Controversial job advert with Hong Kong police appears on Sheffield University website

A job posting for a police inspector with Hong Kong’s Police Force has caused controversy after it was listed on Sheffield University’s careers website.
By Steve Jones
Published 12th Jun 2020, 17:40 BST
Updated 12th Jun 2020, 17:40 BST
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The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has been accused of using “reckless and indiscriminate tactics” during protests in the city by human rights organisation Amnesty International. Peaceful demonstrators have also been exposed to tear gas, and a new national security law likely to be approved this month is seen by critics as a crackdown on civil liberties enjoyed in the semi-autonomous region, such as free speech and protest.

No fewer than 280 people – including Sheffield University academics, alumni, staff and students - signed a petition calling on the university to remove the job advert.

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The petition read: “In a time of global awakening from police brutality under institutional oppression, more than ever do we need our university to stand with us, for the future is young and solidarity is gold.”

Protestors demonstrating against the Hong Kong Police Force in Sheffield (photo taken prior to social distancing measures).Protestors demonstrating against the Hong Kong Police Force in Sheffield (photo taken prior to social distancing measures).
Protestors demonstrating against the Hong Kong Police Force in Sheffield (photo taken prior to social distancing measures).

Sheffield councillor Ben Miskell also wrote to Sheffield University’s vice chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts, highlighting an Amnesty report which accused the HKPF of ‘widespread human rights violations’ during the ongoing pro-democracy protests.

He said: “It is important to note that many of those who signed the petition have had to do so in secret, as they fear what could happen to them back home, if the Beijing-backed government passes further draconian measures to curtail democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.”

Cllr Miskell asked the University to ‘urgently remove’ the job listing and review their terms and conditions for engagement with employers, which do not currently reference human rights abuses.

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A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield would not say why the job was allowed to be advertised, or if they would review their terms for engagement.

They told The Star: "These graduate jobs have been advertised at a number of universities and other organisations. In-line with the end of our university term, we intend to close this job advert today (12 June).

“We don't intend to re-advertise this job posting in our next academic year."

Related topics:Hong KongSheffield