December 10th is International Human Rights Day. President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, attended the “19th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award Ceremony” and emphasized the continuous strengthening of Taiwan’s defense capabilities for democracy. He recently attended the “2024 International Human Rights Day” ceremony and stated that the government will steadfastly protect Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, rule of law, and human rights.
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy held the “19th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award Ceremony.” Lai Ching-te attended today (December 10th) and personally presented awards to commend the efforts of the Odhikar Foundation in Bangladesh to promote human rights and political rights of Bangladeshi citizens as they bravely advance on the path of democracy and human rights.
Lai Ching-te mentioned that Taiwan is now a thriving democratic society and the frontline defender of democracy. In recent years, disinformation and cognitive warfare have become common challenges for every democratic country. Taiwan has been expanding its cooperation with partner countries through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) to exchange experiences and strategies in countering disinformation. For example, in September this year, the GCTF overseas workshop was held for the first time in Lithuania to discuss how to address the manipulation and intervention of foreign information during elections.
Looking ahead, Lai Ching-te emphasized that the government will continue its efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities for democracy. Taiwan will deepen its partnerships with other countries to collectively enhance global democratic resilience. He also stressed that defending democracy requires the unity of every individual’s efforts. The Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award was established by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy in 2006. Today, Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Han Kuo-yu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung, Presidential Advisor Yao Eng-chi, as well as diplomats from various countries attended the event.
Previously, President Lai Ching-te attended the “2024 World Human Rights Day Ceremony” on the 7th of December, where officials including Minister of Culture Li Yuan, Deputy Minister Wang Shisi, Commission Member Tian Qiujin, and representatives of victims Chen Zhongtong, Zhou Hongqi, Wang Wenhong, and Chen Xianzong were also present.
During his speech, Lai Ching-te mentioned that he had just concluded visits to friendly nations such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. Taiwan shares a South Islander culture with these three friendly nations, and despite facing threats of authoritarianism, these nations have maintained their commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude to the victims and their families who have bravely sacrificed for Taiwan’s ideals of democracy, freedom, and human rights. He highlighted the importance of transitional justice in Taiwan and stated that facing the dark history of the past, revealing truths, correcting mistakes, providing justice to victims and their families, and learning from past experiences are crucial steps to prevent history from repeating itself.
Additionally, Lai Ching-te emphasized Taiwan’s continuous commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and democracy. He highlighted the significance of fostering dialogue among all sectors of society to rebuild trust and unity in Taiwan’s journey towards a brighter future.
Lai Ching-te stressed that while history’s mistakes can be forgiven, they must not be forgotten. Continuous exploration of truths, documentation of stories, and preservation of the cultural heritage of Taiwan are essential for promoting transitional justice education throughout the nation. Unity among the people in facing challenges is vital for Taiwan’s continued development and the main objective of achieving transitional justice.
Lastly, Lai Ching-te expressed his heartfelt respect and gratitude to all the witnesses of history, victims, and their families, urging the nation to stand together to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty, democracy, freedom, rule of law, and human rights, to create a just and sustainable Taiwan, and a democratic and peaceful Taiwan.