Hong Kong once enjoyed a high degree of civil liberties, partly due to the incorporation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) into its local constitution. The National Security Law of 2020 has had a profound impact on the city, leading to the arrest and detention of numerous politicians, journalists, and activists.  It is, however, too soon to describe Hong Kong as "just another Chinese city" as it still enjoys a higher degree of academic and personal freedom than Mainland China.  Many Hong Kong lawyers, judges and academics are also trying to preserve the rule of law and some space for critical speech. This raises important questions about international engagement and the role of the UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors compliance with the ICCPR.  Is it possible for the international community to support Hong Kong without appearing to endorse oppression? 

Carole J Petersen (BA, U Chicago; JD, Harvard) is a Professor at the William S Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii.  She previously taught law in Hong Kong for 17 years and is a former Director of the Centre for Comparative and Public Law at the University of Hong Kong.  Her recent publications include: Window Dressing or Meaningful Constraint? The Role of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Hong Kong’s Legal System, 52(3) Hong Kong Law Journal (2022); and Territorial Autonomy as a Tool of Conflict Resolution? Lessons from “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong, Special Issue, Academia Sinica Law Journal (2022), at: https://www.iias.sinica.edu.tw/publication_post/1379/9.

This event is cosponsored by the Law School's International Programs, Human Rights Law Society, and International Law Society.

Lunch will be provided. Please submit dietary requests 8 business days prior to the program to Aican Nguyen at aican@uchicago.edu. Although we will try to accommodate dietary needs, it is not guaranteed.