The Department of Justice (DoJ) launched the Vision 2030 for Rule of Law (Vision 2030) initiative in 2020, which is a ten-year initiative for the promotion and education of the rule of law, seeking to promote the proper understanding and recognition of the rule of law, thereby contributing to sustainable development of inclusive and fair societies at both the domestic and international levels. Alongside the launch of Vision 2030, the Task Force on Vision 2030 for Rule of Law (Task Force) was established, with membership comprising internationally renowned experts and academics, to advance the work for effective implementation of the initiatives under Vision 2030, and to advise the HKSAR Government on its proposal to achieving the intended policy objectives. DoJ has been providing secretariat support to the Task Force.

　　Under the guidance of the Task Force, DoJ has launched a rule of law database in November 2021 (for information, see https://www.v2030.hk/en/rule_of_law_db/introduction.html) which sets out a proposed methodology for reviewing the practice of rule of law based on objective data and information. The Task Force advised that it is also necessary to take into account the uniqueness of different jurisdictions’ rule of law practices such as their cultural, geographical, socio-political, economic and legal tradition and hence further development and refinement to the database would be necessary. Further explanation and illustration of the methodology are set out in the Task Force’s Report (Report) launched today during the Vision 2030 for Rule of Law International Symposium held in Hong Kong (the Report is available at: www.v2030.hk/doc/task_force_report.pdf).

　　In addition, the Task Force supports various regional and international capacity building activities taken forward by DoJ (for information, see also the Report). DoJ will continue to be committed to enhancing local educational programmes, contributing to capacity building in the region and internationally, as well as strengthening multilateral and regional collaboration to advance the rule of law.

　　In light of the above and the recommendation by the Task Force (see paragraph 103 of the Report), the DoJ invites independent non-profit making non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in Hong Kong to continue to take forward the study and further work in relation to the above through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), including, but not limited to:

(1) continue the study and work of developing the objective methodology for reviewing the practice of the rule of law proposed by DoJ into a fair, comprehensive and objective mechanism which takes into account different jurisdictions’ cultures, legal traditions, socio-economic and socio-political situations, etc.;

(2) reach out to other jurisdictions to facilitate regional and international exchanges as well as to promote capacity building.

　　The members of the NGO based in Hong Kong should have relevant background and expertise in the promotion and study of reviewing the practice of rule of law in Hong Kong and in the region and beyond, as well as committed to continuing the study and work of developing the objective methodology for reviewing the practice of the rule of law in line with the objective methodology proposed by DoJ.

　　DoJ will use its best endeavours to provide the necessary support for the study and work by the selected entity.

　　We encourage interested entities to make submission (together with all necessary supporting information and documents demonstrating, inter alia, relevant experience and expertise of the entity or personnel of the entity in the above areas and the level of commitment and appreciation of the above initiatives as well as the business plan required to take forward the relevant study and work) to the Inclusive Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Office, Department of Justice, 7/F, Main Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong on or before 16 June 2022 for consideration (DoJ may also request supplementary information, as necessary). The selected entity will be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with DoJ, which will set out the terms and requirements (including the support to be provided) by the end of Q3 2022 and the relevant study and work are expected to commence by the end of Q4 2022.