As a member state of the Convention again Torture (CAT), Hong Kong is forbidden to return people to their country of origin if there is a reason to believe they will be subjected to torture if they are returned. However, the procedure and assessment process to screening torture claims were declared by the court to be unfair and unlawful in December 2008. Eighteen months have passed, what has the government done in order to ensure that those who fled for their lives are dealt with fairly and in line with international standards?

As part of Amnesty International HK's observance of World Refugee Day, which was celebrated worldwide on June 20, and our continued work on pressing for the full observance of the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong, we are holding a forum after our AGM on this issue.

Join us at our AGM Forum where we have invited Mark Daly, who will speak on the changing procedures of the government regarding applications lodged under the CAT, and Douglas DiSalvo on the views and perspectives of the UNHCR on the refugees in Hong Kong and their claims processing in the UNHCR, at the AGM Forum which will take place after the Annual General Meeting.

Mr. Daly is a solicitor and has been working in Hong Kong since 1995 concentrated on human rights issues as well as taking the government to court representing torture and refugee claimants. 

Mr. DiSalvo is the Associate Protection Officer of the UNHCR Hong Kong sub-office.