HK residents' rights and freedoms 'clearly defined' in national security law

Respecting and protecting human rights and the principle of rule of law have been clearly stipulated and put in a prominent position in the national security law in Hong Kong, a senior lawmaker said.

Shen Chunyao, director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, told a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under relevant international human rights conventions and local human rights laws were clearly defined in the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, which was adopted by the NPC Standing Committee on Tuesday.

To safeguard State security, it was necessary to punish some crimes endangering national security, he said, but some people had expressed concerns the new law might affect human rights, especially freedom of speech, the press, assembly and so on.

"Rights and freedoms must be fully exercised, but they must be within the limits of the law and in accordance with the requirements of the law," he said.

"One should bear the corresponding legal responsibility, if they cross the bottom line regulated in laws. Absolute rights and freedoms are impossible."

Safeguarding national security and protecting human rights are basically consistent and complement each other, he added.