According to the Basic Law, Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of _________.

The Basic Law of Hong Kong, which serves as a constitutional document following the city's return to China in 1997, enshrines a variety of fundamental rights and freedoms for its residents. Among these is the right to freedom of conscience, which reflects the document’s broader commitment to the protection of individual liberties.

Freedom of conscience encompasses an individual's right to hold their own beliefs and values without interference, especially in terms of moral and ethical conviction. This is crucial in a society where diverse beliefs coexist, allowing individuals to navigate their identities and expressions freely. The emphasis on freedom of conscience aligns with international human rights standards, ensuring that Hong Kong residents can practice their beliefs, whether religious or non-religious, without state coercion.

While the other options like freedom of religion, speech, and movement are also significant rights recognized within the Basic Law and other human rights frameworks, they are often articulated separately in legal terms. For example, freedom of religion is addressed specifically within Article 32 of the Basic Law, while freedom of speech and freedom of movement are dealt with in other international covenants that the Hong Kong SAR is bound to respect. However, freedom of conscience serves as a foundational right that underpins these other freedoms, thus highlighting its importance.