I call the meeting back to order. Welcome back.
I have a few organizational things to talk about before we go ahead. I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the new witnesses.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name.
When you are ready to speak, you can click on the microphone icon to activate your mike. Having said that, once we get to the questions from members, I'll ask the members to indicate whom they wish to answer their questions. During the question period by each member, you needn't wait for me to call on you then.
Interpretation in this video conference will work very much like in a regular committee meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either the floor, English or French.
I remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. As you are speaking, if you plan to alternate from one language to the other, you will also need to switch the interpretation channel so that it aligns with the language you are speaking. You may want to allow for a short pause when switching languages.
When you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute. Furthermore, the use of headsets is strongly encouraged.
I would now like to welcome our second panel of witnesses.
We have, from Freedom House, Annie Boyajian, director of advocacy; from the Hong Kong Democracy Council, Samuel M. Chu, founding and managing director; and from the New York University School of Law, Jerome A. Cohen, professor and faculty director emeritus, U.S.-Asia Law Institute.
Each witness organization will have up to 10 minutes to make an opening statement, followed by a round of questions from members.
Now we will start with Freedom House, Ms. Boyajian.