The Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS) pointed out in a statement yesterday that the so-called 2023 Annual Report by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which has recently been released, “contains unsubstantiated accusations regarding Macau’s acceptance of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s review and the amendment to the national security law,” adding that the local government “strongly opposes this”.
The GCS statement underlined that “in July 2022, the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) submitted a report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the United Nations Human Rights Council for review. While the committee made some recommendations, it also welcomed the legislative and policy measures taken by the MSAR government in relevant areas and appreciated the constructive dialogue with the MSAR government delegation. The US report selectively quotes the committee’s conclusions, which is a typical practice of taking things out of context and does not win people’s support.
“The amendment to the MSAR’s ‘National Security Law’ draws on the legislative experiences of other jurisdictions, fully considers Macau’s legal traditions and social realities, and strictly complies with international human rights conventions. The work of safeguarding national security is carried out strictly in accordance with legal provisions and due process. While preventing and punishing acts that endanger national security, a balance has been struck to protect the basic rights and freedoms of residents.
“We hope that the US Congress and relevant committees will respect the facts, eliminate bias, and stop interfering in the internal affairs of the MSAR under the pretext of human rights,” the statement concluded.
