Human rights in China and Hong Kong

Abstract

Introduction: The legal protection of human rights in Mainland China differs very sharply from the legal protection of human rights in Hong Kong. The legal protection of human rights depends upon a variety of matters. They include a legal system under which a citizen has access to independent and impartial courts for the determination of his or her rights. Under such a system, judicial power is exercised by judges who have judicial independence. Absent such a system, there can be no secure protection and enforcement of human rights, even if those rights are proclaimed and ostensibly guaranteed by statute. Indeed, in the absence of such a system, there can be no assurance that the rule of law, as we understand it, will be observed.