It goes without saying that laws must move with the times and adapt to changes. A case in point is the legislation on rape and other sexual offences. From strengthening protection for the vulnerable to keeping up with trends and technology, there is a lot to catch up on. To be fair, Hong Kong officials and law advisers are working on it, though the pace is not as quick as desired.

The Law Reform Commission released the Review of Substantive Sexual Offences in 2019 and a report on Sentencing and Related Matters in the Review of Sexual Offences in 2022. A consultation is expected to be launched soon, with legislative amendments to be introduced before the end of 2027. There is a greater sense of urgency to act as the issue was put under the spotlight during the weekly question time in the Legislative Council.

According to the police, sexual abuse cases against those aged under 17 jumped 20 per cent from 663 in 2024 to 797 last year. The increase was recorded against an overall decline in the number of rape and indecent assault cases involving victims of all ages. Exactly what contributed to the surge is unclear. The police said they did not keep statistics on the relationship between persons involved in cases of sexual offences against children. But with figures hovering between 578 and 696 for the previous years, the trend remains disturbing.

These are not just cold numbers that mar Hong Kong’s relatively low crime rates. Behind them is the suffering of victims, often made vulnerable by social circumstances and inadequate legal protection. Each case is a stern reminder of reform, lest more children fall prey to sex predators.

The government said it understood the concern of society and pledged to strengthen legal protection for victims, especially children. The commitment to complete the amendments by the end of its term in June 2027 is to be welcomed. The city has waited long enough. The recommendations by the Law Reform Commission will go a long way in strengthening and modernising the existing framework for tackling sexual offences. The government must speed up the reform so there is stronger protection for the vulnerable and the justice system has effective tools to respond.