Hong Kong's Longstanding Labor Rights Advocate Closes Doors
After three decades of championing workers' rights, a prominent Hong Kong-based nonprofit has abruptly ceased operations. China Labor Bulletin, founded in 1994, announced its closure this Thursday, citing mounting financial difficulties and debt concerns.
Legacy of Tracking Labor Struggles Across China
For more than 30 years, the organization built and maintained a comprehensive database chronicling workers' strikes, protests, workplace accidents, and other incidents related to labor rights across mainland China. It became an essential resource for journalists, academics, and labor activists alike.
Signs of Sudden Closure Amid Political Shifts
The shutdown came as the group's website ceased updates, and its social media profiles, including Instagram, disappeared from public view. A brief statement on an archived page clarified the decision: "The company can no longer maintain operations and has decided to dissolve and initiate the relevant procedures."
This development reflects a broader exodus of civil society organizations from Hong Kong following the implementation of Beijing's national security law in 2020. While many groups disbanded or relocated, China Labor Bulletin had continued to serve as a beacon for labor rights reporting and activism within the city.
Founder's Perspective and Unexpected Decision
Han Dongfang, the founder and a well-known labor activist who was part of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests as a railway worker, made the decision to shut down the group. He conveyed to a regional news outlet that the move was his own and confirmed his intention to remain in Hong Kong.
His announcement surprised many observers, especially considering that just three weeks earlier, Han celebrated a work anniversary on social media and expressed optimism about continuing the organization’s mission despite challenging times.
Changing Landscape of Civil Liberties in Hong Kong
This closure comes against the backdrop of increased political restrictions in Hong Kong, which critics argue have eroded the Western-style civil liberties the city was promised upon its 1997 handover from British to Chinese control. In contrast, authorities defend the national security law as essential for restoring and maintaining order following widespread protests in 2019.
The End of an Era
The disbanding of China Labor Bulletin marks a significant moment in the region's labor rights movement. Its archives and advocacy have left an indelible mark, documenting decades of workers' struggles across China and offering a rare window into labor activism amid shifting political tides.
