The Secretary for Justice on Sunday said the social unrest in 2019 showed a lack of awareness to abide by the law and a lack of understanding about the legal system, calling it a "harsh lesson" to learn.

Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Paul Lam said people being tried and punished for breaking the law in 2019 highlighted the importance of promoting the rule of law.

"We are not trying to brainwash people, and paper over the cracks, and tell fake stories. We are trying to explain how legal provisions are applied in actual circumstances to people in ways easy to understand," he said.

Lam said the Basic Law and the National Security Law safeguard human rights and freedoms, adding he is confident that most people would be reassured after learning more about the legislation.

The minister said the administration is hosting the Legal Week event from Monday to promote the rule of law, and underline the city's status as an international legal hub.

He said some 20 guests coming to Hong Kong, including senior officials from Southeast Asian countries and international legal organisation representatives, will be exempt from anti-epidemic rules so that they could attend luncheon forums and dinners.

Lam also said that authorities are working full steam ahead to prepare for the legislation of Article 23 – but added that there was no 'deadline' for the task.

He said he wanted to ensure the law could tackle risks facing the SAR now and in the foreseeable future.