Advancing human rights and transitional justice in Taiwan through historical research is the best way of healing rifts and creating a more free, fair and prosperous society, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Dec. 7.
As a beacon of freedom and democracy in Asia, Taiwan cherishes human rights, Chen said. The country has overcome tremendous hardship in its transition to a vibrant democracy, and the result could never have been achieved without sacrifices along the way, he added.
Chen made the remarks during a ceremony at Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park under the National Human Rights Museum in New Taipei City. The event marks upcoming World Human Rights Day and the 40th anniversary of the Kaohsiung Incident.
The incident occurred Dec. 10, 1979, when Formosa Magazine staffers were arrested and jailed for a demonstration. It also resulted in the persecution of a great number of political dissidents, and led to the formation of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party seven years later.
According to Chen, Taiwan must look squarely at this chapter of history and engage in sincere reflection. The government is committed to uncovering historical truths, restoring trust, strengthening relevant education and delivering justice so as to further safeguard human rights for the country’s 23 million people, he said.
Echoing Chen’s remarks, Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun said NHRM will continue raising public awareness of the incident via an array of arts- and literature-based cultural and educational measures.
One example is a related exhibition running through Sept. 30, 2020, at NHRM, Cheng said, adding that it features historical documents and photos, as well as adopts augmented-reality technology to recreate key aspects of the incident trial.
NHRM, overseen by the MOC, is the country’s primary facility for collecting and preserving relevant historical materials from the end of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule Aug. 15, 1945, to the lifting of martial law five years after Taiwan proper in outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands Nov. 7, 1992.
In addition to Jing-Mei, NHRM also manages Green Island White Terror Memorial Park in Taitung County, southeastern Taiwan. (YCH-E)
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