International organizations and countries around the world are voicing concern over Hong Kong's adoption of new national security legislation.

Hong Kong's Legislative Council unanimously passed a national security bill on Tuesday. The new rules will prohibit acts that endanger national security, including theft of state secrets, espionage and external interference.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday that some provisions of the legislation are vague and could arbitrarily target people who voice dissenting views, as well as journalists and human rights defenders.

The office said the passage of "such important legislation" without taking enough time for thorough deliberation is "a regressive step for the protection of human rights in Hong Kong."

Britain's foreign ministry said the legislation will "entrench the culture of self-censorship" among people in Hong Kong and "enable the continuing erosion of freedoms of speech, of assembly, and of the media."

The ministry urged the Hong Kong authorities to respect basic human rights and freedoms.

The European Union said the legislation "could impact European Union citizens, organizations and companies in Hong Kong."

It also said the legislation "raises questions about Hong Kong's long-term attractiveness as an international business hub."