11 July 2006, Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, asylum seekers face denial of many of their most basic rights. Of urgent concern is the detention of asylum seekers which contravenes international human rights law and standards.

Dozens of asylum seekers are currently protesting their detention through hunger strike. Their health and well-being is at risk and they are being denied their personal liberty and due process under law.

We oppose the detention of asylum seekers unless they have been charged with a recognizable criminal offense, or unless it can be demonstrated in each individual case that detention is necessary using one of the specified reasons which international standards recognize as being legitimate grounds for detaining asylum seekers.

We call for each asylum seeker who is detained to be brought promptly before a judicial or similar authority or an administrative body independent of the detaining authorities to determine whether his or her detention is lawful and in accordance with international standards. If detention is then found to be applicable there should be regular reviews of the continued necessity for detention at which the asylum-seeker or his or her representative has the right to attend.

The basic human rights of asylum seekers in Hong Kong must be upheld and the current detention policy must be reviewed and changed to comply with international human rights law and standards.

Concerned NGOs will be contacting the government to follow up on these concerns.

On Sunday July 16th at 2.30 p.m. Refugee Concern Network will hold a press conference regarding the July 18th Legislative Council joint meeting of the Panel on Welfare Services and Panel on Security.  The press conference will be held at Society for Community Organisation (SOCO), 117 1/F Kweilin Street, Sham Shui Po.

Also on Sunday July 16th at 6.30 p.m., Amnesty International will assemble in the vicinity of Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre to hold a vigil in recognition of the plight of asylum seekers in detention.

Amnesty International Hong Kong
Asian Human Rights Commission
Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor

Enquiries:
Melissa K. Neher (2300 1250), Amnesty International Hong Kong Lawyers’ Group Coordinator
Wai Yang Ho (2300 1250), Amnesty International Hong Kong Refugee Group Coordinator