International Education > Archive > Category: Special Reports

081319 – Hong Kong Protests

August 13, 2019

Since June 9, 2019, several large scale political demonstrations have taken place on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon, in various suburbs in the New Territories, and at the Hong Kong International Airport.

Although many protest sites are made public in advance, authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists. Expect road closures and disruptions to traffic and transportation in affected areas.

During recent protests, bus routes, MTR stations, the Hong Kong Macao Ferry Terminal, the Airport Express and the Hong Kong International Airport, and other businesses have temporarily suspended operations, sometimes without warning.

The security situation around large gatherings could change quickly. Acts of violence occur, especially at night, on weekends and public holidays. Some have resulted in serious injuries.  Attacks on protestors have become less predictable and are expected to continue. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators have taken place. Local authorities have used tear gas and other crowd control measures. Police have often reacted more swiftly and severely to unauthorized protests. There have also been random attacks on demonstrators by their opponents.

Recommendations for UT Dallas travelers

Before departure

  • Verify that the phone, and e-mail in your MyTrips profile in International SOS will help ISOS and UT Dallas reach you in case of emergency.
  • Register your UT Dallas related travel itinerary, including all side trips in International SOS and print your ISOS card.

Stay connected and aware of current developments

Be prepared

  • Review or create an emergency communication plan.
  • Avoid large crowds and crowded places. Exercise particular caution during high-profile public events (sporting contests, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, demonstrations, etc.)
  • Avoid potential flashpoint locations, including political rallies where localized violence is likely; monitor local media reports for additional information.
  • Avoid the vicinity of government buildings (parliament buildings and known likely protest locations during periods of unrest/tensions).
  • Be aware of immediate surroundings and exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.
  • Have an emergency action plan ready.
  • In case of emergency, contact local assistance services and International SOS.
  • If you have specific safety concerns, contact local law enforcement authorities.
  • If a U.S. citizen keep information for the U.S. Embassy in Hong Kong available

During a demonstration

  • Avoid wearing black or in any other way associating with the protesters.
  • Do not participate in a demonstration.  In some countries it is illegal for non-citizens to participate in demonstrations.
  • Maintain a low profile and quickly but calmly vacate an area at the first sign that demonstrators and/or security force personnel are gathering.
  • Do not attempt to cross roadblocks and reconfirm the status of routes prior to setting out.
  • Do not watch or take photographs of rallies and demonstrations.
  • In the event of violence, return to your accommodation or another secure location as soon as it is safe to do so, and stand fast until the situation normalizes.

Sources

The risk information in this report is retrieved from the listed sources. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.