NEW YORK: The United Nations has exhorted China to repeal a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020, citing for want of protection for civil and political rights under a citywide crackdown on political opposition and public dissent.

The UN Human Rights Committee said in a report following its periodic review of China's compliance with international human rights covenants that it is "deeply concerned" that the national security law is being interpreted too broadly, citing a lack of clarity about the meaning of "national security."

"Since its enactment in 2020, the law has reportedly led to the arrests of over 200 people, including 12 children," the report said, adding that there is also a provision under the law for people to be sent to China for investigation, prosecution, trial and to serve sentences.

The committee said China has not ratified the international agreements on civil and political rights, or economic rights, so the treaties would not apply to such cases.

According to Radio Free Asia (RFA) report,  it urged Hong Kong authorities to "take tangible efforts to remove the current National Security Law and, in the meanwhile, refrain from executing the Law."

According to the report, "the Chief Executive's excessive power and other measures allowed for in the Law... might effectively undermine the independence of the judiciary and procedural protections for access to justice and the right to a fair trial." It also urged for the set up of an independent national human rights agency with a broad mandate and suitable capabilities to promote and protect human rights.

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