The United Nations Office for Human Rights says the new national security law imposed by Beijing on the territory violates fundamental rights.
The body sent a letter to the Chinese government on 2 September on the Office’s website.
In the communiqué, UN experts ask China to appoint an independent authority to check whether the legislation is in line with its international obligations on respect for human rights.
The provision, which entered into force on June 30, introduces the crimes of separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
The Chinese Communist Party claims to have adopted it to restore order; the anti-Beijing front, which for a year has been demonstrating for democracy in Hong Kong and to safeguard its liberal system, accuses the Chinese leadership of wanting to stifle the democratic aspirations of the population.
The UN has already criticized China for the arrest of some pro-democracy exponents under the new law.
On August 10, Hong Kong authorities arrested the pro-democracy tycoon, and owner of the Apple Daily newspaper, Jimmy Lai.
The businessman was jailed – only to be released on bail – along with nine other people, including two of his children.
Lai and the others are accused of having collaborated with foreign forces and conspired for the purpose of fraud.
