Harry Ho-jen Tseng
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 4, 2021
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Welcome to the Global Cooperation and Training Framework virtual conference on the Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Since Taiwan and the United States established the GCTF in 2015, we have held 41 training events focused on important issues of global concern. More and more partners have joined the GCTF, like Japan in 2019 and Australia, which last week became a full partner. I am particularly honored to welcome Israel, which is cohosting an event for the first time.
Today, two experts from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are joining us. I am sure Vice Chair Mi-yeon Kim and Ms. Odelia Fitoussi will provide valuable insights.
For Taiwan, I want to thank the Eden Social Welfare Foundation for organizing the event. I also welcome the representatives from our National Human Rights Commission as well as our scholars and experts. They will share Taiwan’s experience with advancing protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Earlier this year, the GCTF hosted two other events focusing on human rights. One was on labor rights; the other on women’s empowerment. Today, we will discuss how we ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. By holding events like these, the GCTF continues to further the discussion on human rights issues of global concern.
Even though Taiwan constantly faces challenges when it comes to participating in the United Nations, we still uphold human rights and work to meet international standards. We have made the content of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights part of our domestic law. We have done the same for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In the same way, we have worked to protect the rights of those with disabilities. Since 1970, we have continued to update our People with Disabilities Rights Protection Act. In 2014, we adopted the Enforcement Act of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have voluntarily undergone international reviews and released two state party reports. On top of this, we have amended 423 domestic regulations to create a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
Creating inclusive communities is a common global goal. Here, I would like to invite more partners to join us. I am certain that, via the GCTF, our combined wisdom and experience will help us further protect the rights of people with disabilities.
In closing, I wish this event great success and fruitful discussions. Thank you!