Today is International Human Rights Day. The ITUC has launched an international solidarity campaign, Free Lee Cheuk Yan, urging the Hong Kong authorities to release Lee Cheuk-yan immediately and unconditionally.
Lee, former General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), has been imprisoned since 2021, now for more than 1,500 days. Throughout his life, he has fought for workers’ rights and democracy in Hong Kong. He is currently facing charges under the National Security Law (NSL) for “inciting subversion of state power” in relation to organising peaceful commemorations of the June Fourth Tiananmen anniversary.
The ITUC, along with trade unions worldwide, stands firmly with Lee Cheuk Yan and with all Hongkongers who continue to defend democracy, the right to organise, and freedom of association.
ITUC calls on the Hong Kong Government to:
- Drop all charges against Lee Cheuk Yan
- Drop all charges against Chow Hang Tung
- Release all trade unionists and activists imprisoned for exercising their rights
- Repeal the National Security Law (NSL) and National Security Ordinance (NSO)
- Respect international human rights standards, including freedom of association and freedom of expression
ITUC — Global campaign for Release Lee Cheuk Yan