page_title: Human rights in Hong Kong
section_title: Proof of identity
hierarchical_section_title: Human rights in Hong Kong / Civil and political rights under domestic law / No arbitrary arrest, detention, imprisonment, search or seizure / Proof of identity
caption_attribution_description: English: A man was required to produce his identity card by the police under the Immigration Ordinance (Cap.115), Police Force Ordinance (Cap.232), or Public Order Ordinance (Cap.245) .中文（简体）‎: 香港警察正在要求市民出示身分证。中文（繁體）‎: 警員截查市民身份證。
context_page_description: Human rights protection is enshrined in the Basic Law and its Bill of Rights Ordinance. By virtue of the Bill of Rights Ordinance and Basic Law Article 39, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is put into effect in Hong Kong. Any legislation that is inconsistent with the Basic Law can be set aside by the courts.
  In general, Hong Kong is perceived to enjoy a high level of civil liberties. The Hong Kong government generally respects the human rights of the citizens, although many core issues remain. There are concerns over the freedoms to the people which is restricted by the Public Order Ordinance and the national security law. The police has been occasionally accused of using heavy-handed tactics towards protestors and questions are asked towards the extensive powers of the police. As to the right of privacy, covert surveillance remains the major concern. There is a lack of protection for homosexuals due to the absence of a sexual orientation discrimination law. There are also comments regarding a lack of protection for labour rights.
context_section_description: Any person aged 15 or above and is a holder of a Hong Kong Identity Card is required to have it with him at all times. There is no requirement that reasonable suspicion is needed if a police officer decides to demand the production of one's Identity Card, as long as the officer is in uniform or produces his appointment documentation. A police officer may arrest without warrant anyone who fails to produce his Identity Card. Failure to produce one's Identity Card is an offence punishable by a level 2 fine.
  During the 2019 anti-extradition law amendment protests, police officers who failed to produce identification (by removing or refusing to produce identifying documents) yet still proceeded to arrest protesters - often violently - have resulted in a large number of individuals (including many innocent bystanders) who were arrested to be left with no recourse for the injuries and alleged torture they sustained during and after the arrest.  As of September 2019, there are court cases attempting to rectify this.
  The Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor has expressed its reservations as to the compatibility of this power with the Bill of Rights.
caption: Police officers inspect the Identity Card of a citizen
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