53 UN members express support for new HKSAR security law

Fifty-three countries welcomed the adoption of the law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting Tuesday.

The new security law regarding Hong Kong was passed unanimously earlier Tuesday by China's National People's Congress, the nation's top legislative body.

Cuba's representative, speaking on behalf of the 53 countries, read a joint statement at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council. "Non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states is an essential principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and a basic norm of international relations," the statement said.

The statement said that in any country, the legislative power on national security issues rests with the state, which in essence is not a human rights issue and therefore not subject to discussion at the Human Rights Council.

"We believe that every country has the right to safeguard its national security through legislation, and commend relevant steps taken for this purpose," the statement said.

"In this context," the statement continued, "we welcome the adoption of the decision by China's legislature to establish and improve a legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for HKSAR for the purpose of safeguarding national security, as well as China's reaffirmation of adherence to 'one country, two systems' guidelines."

The statement on behalf of the 53 countries said the new legislation will provide a better guarantee for the idea of "one country, two systems", benefit Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and ensure Hong Kong's people the exercise of legal rights and freedom in a safer environment.

"We reiterate that HKSAR is an inalienable part of China. Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs that allow no foreign interference. We urge relevant parties to stop using Hong Kong-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs," the statement said.