International Action
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International Action is a small, non-violent, political group in Hong Kong campaigning a range of issues including social justice, human rights and democracy. The group was founded in 2004 and is made up of young locals and expatriates. Their website claims that they "represent the new breed of young foreigners who are here [in Hong Kong] without the expatriate perks", however, they invite anyone to join them. The group is committed to non-violence and aims to raise awareness of political issues through their media stunts and humorous costumes.
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[edit] Beliefs and Approach
International Action believes the gap between the rich and poor in Hong Kong is 'obscene' and 'unacceptable'. The group works to raise awareness of issues which affect the poor locally such as the lack of minimum wage, flat-rate tax system and worker’s rights.
As many of their protests are high-profile and take place in prominent areas of the city, their actions have sometimes led to legal action - namely, 'public nuisance' cases. In March 2006, a leading member Matt Pearce was sentenced to 3 weeks in prison following a stunt in a Spider-Man costume.
Their occasionally controversial stunts are often timed to coincide with important local and international events, and regularly gain coverage across the media in Hong Kong. Some of the group's bigger stunts sometimes gain international media interest.
[edit] Past Action
- On April 30, 2006, the group deflated a large McDonalds advertisement located on top of North Point Ferry Pier. The group was calling for better worker's rights and a minimum wage for Labour Day, the following day. A member also described the inflatable bill-board as an 'eyesore' on the harbour.
- On January 23, 2006, the group supported teachers' unions demanding less pressure in Hong Kong schools. The group wore nooses around their necks to symbolise the increasing number of teacher stress-related suicides in the territory.
- On December 21, 2005, Matt Pearce, dressed as Santa Claus, climbed onto a structure across Connaught Road, Central, while the Legislative Council voted on constitutional development. He was subsequently charged with causing a public nuisance, this case is yet to go to court.
- On December 4, 2005, group members, in costume, joined the democracy march to oppose the government's 5th report on Constitutional Development.
- On July 6, 2005, members dressed in tribal African clothing and unfurled a banner demanding more to be done at the G8 meeting to tackle poverty in Africa.
- On July 1, 2005, the group dressed as cartoon characters 'The Incredibles' and joined the territory-wide pro-democracy demonstration.
- On June 3, 2005, Matt Pearce climbed to the top of large outdoor TV screen in Central and unfurled a banner that said "Justice must prevail for Tiananmen victims". For this protest, he was convicted of causing a public nuisance and given a 21 day prison sentence. He is appealing the sentence.
- On May 17, 2005, on the first International Day Against Homophobia, the group dressed up to support the gay and lesbian community and demand that gay marriage is made legal.
- On May 1, 2005, Labour Day in Hong Kong, the group staged a protest dressed as Supermen in a branch of local supermarket 'Park n Shop'. The group handed out $50 notes to staff, suggesting that the amount would be an appropriate minimum wage for Hong Kong workers.
- On April 13, 2005, group members dressed in white and demonstrated against a recent triad attack in Mongkok against an innocent, young, foreign man.
- On April 1, 2005, April Fool's Day, the group dressed as clowns, suggesting that the upcoming election for Chief Executive was a joke and Hong Kong people wanted full democracy.
- On March 14, 2005 on the eve of the 2005 Budget, Pearce dressed as Robin Hood and handcuffed himself to a door at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The group wanted more to be done to help the poor in Hong Kong.
- On March 8, 2005, International Women's Day, the group dressed as prostitutes calling for more rights and protection for sex workers in Wan Chai.
- On February 27, 2005, during the Standard Chartered Marathon, heterosexual group members 'ran for gay marriage', calling for Hong Kong to allow gay couples to marry.
- On January 13, 2005, group members dressed as Che Guevara as a democracy protest at the Chief Executive's Annual Policy Address.
- On January 8, 2005, Pearce paid for a suicidal citizen to receive dental care. The man, who was in constant pain, had tried to take his own life as he could not afford medical treatment. The event sparked debate on the issue and lead to changes being implemented to help those on welfare with dental problems.
- On December 12, 2004, Pearce ran onto the Sha Tin Racecourse before the start of a race wearing a horse costume to protest for democracy. Pearce - who was seen by millions of viewers - was convicted of disorderly conduct and causing a public nuisance. He was given a suspended one month prison sentence on each charge.
- On December 12, 2004, at the Omega Hong Kong Golf Open, the group called for golf clubs to end 'discrimination' against poor people, and reduce their fees to allow people from all backgrounds to enjoy playing the game.
- On December 5, 2004, a protester dressed in a full-body condom to raise awareness of World AIDS Day and call for better sex education in the territory.
[edit] Coverage
Interviews with the group have been featured in HK Magazine and Maxim Magazine. Their past actions have been reported by the majority of Hong Kong's press and TV channels as well as the BBC, Reuters and AP.
