Barred UK activist’s new Hong Kong Watch group draws support from British foreign policy heavyweights

Officially launching in December, NGO aims to monitor and report on ‘worsening’ human rights situation in city

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Hongkongers commemorate the anniversary of the Occupy movement of 2014. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:00am, 31 Oct 2017Updated: 8:56pm, 31 Oct 2017

The new advocacy group set up by a British activist recently barred from Hong Kong has drawn support from several UK foreign policy heavyweights as it prepares to begin monitoring “worsening” human rights, freedoms and rule of law in the city.

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UK-based group Hong Kong Watch, spearheaded by Benedict Rogers, has pledged to raise concerns with the British government and the international community should there be violations of the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.

Benedict Rogers (front) speaks at a demonstration for Hong Kong democracy outside Parliament House in London. Photo: Twitter/Benedict Rogers

“We believe that an international NGO to monitor and report on the worsening situation in Hong Kong is much needed and long overdue,” Rogers said in a press release.

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“Based in London, our aim is to be international, a voice in the United Kingdom and other capitals around the world.”