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From Our Own Correspondent

Hong Kong’s Exodus

From Our Own Correspondent

BBC

News, News Commentary

4.41.3K Ratings

🗓️ 20 March 2021

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Hong Kong is seeing a wave of departures amid concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms. China's national security law, imposed in July last year, has been used to clamp down on dissent prompting many to considering leaving. The UK's visa scheme will allow many Hong Kong residents to start a new life in Britain. Danny Vincent spoke to some of the people preparing to leave the territory.

One year ago, New York City was the one of the epicentres of the coronavirus outbreak. Now a massive vaccination effort is underway. Restaurants are allowed to open at half capacity and, helped by the relief package, the city is gradually springing back to life. But some people are wary of the vaccine, says Laura Trevelyan.

In Australia allegations of sexual assault in the corridors of power in Canberra are dominating headlines. Tens of thousands of people have protested in the major cities. The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has so far refused to hold an independent inquiry, but the allegations have triggered a public reaction that is gathering pace, says Shaimaa Khalil.

Each year, Afghanistan hosts an annual ski challenge, in the mountains of Bamiyan province. Organisers of this event are hoping the region can attract more tourists, despite the on-going threat of violence. They hope for a more peaceful future - and this event has provided much needed respite. Charlie Faulkner went to watch.

The Netherlands has long navigated the threat posed by rising water levels. In 1953, a catastrophic flood claimed the lives of more than 1000 people. In response, the Dutch created an advanced network of flood defences. These are now being updated thanks to a new plan to climate-proof the country. Jane Labous reports.

Presenter: Kate Adie Producer: Serena Tarling

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, Podcasts

0:05.0

Today, never mind the temperature, let's dine outside, now a possibility for New Yorkers.

0:11.8

The Grand Scale vaccination programme could mean a wider return to normality.

0:16.6

But there's hesitation in the black and Latino communities in the Bronx.

0:22.1

In Australia, protesters are on the streets in the major cities, with anger directed

0:27.2

at the government in Canberra over allegations of sexual assault in parliamentary circles,

0:33.8

pointing, say, many to a deeper problem in Australian society.

0:39.2

Missed skiing this year, well, there's still the annual ski challenge in Bamyan Province,

0:46.2

in Afghanistan.

0:47.2

There's an enthusiastic crowd, but it's not for the faint hearted.

0:52.5

There are no ski lifts.

0:55.6

To Hong Kong, which is being massively changed by the grip of Beijing.

1:01.3

A new national security law, just one of the instruments to clamp down on dissent and democratic

1:07.4

freedoms, arrests of pro-democracy activists, pro-democracy lawmakers disqualified from their

1:14.6

seats, all triggering a wave of departures of activists, business people and their families.

1:21.9

Hundreds of thousands are expected to apply to take up British citizenship.

1:27.0

Now the UK has launched its visa scheme, and Danny Vincent has been talking to some

1:32.2

of the people preparing to leave.

1:35.3

The supporters gathered in the early hours of the morning outside the West Calhoun

1:39.1

Magistrates Court.

1:40.9

Forty-seven activists arrested for taking part in an unofficial primary election were to

1:45.7

stand trial.

...

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