Today (10th), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Chen Chu delivered opening remarks at the awards ceremony for the 2023 Color Our Rights Poster Design Competition. She thanked all the participants for their enthusiastic commitment to advancing human rights and highlighted that as Taiwan's democracy has progressed, the significance of human rights remains paramount. Chen conveyed her aspiration for the principles of human rights to flourish and allow for the fostering of a society devoid of fear for generations to come.
Chairperson Chen Chu remarked with emotion, recalling that on this day in 1979, Kaohsiung was preparing torches, banners, and slogans to demand human rights from those in power. It was to commemorate Human Rights Day, but it resulted in a confrontation between the authorities and the people. She expressed deep appreciation for the countless Taiwanese individuals who courageously stood against martial law from 1949 to 1987, recognizing their sacrifices as instrumental in Taiwan's journey toward democracy, which now stands as one of the leading examples in Asia.
Chen highlighted that even 75 years after its adoption, the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) continues to serve as an essential framework for tackling new human rights issues, reinforcing its fundamental importance in promoting global peace.
In discussing the poster design competition, Chen highlighted that the importance extends beyond mere artistic judgment. The real value lies in weaving human rights into the fabric of art, utilizing creative expressions to spotlight the issue and provide fresh perspectives on the UDHR—an ambitious task indeed.
She felt a deep sense of inspiration from the growing involvement of young creators tackling both local and global human rights challenges. She assured everyone that under her leadership, the competition would be an annual event.
This year, the jury meticulously evaluated 915 submissions and ultimately selected 36 outstanding works. Awards were presented to winners across both student and public categories, featuring gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mentions, along with a popular online vote. The grand prize was an impressive NT$200,000.
The Gold Award in the public category was awarded to Shih Ying-ting for his impactful poster titled "Speak out! MeToo Warriors!" This work highlighted the #MeToo movement and urged victims to find their voice. During his acceptance speech, Shih expressed his gratitude to the NHRC, the judges, and Chairperson Chen Chu, recognizing the contributions of Taiwan's democratic trailblazers.
Xu Wen-ting, a visual communication design student from Shu-Te University, clinched the Gold award in the student category for her impactful poster titled "Cyberbullying Hurts." This powerful piece sheds light on how seemingly harmless online remarks can escalate into serious acts of violence. Xu took a moment to thank the judges and her mentor for their invaluable support and guidance throughout her journey.
Additionally, the online campaign "Human Rights Need You" also recognized two popularity winners, each awarded NT$20,000. Among the student participants, Hsu Kau-lai, a student from National Sun Yat-sen University hailing from Hong Kong, triumphed with her thought-provoking poster titled "The Death Penalty Trolley Problem," which seeks to shed light on the issue of capital punishment. Hsu highlighted the significance of not only appreciating her stable life in Taiwan but also advocating for human rights on a global scale.
Chen Pin-yu received an award in the public category with "Let’s Be a Family, Not Clothes Hangers," a poignant piece advocating for the cessation of domestic violence and the mending of parent-child relationships. Chen expressed gratitude to the competition for offering a platform that fosters human rights awareness through creative expression.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, Chen revealed that Taipei 101 will illuminate at 6:30 PM to join in worldwide festivities.
Dignitaries attending the ceremony included NHRC commissioners Wang Yu-ling, Tien Chiu-chin, Pu Chung-cheng, Yeh Ta-Hua, and Chi Hui-jung; Control Yuan member Fan Sun-lu; Secretary-General of the Control Yuan Lee Chun-yi; and jury members Prof. Huang Mo, Prof. Civi Cheng Szu-We, Design Director Huang Hsien-hsun, and French human rights Consultant Jérémie BEJA.