Journalists in Exile: HRIC Infographics and Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression
On June 26, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ms. Irene Khan, presented her latest report at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, focusing on journalists in exile. HRIC's submission to the Rapporteur (full PDF below) examined the detrimental impact of Hong Kong's National Security Law (NSL) on the digital rights and Internet freedoms of Hong Kong journalists in diaspora and/or exile, through insider perspectives. We interviewed Alric Lee, co-founder of Lady Liberty Hong Kong, a unique new Hong Kong diaspora media outlet that started off as an art project and evolved into a non-mainstream news outlet and an innovative human rights project, and Finn Lau, Executive Director of The Points, one of the most active and well-regarded new Hong Kong diaspora media outlets founded by Hong Kong journalists and based entirely overseas.
Digital security and access to a free and open Internet are central tenets of the work of new Hong Kong diaspora media outlets and journalists in diaspora and/or exile. It is essential for outlets and journalists to be adequately equipped with the necessary fundamental knowledge, skills and tools regarding digital safety. The adoption of the sweeping NSL, with its crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign organizations, has indubitably become the greatest challenge to press freedom in Hong Kong in recent times. The incredible work of new Hong Kong diaspora media can only be continued if the physical safety, financial stability, and daily living needs of all exiled journalists are ensured. HRIC has created an infographic on Hong Kong Journalists in Exile in both English and Chinese, and we encourage you to circulate them widely!
