Hong Kong’s democratic aspirations and the issue of refugees: The need for a refugee policy

Hong Kong’s strong support for democracy has been signaled recently by a pro-democracy movement that has sought a greater say for citizens in the election of the city’s Chief Executive. Yet Hong Kong is a highly stratified society and for some people Hong Kong’s democracy is unable to provide access to basic citizenship rights, including the status of being a citizen. This is particularly true in relation to the city’s refugees who exist in space between the countries from which they are escaping and Hong Kong’ refusal to assent to the United Nations Convention on Refugees. This paper is concerned with these refugees. The criticisms about how refugees are dealt in Hong Kong in current days are on the rise in both national and international media. Many activists and NGOs are also continuously pointing out these issues. Moreover, it is a subject of regular topic in discussion in the Legislative Council (LEGCO) where members have expressed their grave concerns. This paper will identify and discuss these issues drawing on the analysis of available policy documents from government bureaus, LEGCO proceedings, newspaper articles, NGO documents as well as the review of academic articles. The paper will argue the case for a policy on refugee issues consistent with Hong Kong’s broader democratic aspirations and in particular how the educational needs of refugee children should be met by the host society.