UN human rights watchdog urges Hong Kong to take ‘concrete steps’ to repeal national security law; govt slams ‘unfair’ criticism

A UN watchdog has urged Hong Kong to “take concrete steps” to repeal the Beijing-decreed national security law as it is threatening civil rights protected by an international covenant, a criticism the government described as “unfair and unfounded”.

A report released on Wednesday by the UN Human Rights Committee, which included “concluding observations” on the latest situation in the city, expressed “grave concern” about an “overly broad interpretation” and “arbitrary application” of the legislation.