HKSAR Government's response to 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index
The World Justice Project released the Rule of Law Index 2025 today (October 28). Hong Kong's ranking in the Index continues to be 6th in East Asia and the Pacific, and 24th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions globally. Hong Kong’s overall score (0.72) remains unchanged and is the same as the countries ranked 22nd and 23rd globally. The scores in most of the aspects have only been slightly adjusted. Hong Kong remains high in the overall ranking and continues to be ahead of some European and American countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong continues to maintain its position within the top 10 globally in respect of "Absence of Corruption" and "Order and Security". Both the global rankings in relation to "Absence of Corruption" and "Regulatory Enforcement" are higher than last year, ranking 9th and 15th respectively. This shows that, in addition to its comprehensive regulatory enforcement mechanism, Hong Kong remains one of the most corruption-free places in the world and that the effectiveness of its anti-corruption efforts has been recognised internationally. This also demonstrates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been fully committed to combating acts and activities which endanger national security in accordance with the law after the full implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, restoring order in the community and ensuring steady economic development and Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability effectively. The continuous improvement in these areas is conducive to the construction of rule of law and positive business environment, consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's unique advantages, and allowing it to fully play its role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" through its connectivity with both the Mainland and the world.
Hong Kong’s rankings in respect of "Criminal Justice", "Civil Justice" and "Constraints on Government Powers" remain almost unchanged. The judicial system in Hong Kong is protected by the Basic Law. All prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws, free from any interference. The legal framework in Hong Kong aligns with international standards and keeps up with the times, fully safeguarding the rights of all parties. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and anyone charged with a criminal offence or involved in civil and commercial cases has the right to a fair hearing.
Hong Kong's scores and global rankings slightly drop in the aspects of "Open Government" and "Fundamental Rights". However, Hong Kong's rankings in these areas in East Asia and the Pacific remain unchanged. The minor drop in the rankings does not seem to fully reflect the real situation in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen its explanatory work through various channels. Indeed, Hong Kong has a robust legal framework for the protection of human rights and an open judicial system. The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. Hong Kong residents can seek justice through legal means and are protected by a solid legal aid system under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance.
Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world using Chinese and English. Its legal system is fair and well-established, highly aligned with international standards, and home to a deep pool of legal professionals with extensive international experience. The construction of rule of law in Hong Kong remains robust and stable, and Hong Kong's high standard of justice has been widely recognised and respected by the international community. The HKSAR Government will continue to steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully live up to the principle of "one country, two systems", and promote the rule of law education to comprehensively uphold the rule of law in the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government will also enhance its explanatory efforts through various channels, including inviting overseas people to engage in international events in Hong Kong, such as international legal forums, enabling them to experience and understand Hong Kong's actual situation first hand.
