President Tsai Ing-wen pledged Feb. 28 to uphold the values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, spotlighting the government’s commitment to truth and reconciliation in the pursuit of transitional justice.
Transitional justice requires concerted efforts by the government and civil society, Tsai said, citing an overarching report set to be released in May by the Transitional Justice Commission as one such example. The document will reveal the inner workings of the authoritarian-era system of persecution that resulted in human rights violations and put forward suggestions for Taiwan to deepen democracy, she added.
Tsai made the remarks during an event marking the 75th anniversary of the February 28 Incident held in Keelung City, northern Taiwan. She took the opportunity to offer her condolences on behalf of the government to victims and their surviving family members.
The incident occurred in 1947 following calls for reforms from the government. When these demands went unmet, protests broke out around Taiwan, prompting the arrival of military reinforcements from China and resulting in many civilian deaths during the ensuing crackdown.
According to Tsai, a board convened by Premier Su Tseng-chang under the Executive Yuan will also be set up to promote transitional justice. The board, together with the government’s newly established department for human rights and transitional justice, will lead ministries and agencies in incorporating relevant concepts into administrative practices, she said.
The democratic way of life in Taiwan should never be taken for granted, Tsai said, adding that the public and private sectors will continue working together to advance transitional justice while safeguarding the country’s hard-earned freedom, democracy and respect for human rights.
Promoting transitional justice and safeguarding human rights were key planks in Tsai’s campaign platform. Since taking office in May 2016, the president and her administration have implemented a raft of measures to redress past injustices.
These include clearing victims of charges, restoring their rights and offering compensation, as well as declassifying records from that period and passing legislation to bring the country’s related laws in line with the U.N. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. (YCH-E)
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