Talking points: what one other demand could the government concede to, to put an end to the protests?

Rain Tan Luotong, 14, Hong Kong & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School

The commission of independent inquiry into allegations of police brutality. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor keeps calling for peaceful conversation, but the police are acting in quite the opposite manner. Mainly because of this, the police have become a source of hatred for many Hongkongers. Though, even if they carry out a full investigation into police conduct, I don’t think the protests will end until all five demands are conceded. I think investigating the alleged police brutality is a good next step, and should calm the protesters down a bit.

Nester Chik, 17, Sing Yin Secondary School

Hong Kong protests: What are the 'five demands'? What do protesters want?

If the government were still to go forward with the extradition bill, the mainland would be able to ask for anyone to be handed over to them. Beijing has already imprisoned people before that have criticised their government. I think both governments should just release political prisoners and free those that were wrongfully put in jail.

Jessica Lau Pui-ching, 14, Hong Kong & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School

Perhaps the government could further pacify the frustrated protesters by carrying out a thorough investigation into the use of force by the police. Many citizens have been seriously injured, particularly in MTR stations, in attempts by police to disperse crowds and maintain order. The fact that MTR passengers who may not have been involved in the protests at all have been have been affected makes you question if the police have gone a bit overboard at times. I think that if it was proven and acknowledged that some police have been abusing their power, this could minimise the number of demonstrations down the road.

Jacqueline Guico, 19, City University of Hong Kong

Face off: Should students take part in social movements?

I think it would be great if the government can promise the people of Hong Kong to keep our city semi-independent for 50 more years after 2047. That way Hong Kong could maintain its unique identity a little longer. I think this would be better than getting any of the other demands.

Grace He Huiyi, 14, Hong Kong & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School

Instead of conceding another demand, the government can offer to improve the housing situation in Hong Kong. It’s very expensive to buy a place to live in the city. I think we should utilise unused land for more housing. They could also crack down on cage homes, and make sure everyone has a comfortable place to live. Though it is unrelated to the current protests, I think this would make Hongkongers more satisfied in general.

Amber Yang Lihuan, 14, Hong Kong & Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School

Talking Points: what worries you the most about the school year?

I think the government needs to address all five key demands issued by the protesters. Hong Kong people are looking for real changes to the status quo, and simply addressing one of the demands is unlikely to do anything to quell the protests.

Joshua Lee, 21, Hong Kong University

In our next Talking Points, we’ll discuss:

We are now accepting your answers for this topic. To take part, email your answer with your name, age, and school, along with a nice, clear selfie (make sure it’s not blurry), to [email protected] by lunchtime on Monday. Don’t forget to include “Talking Points” in the subject line.