Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau

File:Cap 541 Consolidated version for the Whole Chapter (25-01-2019) (English and Traditional Chinese).pdf

Cap 541 Consolidated version for the Whole Chapter (25-01-2019) (English and Traditional Chinese)

Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) is a government agency within the Government of Hong Kong responsible for overseeing matters related to the Constitution of Hong Kong, human rights, and mainland China affairs. The bureau plays a pivotal role in facilitating the implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which is a constitutional principle formulated for the reunification of China during the early 1980s. The CMAB is instrumental in ensuring that Hong Kong's legal and political systems operate smoothly within this unique framework.

Overview

The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities. These include the administration of constitutional affairs, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the management of relations between Hong Kong and mainland China. The bureau is also involved in electoral matters, including the conduct of elections for the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and the District Councils of Hong Kong.

History

The bureau was established following the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China in 1997. It was created to manage the complexities of Hong Kong's constitutional arrangements and to oversee the city's integration with mainland China, while preserving its autonomy under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

Functions

The CMAB's functions are diverse and include:

• Overseeing the implementation of the Basic Law, which serves as the constitutional document of Hong Kong.
• Promoting understanding and support for the "One Country, Two Systems" principle both locally and internationally.
• Handling matters related to human rights protections in accordance with both local legislation and international covenants.
• Facilitating communication and cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities.
• Managing electoral affairs and reforms to ensure the integrity and fairness of Hong Kong's electoral processes.

Structure

The bureau is led by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, who is a principal official appointed by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The Secretary is supported by a team of civil servants, including a Permanent Secretary and several Deputy Secretaries.

Challenges

The CMAB faces numerous challenges in its operations, including navigating the political sensitivities associated with Hong Kong's autonomy and its relationship with mainland China. Issues such as electoral reform, human rights, and the interpretation of the Basic Law frequently generate significant public debate and scrutiny.

See Also

• Basic Law of Hong Kong
• One Country, Two Systems
• Government of Hong Kong
• Human Rights in Hong Kong
• Electoral Affairs Commission