Macau Research Group

澳門研究小組

Monitoring human rights and treaty compliance in Macau through independent research and engagement with international organisations

The Macau Research Group (MRG) is comprised of international researchers with backgrounds in social, political and legal studies who share an interest in Macau. MRG researches Macau and China’s obligations under international treaties, with a focus on human rights. The group engages with UN treaty bodies and international organisations to advance the protection of rights in Macau.

Topics

National Security and Rule of Law

Concerns about the national security law, pre-selection of judges, surrender of fugitives, and judicial independence

Electoral Rights and Democracy

Disqualification of election candidates and the absence of universal suffrage in Macau

Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom

Interference with press freedom, public broadcaster editorial guidelines, and entry bans on journalists

Freedom of Assembly and Protest

Restrictions on peaceful assembly, police suppression of protests, and surveillance of demonstrators in Macau

Privacy and Surveillance

Mass surveillance through the 'Sky Eye' CCTV system, facial recognition technology, and covert wiretapping

Domestic Violence

Reclassification of domestic violence cases and the exclusion of same-sex couples from legal protection

Trade Union Rights and Labour Protections

Excessive regulation of trade unions, absence of the right to strike, and restrictions on collective bargaining

LGBT+ Equality and Recognition

Discrimination against LGBT+ persons, lack of legal gender recognition for transgender people, and inadequate anti-discrimination protections

Migrant Workers' Rights

Exploitation of domestic workers, exclusion from the minimum wage, excessive agency fees, and discriminatory restrictions on unskilled workers