The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) convened its first broad-based dialogue platform meeting yesterday (6th) at the NTU Alumni Center in a bid to strengthen interaction and forge strategic partnerships with civic groups. The meeting gathered representatives from 24 civil organizations advocating for a number of human rights causes, including those for persons with disabilities, migrant workers, labor rights, children and youth, new immigrants, Indigenous peoples, women, and gender equality. This initiative aims to establish a dialogue mechanism with civic groups.
In her opening address, NHRC Chairperson Chen Chu expressed her appreciation for the invaluable contributions of civil society since the Commission's establishment in 2020, highlighting their role in independent opinions on national reports and various human rights initiatives. To date, the NHRC has worked with 918 organizations through 225 events. The launch of this dialogue mechanism signifies a new chapter in the ongoing relationship between the NHRC and civil society organizations—especially those advocating for marginalized communities.
During the meeting, the NHRC shared an overview of its 2023-2026 Mid-Term Strategic Plan, which was unveiled on August 1st, 2023, and highlighted key achievements since its inception. Civil society representatives shared their insights on promoting human rights and provided feedback and recommendations. Participants commended the NHRC for its openness to civil society input and suggested that the strategic plan focus on specific issues while taking into account the interconnections of vulnerable groups.
It was also proposed that the NHRC partner with government bodies and civic groups to strengthen human rights training for public officials, senior citizens, and Indigenous populations. The meeting also covered a range of important issues, such as environmental rights, refugee rights, marriage migration, the rights of fishermen, Indigenous rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, women's rights, children's rights, caregivers' rights, and access to justice. The discussions were lively and constructive.
Chen highlighted that the dialogue mechanism will implement a flexible approach for members of civil society to participate in social issues, enabling the Commission to capture a wide array of perspectives. Moving forward, the NHRC continues to organize seminars, forums, and discussions on targeted topics, collaborating with civic groups that have specialized knowledge in these areas. She expressed her aspiration that the NHRC will act as a conduit between the government and the public, working collaboratively to protect human rights in Taiwan.