UN human rights experts condemned the disbarment and financial penalties imposed on Hong Kong lawyer Kevin Yam on July 16, 2025. They characterized these actions as reprisals linked to his public statements regarding the independence of Hong Kong’s judiciary during a US Congress hearing in May 2023. The experts assert that Yam was removed from the Roll of Solicitors without any violations of legal provisions.
The disciplinary proceedings against Yam were reportedly overseen by a tribunal appointed by the Chief Justice. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial process in Hong Kong. The UN experts highlighted that this incident reflects a troubling trend of retaliation against legal professionals who advocate for rule-of-law issues.
Concerns Over Judicial Independence
Since the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, international observers have noted a declining respect for judicial independence and legal rights. According to the UN experts, actions like Yam’s disbarment are part of a broader campaign to intimidate lawyers who seek to uphold fundamental legal principles. The experts emphasized, “This is a new retaliation and an alarming assault on freedom of expression and lawyers’ rights to practice their profession.”
They further stated that efforts to silence lawyers through disbarment represent a grave violation of international law. Such practices set a concerning precedent not only in Hong Kong but also extend to the broader legal landscape in China. The experts reaffirmed the importance of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which advocate for legal professionals to work without undue interference.
The UN experts stressed that the principles established in these international legal instruments apply to Hong Kong due to China’s status as a UN member state. They have formally raised Yam’s case with the Chinese government, seeking to address these issues at the highest levels.
International Implications and Future Actions
The condemnation from UN experts underscores the growing international concern regarding the treatment of legal professionals in Hong Kong. The ongoing suppression of dissent and the erosion of judicial independence have significant implications for the rule of law in the region.
As the global community watches closely, the actions taken against Kevin Yam may serve as a litmus test for the future of legal rights in Hong Kong. The UN experts have called for immediate measures to protect lawyers from intimidation and harassment. They urge states to ensure that legal professionals can fulfill their roles in accordance with international standards, free from fear of retribution.
In light of these developments, the international legal community remains vigilant, advocating for the rights of lawyers and the preservation of judicial independence in Hong Kong and beyond.