HONG KONG — A longstanding group committed to advocating workers’ rights in Hong Kong has unexpectedly announced its closure on Thursday, citing challenges with finances and accumulated debt.
The organization, China Labor Bulletin, revealed plans to halt updates on its website and seems to have removed its presence from Facebook and Instagram—platforms where it had previously maintained active profiles for promoting labor rights awareness. In a statement shared on an archived web page this Friday, it explained, “The company can no longer maintain operations and has decided to dissolve and initiate the relevant procedures.”
Founded back in 1994, China Labor Bulletin established a comprehensive database over the years documenting strikes, protests, workplace accidents, and other incidents pertaining to labor rights across China. Even as numerous civil society groups disbanded or exited Hong Kong following the imposition of a national security law by Beijing in 2020, the organization remained a crucial resource for journalists and scholars in the region.
Observers critical of Hong Kong’s political climate suggest that the significant changes mark a departure from the civil liberties promised under Western principles when Hong Kong transitioned from British to Chinese governance in 1997. Nevertheless, both Beijing and the Hong Kong government argue that the security law is essential for restoring and maintaining stability in the city, particularly after the widespread anti-government demonstrations in 2019.
The founder of China Labor Bulletin, Han Dongfang—himself a former railway worker who took part in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests—has not yet provided comments following inquiries. He did, however, mention to Taiwan’s Central News Agency that the decision to shut down the organization was his and that he intends to remain in Hong Kong.
Han’s decision to dissolve the group comes as a surprise to many involved in Hong Kong’s civil society. Just three weeks prior, he celebrated his work anniversary on LinkedIn, expressing optimism about both his and his team’s progress. “Let’s keep our faith up at this abnormal time and continue our important work,” he urged.