On Tuesday, Amnesty International announced the establishment of a new overseas section titled Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas (AIHKO), following the closure of its previous office in Hong Kong due to intensified repression by the Chinese government. This new initiative will be spearheaded by activists from the Hong Kong diaspora, operating from influential locations such as Australia, Canada, Taiwan, the UK, and the US.
Amnesty’s recent statement highlighted the devastating impact on Hong Kong’s civil society, noting the closure or exile of over 100 non-profits and media platforms. The group is committed to amplifying its efforts by fostering supportive communities among the Hong Kong diaspora to advocate for human rights.
Since the pro-democracy protests erupted in 2019, more than 10,000 individuals, predominantly students, have faced arrest linked to protest activities. Also, over 300 arrests have been made regarding accusations of “endangering national security.” The new AIHKO stands as Amnesty International’s inaugural section to operate entirely from exile.
Board member and ex-legislator Fernando Cheung expressed that operating from abroad grants the group a layer of protection, ensuring they can freely advocate for those still enduring hardships in Hong Kong. Founded in 1961, Amnesty has historically championed political prisoners, with its Hong Kong branch ceasing operations on October 31, 2021.
AIHKO, officially registered in Switzerland, aims to elevate human rights issues concerning Hong Kongers, both domestically and globally. Hong Kong, once a beacon of free media and expression, saw its freedoms eroded after the implementation of a national security law in 2020 following the protests, severely curtailing dissent and challenging the existence of independent voices.
Amnesty International has launched Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas (AIHKO) after closing its Hong Kong office due to political repression. The new section, led by diaspora activists, aims to support human rights advocacy for those remaining in Hong Kong, highlighting the crackdown on civil society and mass arrests since the 2019 protests. AIHKO is Amnesty’s first section operating entirely in exile.
Amnesty International’s new overseas section marks a significant step towards advocating for Hong Kong’s human rights amidst a turbulent political landscape. By mobilising the support of the global Hong Kong diaspora, AIHKO aims to restore voices silenced by oppressive regimes. The establishment of this section underscores the continuing commitment to human rights even in exile, ensuring that the spirit of advocacy for Hong Kong’s freedoms endures.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
