On Dec. 10, countries and territories around the world observed U.N. Human Rights Day. The date commemorates the U.N. General Assembly’s adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—the first global statement outlining the rights of men and women everywhere.
In Taiwan, the ROC government marked the day with various official events highlighting its commitment to the declaration as “the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” These included staging the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony and launching the Human Rights Consultative Committee.
The Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony, which was hosted by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, saw Rescue Foundation—a Mumbai-based nongovernmental organization—recognized for its efforts in assisting the victims of human trafficking. After presenting the award, ROC President Ma Ying-jeou spoke of the seriousness with which his administration promotes and protects human rights and basic freedoms in Taiwan.
Ma also used the opportunity to urge Beijing to free Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, showing that the government’s concern over this issue is not affected by nationality or territorial boundaries. Mainland China would do well to take note of Ma’s words of wisdom and permit its political dissidents greater leeway in society.
The launch of the Human Rights Consultative Committee similarly turned the spotlight on the government’s progressive policymaking. The body, which is under the Office of the President, will identify human rights infringements, advise how best to correct any problems and take all necessary steps to ensure the rights of Taiwan’s 23 million people remain protected.
Chaired by Vice President Vincent C. Siew, the committee comprises Vice Premier Sean Chen, Judicial Yuan Vice President Su Yeong-chin, Control Yuan Vice President Chen Jinn-lih and 14 private citizens. These members of the public are experts in human and international rights, as well as the rights of women, children, indigenous peoples and the disabled.
An equally important advance in Taiwan’s human rights was made by the government in May last year when it ratified two U.N. human rights covenants—the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This historic decision now serves as the driving force behind a campaign to amend domestic laws and regulations that run counter to the spirit of these pacts.
The ROC government’s praiseworthy initiatives are ensuring Taiwan’s human rights and tackling violations wherever they may occur. They also highlight its commitment to cooperating fully with civic organizations in building a more cohesive Taiwanese society infused with the spirit of equality, democracy, justice and liberty.
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