Hong Kong maintained its position in the 2024 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, ranking 23rd globally and 6th in the East Asia and Pacific region. This consistent performance, mirroring the 2023 results, reinforces the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's assertion of a robust and trusted legal system operating under the "one country, two systems" framework.
The HKSAR government welcomed the Index results, highlighting positive advancements in key areas. A government spokesperson noted improvements in "Regulatory Enforcement" and "Civil Justice," where Hong Kong climbed one spot in the global rankings. The spokesperson also emphasized Hong Kong's continued strength in "Open Government" and its impressive 10th place global ranking in "Absence of Corruption." This achievement, the government contends, demonstrates the effectiveness of Hong Kong's anti-corruption efforts and solidifies its standing as a leading international financial hub. These positive indicators contribute to a favorable business environment and support Hong Kong's vital role in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.
Further bolstering its position, the government defended its record on criminal justice, emphasizing a fair and comprehensive system with a modern legal framework protecting the rights of all parties. The spokesperson underscored the robust and well-funded legal aid system, ensuring access to justice for all residents. The government also highlighted the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, including the right to initiate legal proceedings and seek judicial remedies.
This official stance resonates with members of Hong Kong's legal and political community. Legislator and barrister Priscilla Leung underscored Hong Kong's leading position in upholding the rule of law, both regionally and globally, attributing this success to the "one country, two systems" framework and the support of mainland China. She expressed confidence in Hong Kong's ability to maintain a high level of legal integrity while safeguarding national security.
Legislator Holden Chow echoed these views, suggesting that on-the-ground assessments could further enhance understanding of areas like constraints on government powers and fundamental rights. He advocated for greater engagement with the WJP assessment process, believing direct observation would provide a more comprehensive picture. Similarly, Chen Xiaofeng, Secretary General of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, pointed to the independence of Hong Kong's judiciary and the checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches as evidence of a robust system. He emphasized the importance of a deep understanding of Hong Kong's legal context for accurate evaluation.
Hong Kong's overall ranking of 23rd is indeed above the global average and surpasses that of the United States, which ranks 26th in the 2024 Index. Furthermore, Hong Kong outperforms both the U.S. and the U.K. in critical areas such as "Absence of Corruption," "Order and Security," "Regulatory Enforcement," and "Civil Justice." Notably, Hong Kong's impressive 9th place in "Order and Security" exceeds the rankings of countries like the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Australia—many of which have been vocal critics of Hong Kong. This is particularly significant in light of the frequent criticisms from the West regarding the state of the rule of law in Hong Kong. The high overall ranking of Hong Kong serves as a recognition of its legal framework by the West, effectively countering the often negative narratives and slanders perpetuated by Western media.
Moving forward, continued dialogue and on-the-ground assessment by international bodies like the WJP are crucial for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of Hong Kong's legal system. Deeper engagement will foster constructive conversation and allow a more factual understanding of Hong Kong's legal landscape to emerge, countering often-misleading portrayals.