Legally Breaking The Rules: The Annual 1st Of July Marches In Hong Kong

Victoria Park Marches In Hong Kong  – Photograph from Sy In The City Blog

It's a beautiful but sweltering Thursday, and another glorious Hong Kong public holiday. This is a significant day for most local Hong Kongers as the 1st of July 1997 marked the end of the 156 years colonial British rule over Hong Kong, and was also the official date of the transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China. In addition to these historical events, the 1st of July has become an annually anticipated date, known for the mass rallying of political and social groups in various locations of the city, with a focal point at the immense Victoria Park.

Victoria Park marchers gathering to voice their political and social opinions – Photograph by minalism

Since the 1997 handover the original annual protests have been led by the Hong Kong Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) focusing on political, social and welfare issues concerning the citizens of the SAR establishment. Now they are joined by numerous other organisations, and individuals that live in Hong Kong, gathering to voice their beliefs and opinions about issues such as voting rights, equal rights of minorities, housing policy, freedom of speech, and racial discrimination.

Hong Kongers taking to the streets, to voice their opinions on this highlighted day of political gathering – Photograph by minalism

Crowds upon crowds descend Victoria Park, of all ages, genders, races, and from all regions. The vibe is upbeat and charged. An excited energy dances and weaves itself through the mobs of people like a fast spreading forest fire thirsty for dry wood.

A young girl excited to be a part of the day's events – Photograph by minalism

After wading through the crowds I arrived at the park to be overwhelmed by the feverish hum. After all, it's not very often that you see the good people of Hong Kong engaging in this kind of public display of political speech. I'm an experienced and proud protester, and always enjoy talking to as many people as I can when I'm at a march, but today I made a point to choose a few particular groups to talk to, and so I headed over to the Amnesty International rally which is one of the first to have pitched up in the park. Amnesty International have always caught my attention with their fearless approach to politically charged and feared topics around the world. They are an organisation celebrated for representing numerous causes related to human rights, freedom of speech, censorship, and the prevention of domestic violence. Previously to my arrival in Hong Kong, I had attended a few Amnesty International seminars in London, coincidentally about freedom of speech and censorship in China, so this was a real treat to be able to talk to some of the representatives in the Hong Kong branch. 'Freedom of Speech' was the main topic of their agenda this year, an issue that holds increasing uncertainty under the one country, two systems policy that Hong Kong currently serves. 

The Amnesty International team getting ready for the day ahead – Photograph by minalism

My next stop was the Hong Kong Unison rally who were demonstrating for the equal rights of ethnic minority groups to be recruited into the Hong Kong civil service.

The Hong Kong Unison rally representing ethnic minorities in Hong Kong – Photograph by minalism

Unison is an NGO that I've been following closely since my arrival in Hong Kong seven months ago. They have a great team of people working passionately for the rights and welfare of ethnic minorities (sometimes referred to as EM groups), founded in 2001 by a hopeful outreach social worker Fermi Wong Wai-Fun. Through Fermi's passion and commitment, many people have joined her to break historical barricades within the Hong Kong social system, including the pivotal passing of the Racial Discrimination Ordinance law by the legislative council in 2008.

The Hong Kong Unison team giving it all their energy – Photograph by minalism

Hong Kong Unison helps people from all backgrounds and ages of ethnic minorities – Photograph by minalism

The Hong Kong Unison team were representing in full strength. Their unequivocal and welcoming energy was contagious and drew flocks of people to this small but powerful corner. I couldn't help but obsessively watch some of the exchanges between the crowds and the protesters involving hugs, hand shakes, and shouts of praise and encouragement.

A man walking by smiles at the Hong Kong Unison team nodding his head in support – Photograph by minalism

The Hong Kong Unison team in high spirits, revving up the crowds – Photograph by minalism

One common question I was asking people throughout the day, "Why is the 1st of July marches important to you?" People gave me all sorts of reasons stating causes and beliefs they were their to voice, but there was one interesting theme that commonly came up a few times, to protect their freedom of speech. In 2003 the the Hong Kong Government proposed a new security law called Article 23, stating...

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organisations or bodies from conducting political activities in the Region, and to prohibit political organisations or bodies of the Region from establishing ties with foreign political organisations or bodies." 

The chain of events to follow the final drafting of this proposed law overwhelmed the Government and Legislative Council. The people of Hong Kong showed their true power by coming together in the biggest public protest seen since the 1997 handover, churning out an army of over 500,000 people demonstrating their fear of losing their freedom of speech amongst other liberties. The residual after-shocks caused two cabinet members to hand in their resignation, forcing LegCo (Legislative Council of Hong Kong) to dismiss the bill. The law was shelved indefinitely.

A stream of fresh protesters making their way to the park – Photograph by minalism  

And who ever said that protesting and rallying was a waste of time? ᐂ