute resolution services that help enterprises to leverage investment and business opportunities in China, he added. Looking ahead, he said he expects the Department of Justice to continue building on a strong foundation of partnership with Korea. Mr Lam then had dinner with Deputy Minister in the Korean Ministry of Justice’s International Legal Affairs Department Chung Hong-sik, during which they exchanged views on opportunities for legal co-operation opportunities, and on the latest developments in legal and dispute resolution services. Mr Lam will conclude his visit and return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today attended two discussion sessions at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea. In the morning, Mr Lam met Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, before the ministerial meeting. They discussed capacity building on online dispute resolution and other matters of mutual interest. Mr Lam then attended the third and fourth discussion sessions of the ministerial meeting. Apart from discussing how structural reform can promote prosperity for all, Mr Lam also introduced Hong Kong, China’s measures in housing, labour, healthcare, and support for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, he elaborated on Hong Kong, China's vision of further improving people’s livelihoods and building a fair and just society through legislation, updating laws, and developing the economy through reforms. In the afternoon, Mr Lam visited the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Regional Centre for Asia & the Pacific, and met its Head Athita Komindr. The Sixth UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit, a biennial flagship event jointly organised by UNCITRAL and the Department of Justice (DoJ), will be held in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Legal Week in December. The summit will explore topics related to the application of digital economy, virtual assets, artificial intelligence and other relevant subjects in the judicial field. Mr Lam wrapped up the day's engagements with a courtesy call to Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Korea Dai Bing in the evening. The justice chief briefed Mr Dai on the co-operation between the DoJ and the Korean Ministry of Justice, and the way forward for strengthening the overseas promotion of the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services.
The Immigration Department conducted a tabletop emergency-handling exercise as part of its preparations for the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. The exercise focused on the immigration arrangements for athletes and related personnel at control points during the games, and on emergencies that may arise during the cross-boundary events. The aim was to stage scenarios and simulate processes in order to strengthen departmental officers' responsiveness and collaboration, and ensure that preparations are thorough and seamless. During the exercise, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok and the commanders of various control points were briefed by participating colleagues. Mr Kwok said the exercise provided valuable training experience, and that its successful completion reflected the robustness of the department's response mechanisms, showcasing the professionalism of departmental staff inspired by the spirit of “Love our country & Hong Kong, & striving for excellence.” He elaborated that the exercise enabled staff to further familiarise themselves with emergency response protocols for the 15th NG, so that they can provide safe and smooth immigration services for athletes and related personnel.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today spoke at the opening ceremony of the Legal Practice Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. Mr Lam said with the high-quality development of the national economy, an increasing number of outstanding Mainland enterprises are actively expanding to overseas markets, while at the same time facing many challenges. He expressed hope that the training course would enable participants to comprehensively understand current trends in overseas expansion, keep abreast of evolving legal and regulatory challenges, and effectively tackle the complex issues encountered by enterprises when “going overseas”. Over 30 legal advisers and related professionals from state-owned enterprises will explore the practical and imminent legal issues and challenges faced by Mainland enterprises going global, in the course that officially started today. The lectures’ speakers include experienced legal professionals from Hong Kong and overseas, as well as members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee. The academy also invited more than 10 senior legal practitioners from 12 jurisdictions in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, to share their first-hand experiences and insights in the local markets with participants.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Korea tomorrow afternoon, where he will attend the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon and speak at the discussion sessions. On October 22 and 23, Mr Lam will attend a joint session of the Finance Ministers’ Meeting and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting, and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting. The Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting this year is themed “Future Direction & Role of Structural Reform in addressing emerging challenges”, and ministers from APEC member economies will discuss how to build a sustainable future through structural reforms and the implementation of law and policies. Mr Lam will also attend a joint legal workshop co-organised by the Department of Justice and the Ministry of Justice of Korea. His other engagements during this trip include a visit to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Regional Centre for Asia & the Pacific, and a local arbitration institution. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 25. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.
The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) commenced operations today, providing mediation services for disputes between states, international investment and international commercial disputes. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Executive John Lee, representatives of the IOMed’s contracting states, as well as 87 senior officials from 31 states out of the 37 signatory states. Mr Lee said: “In these times of global instability, international mediation is indispensable for resolving disputes, preserving relationships and encouraging meaningful co-operation. With our world-class professional services, Hong Kong is dedicated to supporting the cause of dispute resolution.” IOMed Governing Council Chairperson Hua Chunying remarked that the IOMed offers a new platform in the field of international rule of law, and its vision is highly consistent with that of the Global Governance Initiative of China. IOMed Secretary-General Prof Teresa Cheng also noted the organisation practises multilateralism, serving as a global pillar in the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Housed at the renovated Old Wan Chai Police Station, the IOMed headquarters is equipped with state-of-the-art mediation rooms and breakout rooms, with the building’s architectural features preserved.
Whether at busy intersections or tranquil street corners, Hong Kong has silent sentinels safeguarding citizens. Through the SmartView initiative, the Police Force has to date installed more than 4,500 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in public places with high crime rates and pedestrian flows, aiding crime prevention and detection. Since its launch, SmartView has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, assisting the force in detecting more than 480 criminal cases and leading to the arrests of more than 840 individuals. Emergency reliefBesides combating crime, SmartView has been invaluable during typhoons and extreme weather conditions. It provides real-time monitoring of high-risk locations such as areas vulnerable to flooding and public transport interchanges, allowing Police to put precautionary arrangements in place. For example, during the recent Super Typhoon Ragasa, Police closely monitored the storm’s impact on the city from their Command & Control Centre, located at Wan Chai Police Headquarters. Operations Wing Senior Superintendent of Police Leung Ming-leung explained that during the post-typhoon recovery phase, Police used SmartView’s cameras to assess the road conditions on major routes and at public transport hubs. This enabled them to quickly deploy personnel and resources, helping the community restore normalcy as swiftly as possible. “We also shared the SmartView video feeds with the Drainage Services Department to assist them in monitoring flooding conditions in the city,” he added. The force hopes that as SmartView continues to develop and improve, footage can be shared with other government departments at times of need in the future. Enhancing efficiencyIn addition, the force is committed to leveraging other innovations to enhance the efficiency of SmartView. This includes introducing automatic number plate recognition technology in July. This new function has strengthened the force's capabilities in dealing with suspicious and wanted vehicles. SmartView also supports people-counting technology, which employs a large language model to provide precise estimates. Police have deployed this function at multiple large-scale events, including the recent National Day fireworks display, where it was found to be highly effective. Expanding coverageAs a city-wide initiative under the steer of the Task Force on District Governance, SmartView cameras are mainly installed on lampposts, smart lampposts and government buildings. Starting from late July this year, the force has also mounted cameras on Police vehicles as mobile CCTV units. The force is now looking to expand its range of installation platforms, and will install the first traffic light-mounted camera before the end of this year. To further enhance the efficiency and coverage of SmartView, it also plans to gradually integrate CCTV cameras installed by other government departments and public organisations, such as those at the Kai Tak Sports Park. To date, over 5,000 such cameras have been connected to SmartView. In terms of collaboration with other departments, the force's target for this year is to integrate cameras from 10 public housing estates managed by the Housing Department, three cross-harbour tunnels managed by the Transport Department, seven venues related to the National Games that are managed by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, and four immigration control points.
The Vegetable Marketing Organization (VMO) announced today that it detected a ransomware attack on part of its computer systems on Monday. Preliminary findings are that the incident involves the Cheung Sha Wan Vegetable Wholesale Market’s gate and accounting systems, which contain particulars of about 7,000 market users. The VMO is conducting an investigation to assess whether any personal data has been leaked and it will promptly notify affected individuals as necessary. The market is maintaining normal operations overall, with processes such as invoicing and payments being handled manually. The VMO has engaged an external contractor to expedite system restoration and assist with the investigation. Upon discovery of the incident, the VMO immediately suspended the operation of its network systems and disconnected relevant computer servers from external connections to prevent further hacker intrusion. The incident has been reported to the Police Force, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. The VMO said it will conduct a comprehensive review of the incident and strengthen its information and network protection measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents. Call 2710 0964 or 2710 0931 for enquiries.