kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Speech by SJ at National Security Legal Forum (with photo/video)
8.6.2024

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the National Security Legal Forum "Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development" today (June 8): Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to the National Security Legal Forum "Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development" organised by the Department of Justice. In today's forum, we aim at making two very important points. The first point is that Hong Kong has adhered faithfully to fundamental principles of the rule of law under our common law system in enacting and applying the national security law, and we will continue to do so in future. Judicial decisions concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law since its enactment about four years ago provide clear and cogent evidence that key principles such as the court exercising independent power of adjudication, open justice, and the presumption of innocence had been strictly followed. A careful study of the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance would demonstrate that essential elements of an offence are defined with sufficient clarity, human rights and freedoms will be fully protected and reasonable restrictions will be imposed if but only if they are really necessary to safeguard national security in accordance with applicable international standard and practice. These fundamental principles under our common law system constitute the unique characteristics and advantages of Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems". There is absolutely no conceivable reason whatsoever why we would shoot ourselves in the foot by giving up these valuable and indispensable principles. The second point is that our national security law is not only essential but also conducive to the future development of Hong Kong. The Government is working extremely hard to strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international centre in finance, trade, logistics and other areas; and to improve the livelihood of our fellow citizens. History tells us that we cannot afford disregarding national security risks. Indeed, security and development have a symbiotic relationship: one cannot exist without the other, and one will benefit the other. This is sheer logic and common sense. Our national security law based on the principles of the rule of law provides high-standard security to guarantee and safeguard the better and sustainable development of Hong Kong in the long run. I firmly believe that, at the end of the forum, you will be convinced there is indeed a rational and objective basis for us to have full confidence in our national security law. And beyond any doubt, we can and shall stand tall and hold our heads high. Ends/Saturday, June 8, 2024 Issued at HKT 11:30 NNNN
Statement of Secretary for Justice
7.6.2024

​The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, today (June 7) said that the Secretary for Justice, as the guardian of public interest and the due administration of justice, always endeavors to uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong and ensures that the courts are free from interference in the exercise of their independent judicial power, and indeed they are. The Department of Justice (DoJ) expresses regret at the resignation of two overseas Non-Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal, but is grateful to their past contribution. Nevertheless, this incident will not shaken or impair DoJ's determination and confidence in upholding the rule of law, including the independent judicial power exercised by the courts. Members of the general public and friends who care about Hong Kong should show their appreciation, and give their full support and encouragement, to all the local and foreign judges and judicial officers who continue to discharge their duties faithfully, dutifully and fearlessly. Ends/Friday, June 7, 2024 Issued at HKT 1:57 NNNN
DoJ and Chongqing Municipal Justice Bureau sign legal services co-operation framework arrangement (with photos)
29.5.2024

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, today (May 29) signed a framework arrangement with Deputy Director-General of the Chongqing Municipal Justice Bureau Mr Xiong Shiming on legal services co-operation between Chongqing and Hong Kong to deepen the cities' exchanges and co-operation in legal services, enabling lawyers in the two places to better serve the economic development. The two sides reached an agreement on many fronts regarding the deepening of legal services co-operation between Chongqing and Hong Kong, including enhancing co-operation and exchanges of legal sectors in the two places, strengthening exchanges and co-operation in the training of foreign-related legal services talent, organising mutual exchange of government legal officials to the other side or other relevant government departments, supporting and encouraging the Chongqing and Hong Kong legal sectors to provide legal services to enterprises in both places with the aim of promoting the "go global" development strategy, and supporting Chongqing and Hong Kong law firms to set up branches at the other side and to establish partnership associations. Mr Lam said that the framework arrangement forms a solid foundation to promote future exchanges and co-operation between the two places on various issues such as legal and dispute resolution services, and to jointly contribute to the construction of rule of law of the country. The Department of Justice and the Chongqing Municipal Justice Bureau signed a co-operation agreement in 2002. Since then, co-operation and exchanges between the legal professions of the two places have been achieving good progress. The signing of this framework arrangement will further strengthen the cities' co-operation, and is conducive to the implementation of the specific co-operation measures supporting and promoting the legal and dispute resolution service sectors of both places, which were outlined in the memorandum signed by the two governments at the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference in May last year. Ends/Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:10 NNNN
SJ concludes visit to Middle East (with photos)
23.5.2024

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, leading his about 30-strong delegation comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Invest Hong Kong and related sectors, concluded his visit to the Middle East in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), today (May 23, Dubai time). The visit to the Middle East was conducted with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The delegation first had a meeting with the Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, this morning to discuss and explore business opportunities in both places and related matters. It was followed by a visit to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. The DIFC is an onshore financial centre in the UAE offering an independent legal and regulatory framework as well as a common law system. Operated as an independent English language common-law judiciary, the DIFC Courts has jurisdiction to hear civil and commercial disputes both regionally and internationally. During the visit, the President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Chan Chak-ming, and the Director of the DIFC Courts, Mr Justice Omar Al Mheiri, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Mr Lam said he was pleased to note that both sides would strengthen their co-operation to promote exchanges and the development of the legal professional services between Hong Kong and Dubai. In the afternoon, Mr Lam and his delegation visited Dubai International Arbitration Centre to meet with its Chairman of the Board, Dr Tariq Humaid Al Tayer, to exchange views and share their experiences on the provision of a full spectrum of alternative dispute resolution services. For the last stop in Dubai, Mr Lam and the delegation had a meeting with the President and CEO of the Dubai Chambers, Mr Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, to learn more about local businesses and their needs for multi-jurisdictional legal services, highlighting Hong Kong's robust legal system and the its strengths in international legal and dispute resolution services. Mr Lam will leave Dubai in the evening, and will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow morning (May 24, Hong Kong time). Ends/Thursday, May 23, 2024 Issued at HKT 20:55 NNNN
SJ begins his visit to United Arab Emirates (with photos)
21.5.2024

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, started his visit programme to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), today (May 21, Abu Dhabi time) with his about 30-strong delegation, comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Invest Hong Kong and related sectors. In the morning, the delegation first visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world. Mr Lam and his delegation then received a market briefing from HSBC, Middle East to gain a better understanding of the UAE financial sector's demand for legal services, and had a networking luncheon with their senior executives to elaborate on Hong Kong's comprehensive professional legal services and its strengths in the rule of law. It was followed by a meeting with senior representatives of the Abu Dhabi Global Market to understand the operation of their courts and arbitration centre, and exchanged views on the recent developments in the arbitration landscapes in both places, and the impact of technology on the provision of online dispute resolution services. In the afternoon, Mr Lam and his delegation met with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to have a better understanding of their need for cross-jurisdictional legal services and introduced to them Hong Kong's diversified legal and dispute resolutions services. In the evening, Mr Lam will attend a dinner with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, Mr Zhang Yiming, to express his gratitude to Mr Zhang and the Embassy for their continuous support. Mr Lam will then conclude his visit to Abu Dhabi and depart for Dubai, the UAE. He will attend a forum to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services in Dubai tomorrow (May 22, Dubai time). Ends/Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Issued at HKT 20:26 NNNN
SJ continues his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (with photos)
20.5.2024

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, continued his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (May 20, Riyadh time) with his about 30-person delegation, comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Invest Hong Kong and related sectors. In the morning, Mr Lam and his delegation first called on the Vice-Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Najem bin Abdullah al-Zaid, to further discuss and exchange views on various areas of legal co-operation, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of Cooperation between the Department of Justice and the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 22 to strengthen their co-operation on issues relating to dispute avoidance and resolution. They then visited the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), a not-for-profit organisation established by a Saudi minister council decision in 2014 to administer alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures in commercial disputes, and conducted a meeting with the SCCA's board of directors. This meeting followed the earlier participation of a Department of Justice-led delegation in an international legal and dispute resolution event hosted by the SCCA in Riyadh in March. Both sides have fruitful exchanges on matters related to ADR including arbitration, mediation and online dispute resolution services. In the afternoon, Mr Lam and the delegation concluded their visit to Riyadh and departed for Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, to continue their visit to the Middle East. Ends/Monday, May 20, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:20 NNNN
SJ commences visit to Middle East (with photos)
19.5.2024

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (May 19, Riyadh time) with his about 30-person delegation, comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association and related sectors, and began a two-day visit to the city to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and enhance co-operation and exchanges between the two places. Upon arrival in Riyadh, Mr Lam and the delegation met with local legal and business sectors during a lunch and networking reception titled "Hong Kong – The Common Law Gateway for Saudi Arabia Businesses to China and Beyond", co-organised by the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Saudi Chinese Business Council, and supported by Invest Hong Kong. The attendees were briefed on Hong Kong's unrivalled advantages of enjoying strong support from the motherland while being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems". In a welcome remarks, Mr Lam said that as the only common law jurisdiction within China, Hong Kong's well-established legal system and top-notch legal and dispute resolution services give the city a unique edge which attracts business opportunities from across the globe. It is also an ideal gateway for the Middle East businesses and legal sectors to access the Mainland market. The lunch and networking reception attracted about 100 participants from the legal, business and other sectors of Saudi Arabia. In the afternoon, Mr Lam and his delegation visited the local office of a leading AI software company born in Hong Kong to have a better understanding of the business opportunities and challenges for the Hong Kong enterprises operating in Saudi Arabia. In the evening, Mr Lam and his delegation will have dinner with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Chang Hua. They will end the first day programme by visiting the At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Riyadh, which was the first capital of the Saudi Dynasty. Mr Lam and the delegation will continue their visit in Riyadh tomorrow (May 20, Riyadh time). Ends/Sunday, May 19, 2024 Issued at HKT 20:43 NNNN
SJ to lead delegation to visit Middle East
18.5.2024

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will lead an about 30-strong delegation, comprising representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Invest Hong Kong and related sectors, this afternoon (May 18) on a five-day visit to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in United Arab Emirates, to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and enhance co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and the Middle East. During their visit, Mr Lam and the delegation will meet with local legal and business sectors to have a better understanding of their need for cross-jurisdictional legal services. They will also call on relevant government officials to discuss and exchange views on various areas of legal co-operation. Mr Lam will speak to the local legal and business sectors during the visit, in Riyadh at a networking luncheon, and in Dubai at a half-day forum and a networking luncheon. The visit to the Middle East is conducted with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Mr Lam will conclude his visit and depart for Hong Kong on May 23. During Mr Lam's absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice. Ends/Saturday, May 18, 2024 Issued at HKT 10:00 NNNN
SJ's appeal allowed: Court of Appeal granted interim injunction relating to four specified criminal acts in relation to a song - publication of relevant documents
9.5.2024

On May 8, 2024, the Court of Appeal of the High Court allowed the Secretary for Justice's appeal in the court case numbered CACV 274/2023, and granted an interim injunction concerning four specified criminal acts in relation to a song. A copy of the Court of Appeal's Order dated May 8, 2024 has been uploaded today (May 9) to the websites of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong Police Force. Members of the public may access the following websites or scan the QR code (attached) to download the relevant documents: www.gov.hk/en/theme/courtorder/index5.htm www.doj.gov.hk/en/miscellaneous/hca855.html www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/03_police_message/hca855.html Ends/Thursday, May 9, 2024 Issued at HKT 0:18 NNNN
Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 to be introduced into LegCo
8.5.2024

The Government will introduce the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 into the Legislative Council (LegCo) to make miscellaneous amendments to various ordinances. Opportunity is also taken to make a straightforward adaptation of references which are inconsistent with the constitutional status of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and repeal obsolete provisions or references in various ordinances. A spokesman for the Department of Justice said today (May 8) that the proposed amendments in the Bill are put forth by different policy bureaux and can be broadly categorised into two groups: (1) Amendments without adaptation of laws elements The proposed amendments are largely minor, technical and non-controversial but are useful for the purpose of updating or improving the relevant legislation. (2) Amendments with adaptation of laws elements The amendments are proposed with a view to keeping the laws of Hong Kong up-to-date and commensurate with its status as a modern society governed by the rule of law under the constitutional framework of "one country, two systems". In 2022, the Law Reform Commission Secretariat spearheaded an exercise to conduct a systematic review of statutory laws of Hong Kong which consisted of work mainly in three aspects: (1) adaptation of laws; (2) consolidation of laws; and (3) repeal of obsolete laws. The adaptation of laws refers to the process of identifying and amending certain provisions or references in the ordinances and subsidiary legislation that were in force in Hong Kong before July 1, 1997, so that they are consistent with the Basic Law and the status of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, and properly reflect the policy intent of the relevant policy bureaux. Most of the proposed amendments with adaptation of laws elements are terminological or technical in nature, such as references to "Her Majesty the Queen, Her Heirs or Successors", "Governor", "Crown", "Government of the United Kingdom" and "Secretary of State". Currently the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1) has provided for the principles for interpretation of provisions and references not yet adapted unless the context requires otherwise. The Department of Justice has issued an information paper to the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services in February this year, briefing members of the Panel on the major legislative proposals to be included in the Bill. Relevant policy bureaux have consulted stakeholders on their respective proposals, and no comment on or in-principle objection to the proposed amendments have been received from relevant bodies and organisations. The Bill will be gazetted on Friday (May 10), and will be introduced into the LegCo on May 22. Ends/Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
Five-day Mediation Week 2024 launched today (with photos)
6.5.2024

The Mediation Week 2024, a biennial event organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ), was officially launched today (May 6). The five-day programme, themed "Mediate First - Bridge Cultures, Build Futures", features a series of thematic events and the Mediation Conference 2024 to promote the use of mediation in various sectors. The Mediation Week opening was marked by the thematic event: School Mediation Seminar this morning. The School Mediation Seminar, titled "Mediation: Fostering School-Family-Community Partnerships", featured a panel discussion where experienced mediators, educators, students and parents talked about how they have successfully used mediation techniques to resolve conflicts in school settings with practical tips and lessons learned from their mediation experiences. It was followed by a sharing session where winners of the Mediation Essay Competition 2024 shared their views on mediation and insights about their awarded essays. A prize presentation ceremony for the competition was held after the session. Concluding the seminar, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, delivered his closing remarks and officiated at the "Mediate First" Pledge Signing Ceremony for Students. The seminar aiming to nurture the culture of mediation among students and the education sector was well received, attracting about 400 registrations for participation on-site and online. The DoJ will continue its dedicated efforts in promoting the use of mediation as an amicable means to resolve disputes in various sectors, thereby consolidating Hong Kong's status as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region. Fully supported by the two legal professional bodies in Hong Kong, and other legal and dispute resolution services organisations, as well as government departments and relevant organisations, the Mediation Week 2024 will also feature the following events this week: May 7 * Workplace Mediation Seminar - Happy Work Happy Life: Use of mediation in employee's compensation claims and other workplace disputes May 8 * Consumer Mediation Seminar - "Click, Cart, Click: Consumer Dispute Resolution in the Digital Age" May 9 * The Splendor of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Family Court May 10 * Flagship event: Mediation Conference 2024 For more details of the Mediation Week 2024, please visit the dedicated website at mediationweek2024.com . Ends/Monday, May 6, 2024 Issued at HKT 12:42 NNNN
Reappointment to Law Reform Commission
30.4.2024

The following is issued on behalf of the Law Reform Commission: The Law Reform Commission (LRC) today (April 30) announced that Mr Chan Chak-ming and Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee have been reappointed by the Chief Executive as members of the LRC for a second three-year term with effect from May 1, 2024. Mr Chan has been the President of the Law Society of Hong Kong since 2021 and was a member of the LRC's Outcome Related Fee Structures for Arbitration Sub-committee (the Report of which was published in December 2021). The LRC believes that his professional standing and experience in the legal field will further strengthen the LRC's role in proposing law reforms. Mrs Leung is a current member of the Executive Council. She was also a former Global Co-Head of Commercial Banking of the HSBC Group and a former Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank Limited. Her strong business acumen and abundant public service experience will continue to enable her to provide valuable insights into the LRC's work. With these latest appointments, the LRC comprises the following members: Secretary for Justice (Chairman) Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal (ex officio member) Law Draftsman (ex officio member) Mr Justice Johnson Lam Man-hon Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC Ms May Chan Suk-mei Professor Lutz-Christian Wolff Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun Mrs Janice Choi Kwan Wing-kum Mr Chan Chak-ming Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee Professor Alexander Loke Mr Michael Jackson Ends/Tuesday, April 30, 2024 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN