International Action was a small, non-violent, political group in Hong Kong campaigning for a range of issues such as non-violence, social justice, human rights and democracy. It has been officially dissolved and is no longer listed on the Societies Office website. The group was founded in 2004 and was made up of expatriate permanent residents and locals. Their website claimed that they represented the new breed of foreigners who reside in Hong Kong without the expatriate perks. International Action was not a closed group and welcomed anyone who wished to join. The group used mixed campaign strategies of forging support and attention both in public and private spaces.
Beliefs and approach
The group's website stated that it believed the democratic movement in Hong Kong needed to change its strategy to be more effective in the fight for real power for the people. It stated that the democratic camp should consider using tactics that are right for the cultural, social and political situation of Hong Kong in 2008.
Past action
On April 30, 2006, the group deflated a large McDonald's 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 and given 100 hours of community service.
On December 4, 2005, group members, in costume, joined the democracy march to oppose the government's 5th report on Constitutional Development.
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 "Tiananmen Square 4.6.1989 : Justice Must Prevail". For this protest, he was convicted of causing a public nuisance and given a 21-day prison sentence.
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 March 14, 2005 on the eve of the 2005 Budget, a member dressed as Robin Hood and handcuffed himself to the front door of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The group wanted more to be done to help the poor in Hong Kong.
