Canada Says Hong Kong’s New National Security Law Undermines Human Rights

A figure in the shape of a hand, with the colours of China’s national flag for fingernails and a “23” on its palm, referencing the controversial proposed Article 23 national security law, is carried by protesters at a National Day rally in Hong Kong on Oct. 1, 2018. Thousands marched in Hong Kong that day against suppression by Beijing as fears grow that freedoms in the semi-autonomous city are seriously under threat. Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images

Canada has joined its allies in criticizing Hong Kong’s new national security law, saying that its broad definition of threats fails to protect human rights and raises concerns of overarching enforcement.

“Canada is concerned that the new national security law adopted by Hong Kong could deviate further from internationally accepted standards of proportionality, transparency and accountability,” Global Affairs Canada’s March 20 statement reads.