1st NDI Survey Mission visits Hong Kong in March 1997 and Promise of Democratization Report 1

Survey Mission

The NDI sent their first survey mission to Hong Kong from 5 – 10 March 1997, prior to Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty in July 1997, to:

·         assess the political environment;

·         identify possibilities for NDI programming in the territory (Page 3).

The mission comprised:

·         Tom Andrews, former Member of the U.S. Congress and current National Program Director for Citizen Action;

·         Sue Wood, former head of New Zealand's National Party;

·         Eric Bjornlund, NDI Regional Director for Asia;

·         Sophie Richardson, NDI Program Officer.

During its mission, the team met with a broad range of political actors, including Legislative Council members, political party representatives, election officials and other senior government officials, representatives of domestic and international NGOs, members of the domestic and international media, academics and representatives of the U.S. government.

Promise of Democratization Report 1#

The findings of this mission were documented in:

·         The Promise of Democratization in Hong Kong. Survey Report. NDI Pre-election report. NDI Hong Kong Report #1. June 10, 1997¹

This report was prepared by:

·         Eric C. Bjornlund, NDI Senior Associate and Director of Asia Programs;

·         Sophie Richardson, NDI Program Officer;

·         Andrew Fuys, NDI Program Assistant. 

The report was intended to assess the current political and legal situation in Hong Kong in light of the imminent transfer of sovereignty. It addresses several of the most frequently discussed issues, especially those that have implications for potential NDI programs or, for that matter, for U.S. Policy toward Hong Kong (Page 3).

Promise of Democratization Report 1 Cover

Key findings of the mission

The key findings of this mission were:

Article 23

·         one major concern about working in Hong Kong is that Article 23 of the Basic Law prohibits Hong Kong political organizations from having "ties" with external political organizations (Page 11);

·         a representative of Human Rights Watch/Asia explained it would wait and see the legislation proposed to implement the dictates of Article 23 before making any public statement. HRW/Asia has, like the DP, registered as a corporation. The Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, which is a grantee of the National Endowment for Democracy, felt that the Article's interpretation would require several court cases before the parameters become clear (Page 12);

Center for Subversives

·         one message was that Beijing wants to prevent Hong Kong becoming a "political city," one of subversive influences that could easily permeate the border with China (Page 12);

Measuring public confidence

·         political confidence is not usually measured by public opinion polls, but by the Hang Seng stock index (Page 13).

Outside interference

·         the NDI team came away with the impression that the Chinese government may be sensitive to outside opinion (Page 14)

Discussions on Article 23

The first survey team held extensive discussions and Article 23 came up in virtually all of the team's discussions. They could therefore be under no illusion as to its implications to the NDI’s future work in Hong Kong, as the following excerpts from the report show:

·         Article 23 also forbids Hong Kong residents from subverting the Chinese government. This provision was Beijing's response to the support, particularly financial support, that Hong Kong residents lent to participants in the 1989 Tiananmen protest movement.

In terms of the impact of Article 23 on relations between political organizations in Hong Kong and abroad:

·         Certain democrats thought that it was too early to tell how the provisions would be interpreted, but suggested it would be wise to strengthen Hong Kong's ties with the international academic community, which would presumably be less controversial.

·         Others suggested they could not even discuss the Article with the NDI delegation for fear of repercussions.

·         One LegCo member suggested it would bar any "affiliation" between Hong Kong groups and groups abroad; another argued it merely would ban foreign funding.

Societies Ordinance

Under proposed amendments to the Societies Ordinance, the following definitions were being considered:

·         A political organization is defined as any group that "directly participates in political activities relating to government institutions and comments on public affairs as their main objective."

·         An external group includes international organizations, foreign political parties and foreign governments or their instrumentalities. Groups from Taiwan are also considered external but those from mainland China are not.

·         "Ties" constitute "soliciting or accepting financial assistance, directly or indirectly," a society's management being "controlled, directed, dictated, influenced or participated" by external groups or "collaboration" to determine a society's policies.

Program Options for the NDI

From these discussions, the NDI distilled the following program ideas:

1. Monitoring the Development of an Election Framework.

NDI is now organizing an ongoing program to monitor the development of an election framework for the legislative council elections expected in the first half of 1998, including one or more pre-election missions in the second half of 1997 to assess whether the proposed election framework is consistent with international norms. NDI also expects to organize a seminar that would draw on experiences from other countries. Since the Basic Law provides for additional revisions of the election framework for future elections, this issue will continue to be important in the future. A program that monitors the development of an election framework will also help inform the strategy of pro-democracy activists with respect to election issues.

2. Working with Local Elected Officials.

Working with existing democratic political organizations, NDI could also convene one or more workshops with elected District Board representatives in an effort to improve their political organizations and organizing skills. Such programs could help local officials to better address the concerns of their constituencies and to more effectively monitor the impact of government policy on their constituents. As local elected officials and political organizations gain political sophistication and confidence, they become more effective at developing and articulating policies that empower the public and provide alternative, democratic centers of political power.

Screen shot of NDI Program Ideas

Reference

¹The promise of democratization in Hong Kong. Survey Report. NDI Pre-election report. NDI Hong Kong Report #1. June 10, 1997 Link to all Promise of Democratization Reports

International Republican Institute visit to Hong Kong in 1994

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) serves as a conduit for the US Congress to channel US Government funds to the NED’s four core grantees to conduct programs around the world. Hong Kong has been the target of such funding since 1994.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) is one of the NED’s four core grantees and represents the Republican Party in the NED. It is a sister body of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), which represents the Democratic Party.

IRI visit to Hong Kong

From 12 – 19 June 1994, the Republican Party sent an IRI team of four lawyers, led by Dick Thornburgh to study the prospects for the rule of law in Hong Kong in view of the impending 1997 reversion of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China¹ (Page 342). This was known as the Hong Kong Rule of Law Mission.

According to Dick Thornburgh:

-          In 1994, I led a delegation of the IRI, a part of the NED, to conduct a study of the rule of law in Hong Kong, the guarantees for its legal system in the Joint Declaration, and the post-1997 prospects for the rule of law there² (Page 15).

-          There is great concern in Hong Kong about how the Provisional Legislature will carry out the Basic Law's Article 23 which requires the Hong Kong legislature to pass laws against "subversion against the central people's government," theft of state secrets, and to prohibit Hong Kong political organizations from establishing ties with foreign political organizations² (Page 20).

-          The United States simply must stand up for the people of Hong Kong. As the strongest and most free nation in the world, our leadership is crucial. It is more than a matter of national interest, it is a matter of national honor² (Page 24).

In his autobiography, ‘Where the evidence Leads’, Dick Thornburgh made the following observations:

-          At the time of our visit, much of Hong Kong’s business community espoused a pro-PRC, “don’t make waves” attitude. Some business leaders believed that self-interest would require the PRC to recognize the political aspirations of Hong Kong residents in order to maintain the city’s economic vitality¹ (Page 342).

-          The real controversy is not, as would appear on the surface, between Governor [Chris] Patten and the British Government on the one hand, and the PRC on the other. The real controversy is between those residents of Hong Kong who are committed to human rights and the rule of law and a business community unwilling to press the case for these principles for fear of upsetting their present and potential economic and financial relationships with the PRC¹ (Page 343).

Key issues identified by Dick Thornburgh.

The following key issues were identified by Dick Thornburgh in this mission:

Article 23

Article 23 of the Basic Law was intended … to prohibit Hong Kong political organizations from establishing ties with foreign political organizations;

                                                                                               

A divided community, not all of whom supported democracy

From the small number of interviews he conducted, Dick Thornburgh found Hong Kong was divided in opinion as to the future, with a limited number of lawyers and a handful of politicians who wanted American support to press for democracy and a business community which trusted China to deliver on its commitments.

Comment

It is noteworthy that as early as 1994, Dick Thornburgh identified that Article 23 was intended … to prohibit Hong Kong political organizations from establishing ties with foreign political organizations. This would be of great concern to the NED, because they realized this would preclude them from funding and conducting programs in Hong Kong, which helps explain why they funded the organization of the Article 23 protests in 2003.

References

¹Thornburgh . D. Where the Evidence Leads: An Autobiography, Dick Thornburgh.

University of Pittsburgh Press, 12 Sep 2003. 

²Dick Thornburgh. 1997. Rule of Law in Hong Kong: Some Implications for U.S. Policy, 18 J. Int'l L. 15 (2014). Available at: Rule of Law in Hong Kong. 1997.

NDI briefing by Peter Manikas to Congress in 2015 on its programs in Hong Kong

In addition to the Congressional Research Service, the US Congress also receives direct briefings from National Democratic Institute (NDI) operatives on programs being funded by the US Congress.

Peter Manikas testifying before the FAC.

Former NDI operative Sophie Richardson is sitting to his left¹.

U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairing the hearing².

The following are extracts from testimony given by Peter Manikas, NDI Director of Asia Programs in a presentation to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific on 11 June 2015 in relation to NDI programs in Hong Kong:

“The NDI has worked in Hong Kong since 1997 and its programs have been conducted at the request of, and in collaboration with, local partners such as universities and civil society organizations”.

“Over the past year, NDI’s programs in Hong Kong have engaged students, political parties, and civil society in substantive dialogue on electoral systems and the public consultation process to amend the method of electing the Chief Executive”.

“NDI supported a university partner to build an interactive website that allowed citizens to create their own models of universal suffrage. Online participation reflected the deep level of interest on electoral governance issues, particularly among young people over the past year. Communities also formed around co-branded pages on social media, which received even more user traffic than the interactive website”.

A copy of his full statement is appended below.

Peter Manikas statement on Hong Kong in full

Since the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty under the “one country, two systems” framework in 1997, the promise of a democratic electoral framework outlined in Hong Kong’s constitution, the Basic Law, has not progressed according to the expectations of a large segment of the public. The Basic Law states that “the ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures” (Basic Law Art. 45). Currently, the Nominating Committee that elects the Chief Executive consists of 1,200 members belonging to 38 subsectors, including non-democratically selected “functional constituencies.” During the recent government-led consultation process on political reform, citizens discussed the possible addition 2 of new subsectors to make the committee more inclusive and representative (such as adding new subsectors to represent the interests of women or young voters), but restructuring would necessarily mean disrupting and eliminating existing subsectors or committee members. For these reasons, the Hong Kong government’s consultation document suggested that these changes are unlikely (Consultation Document, Chapter 3, Sec. 3.08 p. 10). Similarly, half of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) comprises of the same functional constituencies, creating a check over the legislative process.

On August 31, 2014, the National People’s Congress issued a Standing Committee decision that would allow Hong Kong citizens to directly vote for their Chief Executive in 2017 but retained restrictive conditions on the nomination procedure of eligible candidates. The Nominating Committee would resemble the previous committee that elected the Chief Executive, with the same number of members belonging to the same limited number of subsectors. Under this framework, Beijing effectively has the discretion to determine the candidates for the Chief Executive position. This political reform proposal triggered 79 days of protest and civil disobedience – what activists and the international media have referred to as the “Umbrella Movement.” In reaction to the movement, a coordinated campaign has been launched to discredit pro-democracy activists and movement organizers. Attacks on leading liberal professors and student leaders in Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing media, reports of Hong Kong government interference in academic appointments, and renewed calls for “patriotic education” in Hong Kong schools, have had a chilling effect on freedom of speech, freedom of association, and academic independence. The government’s political reform proposal will finally come to a vote by the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Wednesday, June 17. LegCo seems irreconcilably divided between the pan-democrat and pro-establishment party camps.

The government’s failure to meet the expectations of a large segment of the public on universal suffrage has left Hong Kong deeply polarized. While several university professors conceived of last year’s movement for universal suffrage and articulated many of the guiding principles, young people and student associations drove the mobilization effort and quickly assumed ownership of the movement. The false narrative put forward by Hong Kong and Beijing officials that the student-led activities were instigated by “external” or “foreign forces” may be used as a pretext to re-introduce national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, which would drastically curtail civil liberties.

NDI has worked in Hong Kong since 1997 and its programs have been conducted at the request of, and in collaboration with, local partners such as universities and civil society organizations. The objectives of NDI programs in Hong Kong have been education and dialogue around comparative electoral models and to better enable citizens to effectively participate in the government-initiated electoral reform process. The Institute’s activities are inclusive of the many segments of Hong Kong society – including young people, lower income groups, ethnic minorities, women, and the elderly – and feature a diversity of political viewpoints across party and ideological spectrums. Pro-establishment as well as pan-democrat political party members participate in NDI-sponsored events. Any viewpoint may be expressed at the academic public forums or university-managed websites for which NDI has provided assistance. These are designed to be neutral and educational platforms and do not endorse any particular political position. By creating forums for inclusive political dialogue on various modes of governance, NDI activities provide a constructive outlet for grassroots voices, an opportunity for education, and the possibility of forging meaningful consensus.

Over the past year, NDI’s programs in Hong Kong have engaged students, political parties, and civil society in substantive dialogue on electoral systems and the public consultation process to amend the method of electing the Chief Executive. NDI supported a university partner to build an interactive website that allowed citizens to create their own models of universal suffrage. Online participation reflected the deep level of interest on electoral governance issues, particularly among young people over the past year. During the first official consultation period (December – May 2014), in which citizens could offer their views on universal suffrage, the website received more than 700 models of universal suffrage, many of which were submitted to the Hong Kong government. Communities also formed around co-branded pages on social media, which received even more user traffic than the interactive website. In parallel with these online platforms, local NDI partners organized several public debates offline, where prominent speakers from opposite ends of the political spectrum argued the merits of their proposals for political reform. The online platforms promoted these debates, allowed for sharing of citizen generated content on relevant topics, and crowd-sourced questions for event speakers³.

References

¹Photo credit: Democracy Works: A Blog of the National Democratic Institute. Retreat or Revival: The State of Democracy in Asia. By Peter Manikas. 15 June 2015 Photo of Peter Manikas

²Photo credit: U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, conducts a hearing on “Retreat or Revival: A Status Report on Democracy in Asia,” on June 11. (Gary Feuerberg/ Epoch Times) Photo of U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon

³Statement of Peter M. Manikas Director of Asia Programs, National Democratic Institute

Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific “Retreat or Revival: A Status Report on Democracy in Asia” June 11, 2015 Statement of Peter Manikas

Reports to the US Congress on NED and NDI programs in Hong Kong

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a US Government body that prepares reports for members and committees of Congress on a regular basis.

Because the US Congress funds the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the CRS regularly updates Congress on the progress of NED programs, including those undertaken by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) targeting Hong Kong.

A lot of American taxpayer’s money is being spent on such programs, so it is important to ensure they are being spent wisely.

Michael F. Martin is a Specialist in Asian Affairs for the CRS and since 2008 he has prepared the following reports for Congress on Hong Kong:

-          CRS Report RS22787 - Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: China’s December 2007 Decision (January 10, 2008) CRS Report 22787

-          CRS Report R40992 - Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: The 2012 Election Reforms (February 1, 2011) CRS Report 40992

-          CRS Report R42746 - Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: Results of the 2012 Elections (September 14, 2012) CRS Report 42746

-          CRS Insight IN10114, Hong Kong's Summer for Democracy? (September 4, 2014).

-          CRS Insight IN10146 - China's Leaders Quash Hong Kong's Hopes for Democratic Election Reforms (September 5, 2014) CRS Report 10146

-          CRS Report R44031 - Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: The 2017 Election Reforms (June 9, 2015) CRS Report 44031

This information is for reference. 

US National Interest in Hong Kong

Because the US Congress funds the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the Congressional Research Service (CRS) regularly updates Congress on the progress of NED programs, including those targeting Hong Kong. A lot of American taxpayer’s money is being spent on such programs, so it is important to ensure they are being spent wisely.

Despite the fact such programs violate Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the US Congress circumvents this inconvenient piece of international law by invoking national interest

This is an extract from CRS Report R44031entitled: Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: The 2017 Election Reforms, dated June 9, 2015¹:

US National Interest in Hong Kong

The prospects for democratic election reforms in Hong Kong are of potential interest to Congress for several reasons:

(1) First, the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-383) states:

“Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of U.S. foreign policy.

As such, it naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong.”

(2) Second, how China handles the possible democratic election reforms in Hong Kong is one indicator of its commitment to its “one country, two systems” policy as it applies to Hong Kong, as well as its tolerance of political reform in general.

(3) Third, Hong Kong plays an important role for U.S. economic interests in Asia. If the Chinese and Hong Kong governments are unable to formulate CE election reforms acceptable to Legco and the people of Hong Kong, possibly continued and intensified political unrest could harm Hong Kong’s ability to function as an economic hub for U.S. interests in Asia.

(4) Fourth, the resolution of Hong Kong’s political reforms may have an impact on relations between China and Taiwan.

Congressional hearings on the political situation in Hong Kong

The political situation in Hong Kong was the subject of the following hearings during the 113th Congress:

(a)    The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) held a hearing entitled, “The Future of Democracy in Hong Kong,” on November 20, 2014.

(b)   The House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific held a hearing entitled, “Hong Kong: A Broken Promise?” on December 2, 2014.

(c)    The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs held a hearing entitled, “Evaluating the Impact of the ‘Umbrella Movement,’” on December 3, 2014.

Reference 

¹Congressional Research Service: CRS Report R44031 - Prospects for Democracy in Hong Kong: The 2017 Election Reforms (June 9, 2015). CRS Report 44031

NED grants to Hong Kong (1994 to 2015)

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) was established to act as a conduit to disperse US Government funds for ‘promoting democracy’, allocated by Congress to its four core grantees:

(1) The Free Trade Union Institute, representing the labor sector,

(2) The Center for International Private Enterprise, representing the business sector,

(3) The National Democratic Institute, representing the Democratic Party,

(4) The National Republican Institute, representing the Republican Party¹.

The NED also disperses grants directly to participants. The NED first started funding activities in Hong Kong in 1994.  The following is a timeline of NED grants to Hong Kong since 1994, compiled from information in NED Annual Reports, giving details of the recipients and justifications for the grants:

1994

Free Trade Union Institute - $430,472 -To support the Asian American Free Labor Institute's "Greater China" program, which promotes worker rights in China; disseminates information on labor rights abuses; assists unions in Hong Kong in their efforts to strengthen democratic practices, and aids independent labor rights organizations in Taiwan.

1995

Free Trade Union Institute - $435,753 - To enable the Asian American Free Labor Institute to support the work of leading labor activists both inside China and in exile, including the monthly publication of the Chinese-language China Labour Bulletin; to cooperate with Hong Kong-based groups to document Chinese labor rights abuses, especially in the region around Hong Kong; to develop informational materials for workers in that area; and to strengthen the Confederation of Trade Unions, a key component of Hong Kong's democracy movement, by helping it upgrade its communications and research capabilities.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - $30,000 - To focus local and international public attention on areas of Hong Kong law and practice that do not safeguard human rights.

International Republican Institute - $25,000 - To conduct an assessment of the 17 September 1995 legislative elections in Hong Kong.

1996

Free Trade Union Institute - $359,393 - Through the Asian American Free Labor Institute: for the monitoring of labor rights violations and dissemination of information on rights to workers in China; for the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions to retain member support after the Chinese takeover through contributions to public debate, regular distribution of a newsletter, and maintenance of their headquarters as a rallying point and resource center for democracy activists; and for a regional conference to expand cooperation among labor activists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, and China.

University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law - $60,000 - To equip and train three additional local partners in China to expand the Law-on-Line project, a bilingual database of information and documentation on human rights laws and legal issues available on the Internet.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - $36,000 - To hire a full-time staff director to coordinate the organization's work in human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education.

1997

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - $40,000 - To focus local and international public attention on areas of Hong Kong law and practice that fail to safeguard human rights. The Monitor works to strengthen the foundations of and commitment to the rule of law in Hong Kong.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - $100,120 - To monitor the development of Hong Kong's "post-reversion" election framework, the election process, and the ability of political parties and civic groups to participate in the process.

1998

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - $343,778 - To help the China Labor Bulletin, the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, and Hong Kong-based labor rights groups promote worker and union rights in the greater China region.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - $45,000 - To draw local and international public attention to areas of Hong Kong law which fail to safeguard human rights. Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor projects include human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - $141,877 - To monitor the state of civil and political liberties in Hong Kong and its progress toward a genuinely democratic electoral system. NDI supported a democratic assessment team that analyzed the political environment and technical preparations for the May 1998 polls.

1999

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - $202,399 - To support the work of the Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin to investigate and document labor conditions and worker activism in China. The program also includes support for labor and human rights education efforts to inform workers about their rights under national and local laws.

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - $170,997 - To provide support to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions to improve its membership outreach and coalition-building activities. ACILS will also support the research and documentation activities of a labor rights NGO concentrating on conditions in southern China.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - $48,000 - To campaign for improvements in legal and institutional human rights safeguards in Hong Kong. The Monitor will continue its program of human rights reporting, case work, campaigning, and public education, and will also participate in the U.N. human rights fora.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - $67,164 -To support democracy activists as they define their role in the new political system in Hong Kong that limits opportunities for public input into the policy-making process. The program will offer consultations to political parties competing for seats on directly elected local governments, and conduct a training program on grassroots organizing and volunteer recruitment.

2000

The American Center for International Labor Solidarity - $184,560 - To assist democratic unions and labor rights organizations in Hong Kong working to protect worker and union rights in the South China region.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor- US$48,000 - To carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning and public education drawing local and international public attention to the Hong Kong laws and practices that fail to safeguard human rights.

2001

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - $198,073 - To assist democratic unions and labor rights organizations in Hong Kong that are working to protect worker and union rights in the South China region. 

International Republican Institute - $409,850 - To train local election officials and newly elected village leaders; host a conference in Hong Kong to discuss campaign techniques in developing and developed countries; provide consultation on legislative drafting; sponsor a delegation of lawyers and legal aid supervisors to observe a successful legal aid program in a developing country; and support a program engaging the Chinese government in dialogue to strengthen accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. 

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - $209,778 - To provide comparative research findings to educate legislative staff members, researchers and students on democratic norms; organize two seminars on democratic legislative processes; and assist democratic reform in Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$51,000 - To combine legal defense of civil rights with public campaigns and education to cultivate public opinion favorable to democratization and the rule of law.

2002

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - $198,063 - To assist democratic unions and labor rights organizations in Hong Kong that are working to protect worker and union rights in the South China region.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$51,000 - To carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education, drawing local and international public attention to areas of Hong Kong law and practice that fail to safeguard human rights.

2003

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - US$260,434 - To collaborate with the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions and other Hong Kong-based labor rights NGOs to provide basic training and education on trade union rights and other labor rights. The coalition will strengthen the work of the Yuen Long training center, which conducts leadership workshops, educates unemployed workers in government-sponsored job retraining courses, and conducts research to determine what types of manpower training and skills assessment best serve the needs of the workers in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$60,000 - To carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning and public education, drawing local and international attention to civil and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - US$179,999 - To provide technical assistance and training to Hong Kong political parties to strengthen the role of parties in Hong Kong, and to support pro-democracy civil society organizations in their efforts to draw attention to the deterioration of political rights in the territory.

2004

Civic Exchange - US$125,000* - To build support for a democratic constitution. Civic Exchange will engage the public in consideration of potential constitutional reforms and advocate that the government seek citizen approval of any proposed constitution. Activities will consist of reports on Hong Kong's functional constituency system and the role of public dialogue in political development, as well as the organization of public forums, town hall style gatherings and formal debates.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$173,280* - To carry out a broad ranging program of education and monitoring to draw local and international attention to human rights and constitutional developments in Hong Kong. The Monitor will produce educational materials, issue in-depth reports, conduct programs in conjunction with schools and civic groups, hold a human rights film festival and organize public seminars.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) - US$190,000 - To strengthen political parties and support democratic activism. NDI will conduct political party consultations and training seminars; facilitate the development and publication of a multi-party public opinion poll and provide assistance in the development of voter guides in advance of the Legislative Council elections in September 2004.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) - US$50,000* - To work to improve the ability of Hong Kong civil society organizations to advocate for democratization and good governance in Hong Kong. NDI will support a Hong Kong partner to conduct a governance review and undertake a post-election assessment following the Legislative Council elections in September 2004. 

2005

Civic Exchange - US$45,000* - To promote informed debate on constitutional reform. Civic Exchange will carry out public opinion research and hold a public debate on models of constitutional reform, publish two papers that discuss selected reforms in mainland China and their relevance as points of reference for Hong Kong, and conduct outreach to the public on the broad spectrum of reform concerns.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$173,000* - To raise the standards of human rights protection and democratic representation. The Monitor will carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

2006

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - US$125,000 - To foster freedom of association and other worker rights. ACILS will support local trade-union education and outreach programs, as well as a research program raising international awareness regarding the current labor-rights situation in China.

Civic Exchange-US$86,000* - To engage the public in discussion of governance reforms. Civic Exchange will carry out a diverse program of research and public education on key topics related to universal suffrage and electoral and constitutional reform.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor- US$175,000* - To raise the standards of human rights protection and democratic representation. The Monitor will carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

2007

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - US$135,000 - To foster freedom of association and other worker rights in China and Hong Kong. Local partners will seek to strengthen civil society by expanding the current labor union base, encouraging the participation of unions and their members in democratic processes, strengthening a migrant workers assistance network, and increasing union members’ access to legal assistance and knowledge of labor law.

Civic Exchange - US$64,983* - To engage the public in discussion of governance reforms. Civic Exchange will carry out a diverse program of research and public education on key topics related to universal suffrage and electoral and constitutional reform.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$170,000* - To raise the standards of human rights protection and democratic representation. The Monitor will carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

2008

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - US$125,456 - To foster freedom of association and other worker rights in China and Hong Kong. Local partners will seek to strengthen civil society by building members’ advocacy capacity, expanding the current labor union base, encouraging the participation of unions and their members in democratic processes, strengthening a migrant workers assistance network, and increasing union members’ access to legal assistance and knowledge of labor law.

Civic Exchange - US$59,967* - To engage the public in discussion of governance reforms. Civic Exchange will carry out a diverse program of research and public education on key topics related to universal suffrage and electoral and constitutional reform.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor – US$170,000* - To raise the standards of human rights protection and democratic representation in Hong Kong. The Monitor will carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

2009

American Center for International Labor Solidarity – US$130,860 - To promote freedom of association by building the capacity of democratic trade unions in Hong Kong. The Solidarity Center will work with its local partner to support initiatives for collective bargaining, member organizing and civic empowerment.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$170,000 - To raise the standards of human rights protection and democratic representation in Hong Kong. The Monitor will carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil rights and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) - US$272,140 - To advance the dialogue between citizens and political actors on constitutional reforms. Through sponsoring public forums and a political participation website, NDI will support local civil society organizations to analyze and provide recommendations on the government’s proposal for constitutional reform.

2010

American Center for International Labor Solidarity- US$148,869 - To promote freedom of association by strengthening democratic trade unions in Hong Kong. The Solidarity Center will work with its local partners to support collective bargaining, membership organizing, civic empowerment and research.

2011

American Center for International Labor Solidarity- US$153,106 - To expand worker rights by building the capacity of democratic trade unions in Hong Kong. The Solidarity Center will work with its local partners to advocate for collective bargaining rights, promote citizens' political and community engagement on workplace issues, and raise international awareness of worker rights developments and violations in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor- US$170,000 - To raise the standards of human rights protection and democratic representation in Hong Kong. The Monitor will carry out human rights reporting, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil rights and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

2012

American Center for International Labor Solidarity - US$139,532 - To continue to advance worker rights by building the capacity of democratic trade unions in Hong Kong. The Solidarity Center will work with its partners to advocate for collective bargaining rights, utilize local and international mechanisms to improve working conditions, and promote understanding of worker rights abuses and developments in China among the international labor movement and human rights community.

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$155,000 - To raise the standards of human rights protection and democratic representation in Hong Kong. The Monitor will carry out human rights monitoring, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil rights and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - US$460,000 - To foster awareness regarding Hong Kong's political institutions and constitutional reform process and to develop the capacity of citizens - particularly university students - to more effectively participate in the public debate on political reform, NDI will work with civil society organizations on parliamentary monitoring, a survey, and development of an Internet portal, allowing students and citizens to explore possible reforms leading to universal suffrage.

2013

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor - US$145,000 - Protecting Human Rights and Encouraging Democratic Representation in Hong Kong To improve human rights protection and democratic representation in Hong Kong. The Monitor will carry out advocacy, human rights monitoring, casework, campaigning, and public education drawing local and international attention to civil rights and human rights developments in Hong Kong.

Solidarity Center - US$150,031 - Expanding Worker Rights and Democracy - To promote worker rights and support an independent voice for workers. The Solidarity Center will work with its partners to strengthen their organizing, bargaining and advocacy skills.  The project will also seek to build the capacity of trade unions that represent domestic workers to improve working conditions for their members.

2014

Solidarity Center - Freedom of Association - $154,669 - Expanding Worker Rights and Democracy - To advance worker rights and democracy and strengthen civil society in Hong Kong. The Solidarity Center will collaborate with its partners to strengthen the organizing, bargaining and advocacy skills of Hong Kong trade unions. The project will also seek to promote better understanding in the international labor and human rights communities about worker rights developments in China.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - Political Processes - $410,000 - Amplifying Citizens’ Voices in Hong Kong & China - To engage Hong Kong civic and political sectors in substantive dialogue around governance and electoral reform processes and to provide civic education for Chinese activists. NDI will assist efforts to promote citizens’ voices in Hong Kong’s political reform process and provide technical assistance to Chinese activists on organizational and advocacy skills. In Hong Kong, NDI will support online platforms and community initiatives that promote citizen-created models of governance. NDI will also conduct a young women’s leadership initiative.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs - Political Processes - Supplement: $51,210 - Amplifying Citizens’ Voices in Hong Kong - To amplify citizens’ voices in Hong Kong’s political reform process and provide technical assistance to mainland Chinese activists on organizational and advocacy skills. In Hong Kong, NDI will support online platforms and community initiatives that promote citizen-created models of governance. NDI will also conduct a young women’s leadership initiative for up to 20 participants from mainland China and Hong Kong.

2015

Solidarity Center (SC) - Expanding Worker Rights and Democracy - $195,465 - To advance worker rights and democracy and strengthen civil society. The center will collaborate with partners to strengthen the organizing, negotiation, and advocacy skills of the Hong Kong trade unions regarding trade union and industrial relations issues. The project will also seek to promote understanding in the international labor and human rights communities about worker rights developments in China and to advocate for legal and judicial reforms that advance worker rights and collective bargaining.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) - Promoting Public Dialogue on Political Reform in Hong Kong and China - $343,750 - To promote public dialogue on political reform in Hong Kong and China. The institute will conduct an expert assessment mission to Hong Kong and draft a report for public dissemination and distribution to the diplomatic community, policymakers, and the media. The institute will invite international scholars and experts to conduct public seminars on comparative models of governance, and will also host workshops on legal advocacy to enable victims of violence to pursue protection, compensation, and justice.

NED Grants to Asia

More details of NED grants to Asia, including Hong Kong can be found at our sister blog here: NED Activities Asia

Reference

¹Oversight of the National Endowment for Democracy : hearings before the Subcommittee on International Operations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, second session, May 14 and 20, June 11, 1986.

Congressional Oversight Hearings

NED Programs in Hong Kong

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) works in all corners of the globe, supporting democracy activists on six continents and in 90 countries¹. It acts as a conduit to disperse US Government funds for ‘promoting democracy’, allocated by Congress to its four core grantees:

1. The Free Trade Union Institute, representing the labor sector,

2. The Center for International Private Enterprise, representing the business sector,

3. The National Democratic Institute (NDI), representing the Democratic Party,

4. The National Republican Institute (IRI), representing the Republican Party².

Because Hong Kong is a city in China, Hong Kong has been and continues to be a major focus of NED attention.

NED first engagement in Hong Kong

The NED first engaged with Hong Kong in 1994, when , the Republican Party sent an IRI team of four lawyers, led by Dick Thornburgh to study the prospects for the rule of law in Hong Kong in view of the impending 1997 reversion of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China³ (Page 342). This was known as the Hong Kong Rule of Law Mission.

US Democratic Party targets Hong Kong

The Democratic Party sent their first NDI survey mission to Hong Kong in March 1997, prior to Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty in July 1997, to assess the political environment and identify possibilities for NDI programming in the territory⁴.

Between 1997 and 2012 fourteen NDI survey missions visited Hong Kong to further identify opportunities for NDI programming. The findings of these missions were documented in the Promise of Democratization Report series.

Since 1994, the NED has allocated considerable funds to support activities in Hong Kong, including the following programs:

1. Survey Missions.

2. Eliminate Article 23.

3. Monitoring the Development of an Election Framework.

4. Working with Local Elected Officials.

5. The Promise of Democratization in Hong Kong report series.

6. Public Opinion Polls.

7. Youth Public Participation.

8. Women's Political Participation.

The US Congress is regularly briefed on the progress of these programs through Congressional Research Reports, as well as by briefings from the NDI operatives in charge of these programs.

This blog will report on these programs.

References

¹Where NED works.  Where NED works

²Oversight of the National Endowment for Democracy : hearings before the Subcommittee on International Operations of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, second session, May 14 and 20, June 11, 1986. Congressional Oversight Hearings Report

³Thornburgh . D. Where the Evidence Leads: An Autobiography, Dick Thornburgh.

University of Pittsburgh Press, 12 Sep 2003. 

⁴The promise of democratization in Hong Kong. Survey Report. NDI Pre-election report. NDI Hong Kong Report #1. June 10, 1997 All Promise of Democratization reports available here