UCU urges respect for peaceful assembly in Hong Kong

19 November 2019

Mrs Carrie Lam
Chief Executive of Hong Kong
Email: ceo@ceo.gov.hk

Madam Chief Executive

Solidarity with HKPTU and Democracy Defenders in Hong Kong

I am writing to you today as the General Secretary of the University and College Union (UCU) in the United Kingdom to express support with the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (HKPTU) and the independent union movement in their struggle to defend the values of democracy, justice and liberties in Hong Kong and the rights and freedoms of its residents.

Hundreds of thousands of non-violent citizens have taken to the streets of Hong Kong in the largest and most inclusive mobilisation in Hong Kong's history.

The Hong Kong administration has failed so far to address the concerns of the protesters and the situation has continued to escalate with the indiscriminate use of violence and torture by police forces, and the political prosecutions of youth and protesters. Nearly four thousand people have been arrested and/or injured.

UCU joins HKPTU and Education International (EI) in denouncing the blatant violations of the international treaties on peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

We urge the government of Hong Kong to respect the rights and freedoms of citizens as guaranteed by international standards, to engage in a genuine dialogue with the civil society and to investigate the use of violence against students and peaceful protesters. In addition, we call for a peaceful humanitarian resolution to the ongoing student protests at the Polytechnic University campus.

UCU stands in solidarity with HKPTU and the Hong Kong teachers and students and will continue to closely monitor the human and trade union rights situation.

Yours sincerely

Dr Jo Grady
General Secretary