CCPR/C/CHN-HKG/CO/3 monitor and review the activities of the CAPO and that the members of IPCC are appointed by the Chief Executive (arts. 2 and 7). Hong Kong, China, should take necessary measures to establish a fully independent mechanism mandated to conduct independent, proper and effective investigation into complaints about the inappropriate use of force or other abuse of power by the police and empowered to formulate binding decisions in respect of investigations conducted and findings regarding such complaints. 13. The Committee is concerned about reports that Hong Kong, China, has seen deterioration in media and academic freedom, including arrests, assaults and harassment of journalists and academics (arts. 19 and 25). Hong Kong, China, should, in line with the Committee’s general comment No. 34 (2011) on freedoms of opinion and expression, take vigorous measures to repeal any unreasonable direct or indirect restrictions on freedom of expression, in particular for the media and academia, to take effective steps including investigation of attacks on journalists and to implement the right of access to information by public bodies. 14. The Committee notes Hong Kong, China’s intention to deal with the offences of treason and sedition in the context of the new legislation implementing article 23 of the Basic Law. However, it remains concerned at the broad wording of the definition of the offences of treason and sedition currently in Hong Kong, China’s Crimes Ordinance (arts. 19, 21 and 22). Hong Kong, China, should amend its legislation regarding the offences of treason and sedition to bring it into full conformity with the Covenant and ensure that the foreseen new legislation under article 23 of the Basic Law is fully consistent with the provisions of the Covenant. 15. The Committee notes the information provided by Hong Kong, China, that the Director of Immigration may exercise her or his discretion on a case-by-case basis to grant permission to the applicants to enter Hong Kong from the Mainland China, as dependants if there are exceptional humanitarian or compassionate considerations. However, the Committee is concerned that many families, reportedly nearly a hundred thousand families composed of parents and their children, remain separated between Mainland China, and Hong Kong, as a result of the right of abode policies (arts. 23 and 24). The Committee reiterates its previous recommendations (CCPR/C/HKG/CO/2, para. 15) that Hong Kong, China, review its policies and practices regarding the right of abode in accordance with its obligations with regard to the right of families and children to protection under articles 23 and 24 of the Covenant. 16. The Committee notes the efforts made to prevent corporal punishment by parents. However, it is concerned about the continual practice of corporal punishment in the home (art.7). Hong Kong, China, should take practical steps to put an end to corporal punishment in all settings. It should encourage non-violent forms of discipline as alternatives to corporal punishment, and should conduct public information campaigns to raise awareness about its harmful effects. Hong Kong, China, should take steps to initiate a full public discussion on corporal punishment by parents on children. 17. While noting that Falun Gong in Hong Kong is a legally registered organization, the Committee regrets restrictions on Falun Gong practitioners in Hong Kong, in particular in relation to the right of movement (arts. 12, 18 and 19). Hong Kong, China, should ensure that its policies and practices relating to the Falun Gong practitioners conform fully to the requirements of the Covenant. 4