Although the budget of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been slashed to the bone, the NHRC still possesses its greatest asset— a team of professional and passionate staff.
We won't be able to attend international conferences this year exhibiting and presenting the outcome of our human rights report, but that doesn’t mean we will retreat from the international stage. The Taiwan NHRC will continue to interact with international organizations, human rights institutions in various countries, and NGOs through video conferences and other means, so that the world knows that Taiwan's human rights momentum has not diminished and that our human rights progress continues.
With the elimination of domestic transportation expenses, we may temporarily be unable to conduct investigations in other counties, remote areas, or offshore islands, and we may not be able to promote human rights or hold various human rights exhibitions. However, we can still collaborate with schools and interested parties, and make our voices heard through websites. The NHRC also welcomes visits from domestic agencies, civil society organizations, international organizations, national human rights institutions from various countries, and NGOs. We are willing to listen and explore more human rights cooperation opportunities.
While we cannot pay consultation fees or fees for experts and scholars to attend, we can still consult with experts in various fields via phone and email. If any experts, scholars, or representatives of civil societies, academic institutions or other organizations are willing to provide valuable consultations without funding, we warmly invite you to come to the NHRC to exchange ideas. At least, we can still afford a cup of coffee.
During difficult financial times, we will-
- consolidate our resources and rethink how to advance our medium-term strategies.
- strengthen our capabilities and enhance human rights knowledge.
- conduct more detailed research on domestic regulations and provide human rights recommendations.
We will work together and not allow political obstacles to hinder our pursuit of human rights.
The NHRC will make every effort to uphold and promote Taiwan’s human rights, based on the Paris Principles. This is the NHRC’s responsibility and commitment to human rights.