This afternoon (May 1st), Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chen Chu, met with Filip Grzegorzewski, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, for an in-depth exchange on human rights topics, including the abolition of the death penalty, migrant workers' rights, and human rights education.
Chairperson Chen highlighted that Taiwan held public hearings regarding the constitutionality of the death penalty just last month (April 23rd). The NHRC was invited as an expert agency, represented by Commissioner Kao Yung-cheng, who presented his expert opinion based on international human rights conventions and reaffirmed the NHRC’s stance on abolishing the death penalty. In line with its mid-term strategic plan, the NHRC has established a task force to advocate for the gradual abolition of capital punishment, drawing on the experiences of European countries to engage in societal dialogue and strengthen systems that provide care and support for victims.
Chairperson Chen recognized that the debate over the death penalty is a deeply divisive issue in Taiwan. Surveys report a striking 80% of the population is in favor of it, while both legislative bodies and public discussions significantly influence the movement to abolish it. She stressed the importance of engaging in more rational conversations surrounding this matter. The NHRC plans to keep working alongside NGOs and academic institutions to foster social dialogue, address the trauma inflicted by crime, and ensure justice for victims.
Grzegorzewski highlighted that human rights are at the core of the EU’s identity and are essential to its strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. He pointed out that Taiwan is a vital ally for the EU and expressed optimism about the ongoing deepening of discussions on human rights between the two parties.
Grzegorzewski also mentioned that the EU is eager to assist Taiwan in its gradual move towards abolishing the death penalty, offering its own experiences as a valuable reference.
Chen conveyed her hopeful outlook on the potential for continued partnership between the NHRC and the EU in promoting human rights. She aspires for the advocates of abolishing the death penalty to receive greater recognition within Taiwanese society and be able to generate a broader dialogue on the topic. Additionally, she eagerly anticipates future opportunities to travel to Europe, where she can showcase Taiwan’s advancements in human rights and play a role in the global movement for human rights.
Vice Chairperson Tsai Chung-yi, along with Commissioners Kao Yung-cheng and Wang Yu-ling, accompanied the meeting.