What is the Article 23 Ordinance?
Asked by: Lola Heller | Last update: February 1, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (48 votes)
Article 23 Ordinance refers to Hong Kong's controversial 2024 national security law, formally the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, enacted under Article 23 of its Basic Law, obligating the territory to create its own security legislation. This ordinance, passed in March 2024, expands on a prior Beijing-imposed National Security Law (NSL) by criminalizing broad offenses like treason, sedition, espionage, and state secrets, significantly restricting freedoms of speech and assembly, with critics arguing it further cements authoritarian control and chills dissent.
What is the main purpose of article 23?
Article 23
Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
What is article 23 in simple words?
Article 23 prohibits trafficking in human beings, including trafficking for the purpose of forced labor, slavery, or exploitation. It recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of individuals, ensuring protection against such practices. It also prohibits forced labor or any form of compulsory labor.
What is the Article 23 of the National Security Law?
Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organisations or bodies from ...
What is the current status of Article 23?
A second attempt at implementing the article has undergone the legislative process. The bill was officially passed on 19 March 2024 and came into effect on 23 March 2024.
Article 23: Hong Kong legislature passes tough new national security law
What is the 23th Amendment in simple terms?
It gives electors to the District of Columbia – the capital city of the United States – so that it may participate in presidential elections.
What are the violations of human rights?
It prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life; torture, cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; slavery and forced labour; arbitrary arrest or detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; war propaganda; discrimination; and advocacy of racial or religious hatred.
What is the relationship between Article 23 and human rights?
Critical to defining workers' rights as human rights is Article 23: 1. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
What does the US Constitution say about national security?
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things ...
What happens after 2047 in Hong Kong?
After 2047, Hong Kong is expected to continue under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, with Beijing officials indicating it will be extended, potentially until 2097, maintaining its common law and financial systems, though concerns remain about deeper integration with mainland China and potential erosion of Hong Kong's unique identity, despite assurances. While the Basic Law guarantees autonomy for 50 years (until 2047), Beijing emphasizes the policy's continuation, aiming for closer ties through initiatives like the Greater Bay Area, but fears persist regarding full integration and loss of distinct freedoms.
What is article 23 of human Rights?
Article 23: Right to Work
Article 23 spelled out, in four paragraphs, the right of “everyone” to work, with equal pay for equal work, and without discrimination. The right to form and join trade unions is also clearly enunciated.
Why are Articles 23 & 24 important?
Importantly, these articles offer protection not just against the State, but also against exploitation by private citizens. Together, Articles 23 and 24 form a critical bulwark against various forms of human degradation, asserting the invaluable worth and autonomy of every individual.
How does Article 23 impact freedom of speech?
The law, which took effect on 23 March 2024, introduced China's definition of “national security” and “state secrets”, together with other broadly defined offences which further restricted freedom of expression and the right to protest.
What are basic human rights?
Basic human rights are fundamental freedoms and entitlements inherent to all people, regardless of race, sex, nationality, or any other status, encompassing the right to life, liberty, equality, dignity, education, work, health, and freedom from discrimination, slavery, or torture, as outlined in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). These rights are universal, inalienable, and form the foundation of international law, obligating governments to protect and uphold them.
Why is article 3 so important?
Section One of Article III is a cornerstone of our legal system. It establishes the Supreme Court, and it is the basis of the federal court system. It has served those purposes from the very beginning.
What is Section 23 of the Constitution?
Section 23, the most relevant one here, is entitled "Labour relations" and reads: Everyone has the right to fair labour practices. Every worker has the right to form and join a trade union; to participate in the activities and programmes of a trade union; and to strike.
Does the president have authority over the national guard?
Yes, the President can control the National Guard, but only under specific legal circumstances, usually by "federalizing" them, shifting control from the state governor to the President as Commander-in-Chief, often requiring congressional authority or invoking acts like the Insurrection Act for federal law enforcement or national emergencies, though state governors typically command their guard for state missions.
Is there a national security threat right now?
Bulletin. The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks.
Can a president and vice president be from the same state?
The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, ...
What does article 23 and 24 provide for?
Such antisocial practices were abolished under Article 23 and Article 24 of the Constitution. These provisions expressly prohibit human trafficking, forced labour, and other similar activities. Any person violating these provisions shall be punished.
What are considered fundamental rights?
Fundamental rights refer to the basic civil liberties and protections that are essential to the functioning of a democratic society. In the United States, the Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in interpreting and safeguarding these rights, which include freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process.
What is Article 23 of the American Convention on human rights?
Article 23.
The law may regulate the exercise of the rights and opportunities referred to in the preced only on the basis of age, nationality, residence, language, education, civil and mental capacity, or sentencin by a competent court in criminal proceedings.
What is a color of law violation?
Acts under "color of any law" include acts not only done by federal, state, or local officials within the bounds or limits of their lawful authority, but also acts done without and beyond the bounds of their lawful authority; provided that, in order for unlawful acts of any official to be done under "color of any law," ...
What are the 17 protected grounds?
"17 protected grounds" likely refers to the specific personal characteristics protected from discrimination under laws like the Ontario Human Rights Code, which bans discrimination in areas like employment and housing based on 17 grounds, including race, sex, disability, age, religion, family status, and sexual orientation, though exact lists vary by jurisdiction and law (e.g., US federal law focuses on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic info).
What to do when your human rights are violated?
Report a violation
To file a civil rights complaint, contact your local FBI office or visit tips.fbi.gov. You should be prepared to provide as much information and detail as possible. FBI investigations vary in length.