The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held a press conference today (February 25) to officially launch its Systemic Inquiry into Public Property Management and Forced Evictions under the Right to Adequate Housing and publicly invite individuals connected to relevant cases to participate in interviews. The NHRC explained that the inquiry will initially focus on forced eviction issues arising from the management of public property. By encouraging the public sector to take the lead, the Commission hopes to gradually establish institutional frameworks and procedures that are consistent with international human rights standards and that can serve as a foundation for addressing forced eviction issues arising from other forms of land development in the future. The inquiry also seeks to gather diverse perspectives and experiences beyond those already documented in academic literature and publicly available materials, thereby providing a broader basis for institutional review.
In her opening remarks, Vice Chairperson Chi Hui-jung stated that the project marks not only the beginning of a new phase of systemic inquiry work but also another important step in advancing human rights protection through institutional reform. She noted that the NHRC had previously completed its Systemic Inquiry into Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth in Schools and Residential Care Institutions. Through cross-agency reviews, interviews, and institutional analysis, that inquiry generated concrete recommendations and contributed to subsequent improvements by relevant authorities, providing valuable experience in conducting systemic investigations. Vice Chairperson Chi emphasized that human rights protection cannot stop at addressing individual cases; it must also involve systematic examination and reform of underlying institutions. She added that this is the NHRC's second systemic inquiry project since its establishment and expressed hope that lessons learned from the previous inquiry would help government agencies identify and address shortcomings in Taiwan's current framework for protecting housing rights.
Commissioner Tien Chiu-chin explained that the inquiry responds to international reviewers' calls for Taiwan to identify and investigate risks associated with systemic forced evictions. Through a systemic inquiry approach, the NHRC aims to examine whether the institutional and procedural issues reflected in individual cases meet human rights standards and requirements. She emphasized that the inquiry focuses on the protection of housing rights, including the impact of displacement on residents' daily lives and the right to be free from arbitrary eviction. Commissioner Tien further noted that frontline public officials often address disputes while balancing the requirements of lawful administration and pressures to maximize the use of public assets. As a result, such issues are frequently approached primarily from a property management perspective. The inquiry seeks to explore institutional models that can better balance public property management with human rights protection and, where necessary, consider legal reforms. Responding to media questions, Commissioner Tien stated that individuals involved at different stages of the relevant cases may be invited to participate if necessary. However, the primary objective remains to clarify institutional contexts and formulate recommendations for improvement rather than assign personal responsibility or engage in political disputes. She also encouraged anyone connected to the featured cases who wishes to share their experiences to contact the NHRC.
Commissioner Kao Yung-cheng observed that, in practice, administrative agencies often rely on civil litigation—such as actions seeking demolition and return of land or recovery of unjust enrichment—to resolve disputes involving public land. This approach may weaken the State's obligations under public law to protect human rights and comply with procedural safeguards, particularly requirements relating to genuine consultation and appropriate resettlement. In such cases, the State occupies the dual role of landowner and guarantor of human rights. To better understand existing institutional gaps, the inquiry will conduct in-depth examinations of seven cases: Huaguang Community, Wolong Street in Taipei, Daguan Community in Banqiao, Toad Mountain Settlement, Liugong Canal in Xindian, the Liu family case in Longpu Borough, Sanxia, and Lo-Sheng Sanatorium. These cases will be analyzed within three broad categories: evictions from state-owned land, conflicts involving the preservation of cultural settlements, and forced evictions arising from public infrastructure projects. The findings will serve as a basis for future policy recommendations. In response to media inquiries, Commissioner Kao noted that there are no predetermined requirements regarding the rank or position of government officials to be interviewed. The inquiry team will seek interviews based on research needs. He reiterated that the inquiry is not intended to assign responsibility but rather to identify and improve institutional shortcomings.
Regarding the implementation of the project, Associate Professor Ho Yen-sheng, co-principal investigator of the commissioned research team, explained that the inquiry will employ a range of research methods and place particular emphasis on participant protection and research ethics. He stressed that all interviews will adhere to the principle of “do no harm” and that every effort will be made to avoid causing secondary trauma to participants.
The NHRC welcomes individuals connected to the above-mentioned cases to register for interviews. Further information is available on the Commission's official website. The NHRC also noted that additional public hearings and periodic progress briefings will be held as the inquiry proceeds, with the goal of fostering policy dialogue and advancing institutional reform.