On February 29th, 2024, a delegation from the Thammasat University in Thailand, led by Assistant Professor Lalin Kovudhikulrungsri of the Faculty of Law, visited the National Human Rights Commission of Taiwan (NHRC) for a productive exchange on human rights matters. The delegation, which included 18 graduate students specializing in international law, was warmly welcomed by NHRC Vice Chairperson Tsai Chung-yi.
The discussions centered on Taiwan’s approach to addressing critical human rights issues, including human trafficking, torture prevention, and compliance with key international conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
During the meeting, Vice Chairperson Tsai outlined the NHRC’s mission: to uphold international human rights standards and promote human rights in Taiwan. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with both government agencies and civil society organizations, as well as stressed the value of learning from the experiences of other countries. Despite not being a signatory to any international human rights conventions, Taiwan fulfills its international obligations through domestic legislation, and frequently invites international experts to assess its advancements.
Professor Kovudhikulrungsri expressed her gratitude for the NHRC’s insights, particularly Taiwan's efforts in incorporating the CRPD and CRC into its domestic law. She also praised Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to enact the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). She commended Taiwan as a model of democracy and human rights in Asia, noting that its achievements have profound implications for the advancement of the rule of law and human rights in Thailand.
NHRC Commissioner Kao Yung-cheng highlighted Taiwan’s proactive approach to combatting human trafficking, citing the Human Trafficking Prevention Act and its protocols for victim identification and support. He also discussed Taiwan’s collaborations with labor-exporting countries such as Indonesia and expressed hope for future partnerships with Thailand to enhance labor rights protection.
Commissioner Wang Jung-chang spoke about the NHRC’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in placement institutions from excessive restraint, such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and children. He also noted Taiwan’s initiatives to boost employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Commissioner Wang highlighted the NHRC’s active role in addressing complaints and investigating human rights violations involving torture and discrimination.
Commissioner Tien Chiu-chin shared her insights into the NHRC’s work on children’s rights, including its collaborations with government agencies and civil society organizations. Key initiatives include the NHRC’s systematic investigations into sexual abuse in child placement institutions and schools, alongside the Commission’s independent opinion on Taiwan’s adherence to the CRC.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Vice Chairperson Tsai emphasized the importance of Thailand as a key partner for Taiwan in the Asia Pacific region. He expressed optimism about strengthening future collaboration and dialogue on human rights issues. Professor Kovudhikulrungsri echoed this sentiment, describing the visit as an enriching experience for the students.