Washington, DC – As first reported in Reuters, today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Jim McGovern (MA-02) introduced the Hong Kong Sanctions Act to hold Hong Kong officials accountable for human rights violations and stand with Hong Kongers facing persecution under Beijing’s “national security law.”
Rep. Kim serves as Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia & Pacific Subcommittee.
The Hong Kong Sanctions Act requires the president to determine whether certain Hong Kong officials violated human rights and whether sanctions should be imposed in accordance with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, or the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.
“Beijing’s ‘national security law’ is a façade used by CCP officials to promote authoritarianism and exert control over Hong Kongers,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “I refuse to let Beijing silence the voices of freedom-loving people. The Hong Kong Sanctions Act demonstrates the United States’ commitment to uplifting the voices of Hong Kongers and holding officials accountable for human rights violations.”
“I am proud to join Congresswoman Young Kim in co-leading this bill to require a review of sanctions with respect to Hong Kong,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “Congress has given the executive branch many, many tools to counter the PRC’s crushing of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong. It’s time for these authorities to be fully implemented. That’s the least we can do as a nation to demonstrate true solidarity with the people of Hong Kong.”
“It is vital that the new Congress starts strong by employing targeted sanctions against Hong Kong officials who continue to severely impact the city’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms. Sanctions would protect Hong Kongers who are targeted by these officials in Hong Kong, the US and around the world by making it known that the US will impose consequences for human rights violations. The United States must reaffirm its commitment to defending human rights and standing with those who defend the values we hold dear worldwide,” said Megan Khoo, Policy Director, Hong Kong Watch.
“Hong Kong’s judiciary has been weaponized by the authorities to silence dissent and dismantle freedoms following the 2019-2020 crackdown. The façade of judicial independence has crumbled, with judges and prosecutors complicit in enforcing political repression on behalf of the Hong Kong authorities. We proudly stand alongside Representatives Young Kim and Jim McGovern, two steadfast champions for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, in calling on the administration to conduct a thorough review of individuals involved in these acts of repression to determine if they meet the criteria for accountability under U.S. sanctions,” said Frances Hui, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.
Read the bill HERE.
