聯合國人權事務高級專員蒂爾克週二對中國香港特別行政區公寓樓上月發生致命火災的受害者表示慰問，並呼籲保障公民社會空間。
蒂爾克表示：「在此悲劇時刻，就重大公共利益和關切問題展開討論辯論的空間比以往任何時候都更為重要。」
他說：「香港民眾理所當然地要求了解真相和實施問責，以確保數百名受害者獲得妥善賠償，並避免此類悲劇重演。」
蒂爾克表示，當局已成立獨立審查委員會，並就火災啟動刑事及反貪調查，但迄今未設立擁有全面調查權的調查委員會。他同時指出，當局已為受災居民提供救助方案，並宣布清除建築工地危險材料及修訂消防法規等措施。
他表示：「我深感憂慮的是，有報導稱香港嚴苛的國家安全法正被用於打壓公開呼籲透明獨立調查、審查建築監管、追究政府責任及支持受影響居民等訴求的個人。」他敦促當局撤銷對這些尋求問責者的指控。
蒂爾克呼籲廢除或至少大幅修訂《國安法》相關條款，使其完全符合香港所受約束的《公民權利和政治權利國際公約》要求。
他重申，2020年《中華人民共和國香港特別行政區維護國家安全法》及2024年生效的香港特別行政區《維護國家安全條例》中的多項條款與實踐不符合適用於香港的國際人權法，尤其違反了規範限制權利方面所存在的必須符合合法性、必要性及相稱性的原則。
蒂爾克指出：「這些法律的累積影響反映出人權保障方面受到的系統性侵蝕，包括言論自由、和平集會及結社自由等基本權利——而香港曾是該地區公民社會興盛、公共政策辯論活躍、媒體獨立運作的中心。」
他指出，香港《維護國家安全法》及《維護國家安全條例》共同構築了廣泛的安全框架，涵蓋被指稱構成顛覆、分裂、恐怖主義、勾結外國勢力或外部干預的多種行為，同時通過大幅削弱現有法律保障的方式，擴大了調查、起訴和監督權力。結果，這個安全框架在涉及範圍廣泛且定義往往模糊的罪行方面，允許延長審前羈押、拒絕保釋、不設陪審團的審判、凍結資產、加強監控措施以及域外適用。
與此同時，蒂爾克對選舉制度的改變表示關切，認為這些改變將區議會直接選舉席位的比例降至所有議員席位的20%以下，並設立審查程序系統性地排除反對派候選人。
蒂爾克表示：「主要政黨的被迫解散，實際上消除了有組織的反對派力量。」他強調：「政治多元化既能促進多樣性和平等，又能為公共機構的民主問責提供必要的制衡機制。」他表示：「撤銷這些限制政治參與、壓制異見的措施，將為香港恢復有意義的公民空間創造契機。」
他補充道：「公眾對火災受害者的聲援彰顯了香港公民精神的深度與韌性。」他重申，作為聯合國人權事務高級專員辦事處與中方持續對話的一部分，將繼續就這些議題與香港當局保持接觸。
聯合國人權事務高級專員蒂爾克於本週二（12月9日）發表以上聲明，轉自聯合國網站的最新消息
以下是刊於聯合國網站的英文版本：
Hong Kong: UN rights chief voices concern over ‘draconian’ laws, in wake of deadly apartment fire
UN human rights chief Volker Türk has voiced concern over reports that “draconian security laws” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China are being used to clampdown on people calling for a probe into the deadly fire at an apartment complex last month.
At least 160 people were killed in the blaze at the Wang Fung Court complex, Tai Po district, which was undergoing renovations.
Mr. Türk expressed solidarity with the victims and called for civic space to be ensured.
Answers and accountability
“At a tragic time like this, the space for discussion and debate on issues of major public interest and concern is more important than ever,” he said.
“The people of Hong Kong understandably want answers and accountability, so that the hundreds of victims are properly compensated and to avoid such a tragedy occurring again.”.
Mr. Türk noted that the authorities appointed an independent review committee and initiated criminal and anti-corruption investigations into the fire – but have so far stopped short of appointing a commission of inquiry with full investigative powers.
They have also offered support packages for affected residents and announced measures to remove hazardous materials from building sites and review fire-safety regulations.
Calls for an inquiry
“I am deeply concerned by reports that the territory’s draconian security laws are being applied against individuals who have called publicly for a transparent and independent inquiry, a review of construction oversight, government accountability, and support for affected residents, among other things,” he said.
“I urge the authorities to drop these cases against those seeking accountability.”
The UN rights chief stressed that several provisions and practices under the 2020 National Security Law and the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance do not comply with international human rights law, particularly the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality governing permissible restrictions on rights.
Erosion of human rights
“The cumulative impacts of these laws reflect a systemic erosion in enjoyment of human rights, including the fundamental freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association in what was once a vibrant hub for civil society, vigorous debate on public policy, and independent media in the region,” he said.
The High Commissioner also expressed concerns about electoral changes which have reduced the proportion of directly elected District Council seats to less than 20 per cent of its full membership.
“The compelled dissolution of major political parties has effectively eliminated organized political opposition,” he said.
“Political pluralism fosters diversity and equality, while also providing essential checks and balances needed for democratic accountability of the public authorities.”
Mr. Türk insisted that “there is an opportunity to restore meaningful civic space in Hong Kong, by rolling back these measures that restrict political participation and suppress dissent.”
UN human rights chief Volker Türk issued the above statement on Tuesday, December 9, as reported from the latest news on the United Nations website.