Updated 26 June 2019
Situation:
1 July marks the anniversary of Britain handing over Hong Kong to China and this year’s annual march is expected to attract larger than normal numbers.
The Civil Human Rights Front organizes the march every year and has been a driving force behind the recent Hong Kong protests over the proposed extradition bill.
Victoria Park – the traditional starting point for the march - has been booked by pro-Beijing group Hong Kong Celebrations Associations to hold their Greater Bay Festival 29 June – 1 July.
CHRF has appealed to HKCA to give up the location to avoid crowd flow problems and possibility of confrontations between the two groups.
March route: lawn of Victoria Park (A) to government headquarters in Admiralty (B). See map below with possible route and areas to avoid highlighted in red.
Possible Effects:
Disrupted modes of transportation
Increased presence of law enforcement personnel
Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites
Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice
Protests which have the possibility of turning violent, especially after dark
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent
Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
If you are caught in a blockade:
Remain calm
Do not exit your vehicle
Call the authorities: Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 999, U.S. Consulate General at +(825) 2523-9011
Allow extra time for travel
Monitor local and social media for updates
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.