Published: 19:16, March 11, 2026 | Updated: 20:28, March 11, 2026
HK pushes UN to adjust terrorism definition to include ‘fear’
By Wang Zhan
This undated photo shows that Conrad Ho Pui-lam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegate, delivers a speech at the UN Human Rights Council 61st session, 26th meeting, Geneva. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

All-China Youth Federation member Conrad Ho Pui-lam urged the United Nations to refine its definition of terrorism at the Human Rights Council's 61st session 26th meeting in Geneva on Wednesday.

Drawing on Hong Kong's legal practice, Ho emphasized that terrorism offences must be "accessible and sufficiently precise and certain”, enabling individuals to foresee liability.

He highlighted the city's common law system — with its case law and independent Judiciary — as a model bridging national definitional gaps hindering global counter-terrorism cooperation.

Ho cited the Hong Kong National Security Law and Safeguarding National Security Ordinance as exemplars operating under rule of law while fostering economic stability.

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As vice-chairman of The Y. Elites Association in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region — a non-profit founded in 2018 to unite young professionals and promote leadership, innovation, and civic engagement — he called for clearer guidance in terrorism to enable effective actions.

“A clearer guidance on these aspects gives states tools to protect societies while safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms," he concluded.