Justice department marks NSL’s fifth anniversary with multiple initiatives

Editor’s note: The National Security Law for Hong Kong, enacted on June 30, 2020, has become a cornerstone of the city’s restored stability. As its fifth anniversary approaches, China Daily interviews key architects involved to explore the landmark legislation’s lasting influence on Hong Kong’s governance and society.

Hong Kong Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok said that awareness of national security has taken root in the minds of the city’s residents, as the special administrative region prepares to mark five years since the promulgation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL).

In a recent interview, Lam highlighted the law’s success in closing critical legal gaps and establishing robust enforcement mechanisms while upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong. He emphasized the city’s commitment to safeguarding national security and the need to continue optimizing protective measures against emerging threats.

READ MORE: NSL upholds HK’s long-term prosperity, 'one country, two systems', experts say

To mark the upcoming anniversary on June 30, the Department of Justice has launched multiple initiatives, including a national security exhibition on Thursday and a June 21 forum featuring discussions between legal experts and young representatives. A social media competition encouraging students to share their understanding of the NSL has attracted over 600 entries.

These events align with the department’s longstanding promotion and education efforts regarding the NSL, which Lam said have contributed to a deeper public understanding and greater compliance.

For example, public engagement with security initiatives has been strong, particularly among young people. As of March, the National Security Exhibition Gallery at the Hong Kong Museum of History had been visited by over 43,000 students from 120 primary and secondary schools since opening in August. Many local schools have integrated national security education into their curriculums.

“Through my interactions with students, their markedly improved knowledge and engagement over these five years have become unmistakably evident,” Lam said, reflecting on the stark contrast with the 2019-20 unrest, which ultimately led to the enactment of the NSL.

READ MORE: Experts: National Security Law safeguards stability

Addressing skepticism about security threats, Lam emphasized that such risks are “neither hypothetical nor exaggerated”.

“Concrete evidence has proved otherwise. The biggest lesson is that threats can emerge unexpectedly, and delayed responses can lead to irreversible damage,” he said. “We must remain vigilant, act swiftly against risks, and ensure the public understands and supports these laws.”

Lam firmly rejected any suggestion that security cases could be compromised for the sake of international relations. “National security is nonnegotiable,” he said. “Every defendant receives a fair trial under judicial procedures, and any attempt to trade security for other interests is unacceptable.

Future tasks

Looking ahead, the focus remains on strengthening the legal framework, rigorously implementing the law, and fostering public understanding and support.

Despite having both the NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (the local legislation on security) in place, Lam stressed that Hong Kong’s legal system must continue to evolve to address emerging risks.

“We need to constantly review whether our national security laws and enforcement mechanisms remain adequate, and maintain high vigilance to ensure we have sufficient legal tools to manage potential threats,” he said.

“The most crucial lesson I’ve learned is that when people genuinely understand and identify with the importance of these laws, they will voluntarily support them. This naturally reduces risks and potential violations.”

Lam named — from among the department’s educational initiatives — the Rule of Law Education Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme, which offers specially designed courses for secondary school teachers, youth organization leaders, or those with influence on young people. Launched in November 2023, the program has trained 520 people in two phases.

“The purpose is to ensure that they can have a proper understanding of the essential principles of national security legislation, so that they can pass on this very important information to the younger generation” during their roles, he said.

ALSO READ: NSL 2020: Falsehoods exposed in cold light of day

Lam also highlighted enhanced training for legal professionals. “Currently, all legal practitioners must be equipped with national security law knowledge as a fundamental requirement for qualification.”

The department offers regular seminars featuring experts discussing legal provisions and broader security environments. Exchange programs with mainland counterparts and peer learning through case studies are complementing these efforts.

Lam said he remains open to various approaches to national security education.

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is that people develop a sense of safeguarding national security. They must feel that it is something that they have to do as a matter of course — simply because we are Chinese nationals.”

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com