An Executive Yuan committee on Indigenous Peoples Basic Law will take over tasks from the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee to continue enhancing construction projects, advocating language and culture, as well as protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples, the PO said July 31.
Launched in 2016, the PO committee helped the government restore historical truth until its termination in May, the PO said. It made great strides in areas including implementing land justice, promoting Indigenous languages to become national languages, formulating health care policies, incorporating a diverse historical perspective into school education and facilitating amendments to the Mining Act, the office added.
President Lai Ching-te has now instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai to take over policy based on mainstreaming Indigenous groups, the PO said. Lai expressed hope that Indigenous peoples in Taiwan can live equally and freely, helping society move towards the goals of reconciliation and common prosperity, the PO added.
According to the Council of Indigenous Peoples, the EY committee’s missions include planning, review, coordination and promotion of Indigenous issues on economic construction, employment, ethnic autonomy and education, health and welfare, land, language and culture, among other items. The committee comprises the premier as the convener, appointed ministers, academics and 23 Indigenous tribes’ representatives, the council said, adding that the committee will convene meetings every four months. (YCH-E)
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