Self-determination is the first article in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states, “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” Hong Kong possesses the core qualities of an independent self-governing state, such as independent currency, independent trades relations, independent borders, independent citizenry and passport, independent representations in international athletic and professional bodies, as well as its unique culture influenced by blend of Asian culture with Western influences, including language, writing, architecture, art, and food.
In the 20th century, while many former colonies embarked on their paths of self-determination, Hong Kong’s sovereignty was occupied by the People’s Republic of China in 1997. The “rights and freedoms, including those of the person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of travel, of movement, of correspondence, of strike, of choice of occupation, of academic research and of religious belief,” guaranteed in the Joint Declaration, were undermined over the years.
With the eruption of the Anti-Extradition treaty protests in 2019, political persecution, arbitrary arrests and police brutality have deeply intensified. With the enactment of the National Security Law in 2020, fear of political persecution swept across Hong Kong as voices of self-determination were extinguished and groups not in line with the directions of the state were barred from participating in the public spheres. With the Hong Kong judicial system now corrupted by China’s despotism, the police and the courts became the tools of choice for cracking down on civil societies, the press, and anyone critical of the government. Hong Kongers have lost the last bastion safeguarding their civil and political rights.
To restore Hong Kongers’ freedom and dignity, Hong Kongers must strive for independence.
We, VAHK,
Regard that “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times” is not only a motto, but our calling until the mission is accomplished, Condemn the violation of the Joint Declaration and the ongoing political persecution of Hong Kongers by the incumbent illegitimate regime, Acknowledge and foster to execute the rights of Hong Kongers to self-determination as asserted by ICCPR Article 1, Determined to build a democratic and independent Hong Kong as the ultimate destiny of Hong Kongers, Proclaim our duties and dedicate our missions to achieve Liberation of Hong Kong per self-determination, by accomplishing the following:
1. Campaign, educate, and via various means to build, spread, and preserve Hong Kongers’ independent national culture, 2. Establish or support the creation of an overseas democratic system for electing a transitional government to initiate Hong Konger’s path to democratic self-determination, 3. Endorse and coordinate a global campaign with Hong Kongers and the international community to support the democratically elected Hong Kong government to ultimately achieve the destiny of Hong Kongers of formalizing a democratic and independent Hong Kong.
Self-determination is the first article in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states, “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” Hong Kong possesses the core qualities of an independent self-governing state, such as independent currency, independent trades relations, independent borders, independent citizenry and passport, independent representations in international athletic and professional bodies, as well as its unique culture influenced by blend of Asian culture with Western influences, including language, writing, architecture, art, and food.
In the 20th century, while many former colonies embarked on their paths of self-determination, Hong Kong’s sovereignty was occupied by the People’s Republic of China in 1997. The “rights and freedoms, including those of the person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of travel, of movement, of correspondence, of strike, of choice of occupation, of academic research and of religious belief,” guaranteed in the Joint Declaration, were undermined over the years.
With the eruption of the Anti-Extradition treaty protests in 2019, political persecution, arbitrary arrests and police brutality have deeply intensified. With the enactment of the National Security Law in 2020, fear of political persecution swept across Hong Kong as voices of self-determination were extinguished and groups not in line with the directions of the state were barred from participating in the public spheres. With the Hong Kong judicial system now corrupted by China’s despotism, the police and the courts became the tools of choice for cracking down on civil societies, the press, and anyone critical of the government. Hong Kongers have lost the last bastion safeguarding their civil and political rights.
To restore Hong Kongers’ freedom and dignity, Hong Kongers must strive for independence.
We, VAHK,
Regard that “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times” is not only a motto, but our calling until the mission is accomplished, Condemn the violation of the Joint Declaration and the ongoing political persecution of Hong Kongers by the incumbent illegitimate regime, Acknowledge and foster to execute the rights of Hong Kongers to self-determination as asserted by ICCPR Article 1, Determined to build a democratic and independent Hong Kong as the ultimate destiny of Hong Kongers, Proclaim our duties and dedicate our missions to achieve Liberation of Hong Kong per self-determination, by accomplishing the following:
1. Campaign, educate, and via various means to build, spread, and preserve Hong Kongers’ independent national culture, 2. Establish or support the creation of an overseas democratic system for electing a transitional government to initiate Hong Konger’s path to democratic self-determination, 3. Endorse and coordinate a global campaign with Hong Kongers and the international community to support the democratically elected Hong Kong government to ultimately achieve the destiny of Hong Kongers of formalizing a democratic and independent Hong Kong.
