Human Rights in China (HRIC) makes this submission to the Human Rights Council (HRC) in advance of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) (Fourth Cycle) of Hong Kong SAR, China. HRIC’s submission focuses on online rights and internet freedoms in Hong Kong, which has significantly deteriorated in a post-COVID era, and after the promulgation of the National Security Law (NSL) . We highlight examples of the erosion of online rights in Hong Kong, particularly the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, experienced by individuals or vulnerable groups such as activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. In exercising their fundamental freedoms and rights, they have been targeted, criminally sanctioned, and discriminated against. Lastly, we draw attention to how women are disproportionately affected, with online gender-based violence (OGBV) becoming a prevalent issue.

We are two citizen journalists residing in mainland China, and we have conducted interviews with nine colleagues and friends of Yu Wensheng and Xu Yan for this article. Through their recollections, we gradually formed a general understanding of the experiences of Yu Wensheng and Xu Yan. To maintain anonymity for our safety, we will refer to ourselves as He Randong and Cheng Wanqiu in this article.

On the eighth anniversary of the "709 Crackdown," Human Rights in China (HRIC) takes this opportunity to express our deep admiration for the women who have bravely resisted the suppression of authorities and demonstrated remarkable strength and determination. These outstanding women are defenders of human rights in China.