The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today (May 15) welcomed members of the International Review Committee for the Fourth National Report on the ICCPR and ICESCR for an exchange of views on key issues, including “Human Rights Resilience and Challenges in a Changing International Landscape” and “Balancing Freedom of Expression and National Security.”
Commenting on the Concluding Observations and Recommendations issued this afternoon following the review of Taiwan’s Fourth National Report on the ICCPR and ICESCR, Vice Chairperson Chi Hui-jung expressed appreciation to the International Review Committee for recognizing the risks and challenges facing human rights in Taiwan. She noted that despite the presence of some critical voices domestically, the NHRC remains committed to ensuring that universal human rights values are fully realized in Taiwan. Drawing on their extensive international experience and expertise, the international reviewers assisted Taiwan in examining both the progress and shortcomings of its human rights framework. Vice Chairperson Chi noted that the review covered a broad range of issues, including the prohibition of torture, forced evictions, labor rights, gender equality, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, climate change, and challenges arising from digital technologies. These topics reflect the common human rights issues confronting democratic societies around the world today. Chi further stated that since its establishment, the NHRC has continued to play a vital role in monitoring and promoting human rights in Taiwan while serving as an important bridge to international human rights standards. Looking ahead, the NHRC will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international human rights experts to advance the ongoing development and improvement of Taiwan’s human rights system.
Manfred Nowak, Chair of the ICCPR Review Panel, commended Taiwan’s establishment of the NHRC in 2020 as a significant milestone in strengthening its human rights protection framework. He also expressed appreciation for the NHRC’s submission of an independent assessment report, which enabled the review committee to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Taiwan’s human rights situation. At a time when democratic backsliding is occurring in many parts of the world, Nowak called on Taiwan to demonstrate an even stronger commitment to human rights and democratic values, ensuring that human rights protections are not undermined by political instability and continuing to deepen the hard-earned foundations of democracy and human rights.
Heisoo Shin, Chair of the ICESCR Review Panel, observed that Taiwan’s NHRC is currently navigating a challenging path. She noted that the National Human Rights Commission of Korea had also experienced periods in which its independence was challenged, but through sustained efforts and by earning the trust of civil society, it gradually established itself as an independent institution. She emphasized that the foundation of any national human rights institution lies in gaining the respect and trust of the public. Human rights progress is never achieved overnight; without continued effort, hard-won gains can easily be reversed. She also encouraged Taiwan to overcome its current challenges and continue its efforts to protect and promote human rights.
Commissioner Kao Yung-cheng noted that Taiwan faces a unique reality, including persistent military threats and political influence operations from across the Taiwan Strait. The NHRC will draw upon the valuable recommendations of the international reviewers and transform them into an important foundation for future engagement with government agencies. Commissioner Upay Radiw Kanasaw highlighted Taiwan’s historical roots as the birthplace of the Austronesian language family and reaffirmed the NHRC’s strong commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ rights. He noted that following the enactment of the Indigenous Peoples Health Act and the Indigenous Languages Development Act, the next major challenge will be addressing land-related issues. He expressed hope that all communities will be able to live and thrive together in prosperity and mutual respect.
During the exchange, several international reviewers shared practical challenges encountered by national human rights institutions in their respective countries, reminding Taiwan that it is not alone in confronting such difficulties. They emphasized that the development of national human rights institutions depends on leadership grounded in human rights values. Such institutions should actively strengthen partnerships with civil society, engage closely with legislatures to build consensus on human rights issues, and continue safeguarding the rights of people in vulnerable situations. The international reviewers also expressed their hope that the NHRC will overcome current challenges in exercising its mandate, continue promoting meaningful change through systematic visits and international engagement, and remain steadfast in upholding human rights values amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Also attending the event were NHRC Commissioners Wang Yu-ling, Wang Jung-chang, Tien Chiu-chin , and Yeh Ta-hua , as well as Consultant Huang Mo. Cheng Tsun-i, Vice President of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and Peng Shih-hung, Director of the Foundation, also participated in the event, joining discussions on key human rights issues and Taiwan’s future human rights development.