Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
October 18, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), it is an honor to speak at this meaningful event. The valuable insights and experiences you all bring to this forum and the ideas it will generate have the power to change the world.
In discussing ways to improve human rights and promote their development around the world, we should always keep two things in mind.
The first is that certain human rights are universal. As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every individual, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. This means that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
Human rights abusers refuse to accept that civil rights are equal to social rights. And they have pushed this false argument in the United Nations and other international organizations. Some have even argued that denouncing human rights abuses represents an unwarranted form of politicization. We must send a clear and united message that this is the wrong perspective.
The other thing to keep in mind is that in today’s challenging and complex world, democratic systems are the best way to uphold and safeguard human rights. Recently, however, examples of democratic backsliding and the erosion of human rights have been much in evidence. This has included the closing of civic spaces and rising disrespect for fundamental human dignity. Authoritarian regimes are growing in ambition and striving to broaden their malign influence both at home and abroad.
Since early 2022, Russia has engaged in an unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine. This act of aggression has violated international law, displacing hundreds of thousands and yielding shameful acts of torture and killing.
At the same time, China has continued to suppress people in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. It operates concentration camps, detaining individuals and subjecting people to the very real threat of violence. It brutally subjugates its own society and uses transnational repression to silence critics abroad, exploiting international mechanisms to frustrate any concerted response. And it also harbors expansionist territorial intentions in the South China Sea, along its border with India, and against us here in Taiwan.
Despite the threats posed by China’s disinformation campaigns and military exercises, Taiwan stands steadfast on the front line against authoritarian aggression. Taiwan itself struggled through a period of martial law. Having emerged from those difficult times, we profoundly appreciate the value of living peacefully in a democratic society. That is why we have embraced freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, among other things. And that is why we continue to work tirelessly to protect the rights of every citizen, including women, children, the disabled, indigenous people, and workers.
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed to upholding global human rights standards. Furthermore, we will continue to extend a helping hand to those in need so as to make the world a better place to live in.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we donated face masks and antipandemic supplies to more than 80 countries. Indeed, we have long worked with many nations to fight disease, safeguard people’s well-being, and advance recovery in times of trouble. When the war in Ukraine broke out, Taiwan immediately delivered supplies and donated funds. And we are now participating in reconstruction programs to help Ukrainians rebuild their homes and rekindle their sense of hope.
Taiwan’s support also extends to humanitarian assistance and relief in countries affected by natural disasters. For instance, following recent earthquakes in both Türkiye and Morocco, Taiwan provided much-needed humanitarian aid. Taiwan is also cooperating with such international partners as USAID to assist Pacific island nations in enhancing climate change resilience.
Our vibrant society is a force for good and makes Taiwan an indispensable actor on the international stage. MOFA has long encouraged local NGOs to engage in international cooperation and humanitarian aid programs so as to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals and promote sustainable development for all human beings.
Through participation in international governmental organizations and the efforts of its NGOs, Taiwan can contribute to global well-being and promote freedom and peace for generations to come. We will continue to speak up for human rights and ensure that no one is left behind.
Taiwan’s determination to uphold and advance human rights has attracted foreign media workers and made us a hub for international activities that promote freedom and other important values. The Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy was held in Taipei last year, reuniting like-minded partners against authoritarianism. This year, Taipei hosted the International Religious Freedom Summit and the World News Media Congress, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to religious freedom and freedom of the press. And today’s occasion—the fourth time the Human Rights Foundation has organized the Oslo Freedom Forum in Taiwan—similarly underscores Taiwan’s role as a model democracy in the region.
Taiwan has also become an important center for international NGOs seeking to promote democracy and human rights. For example, over the past three years, Freedom House, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the National Democratic Institute, and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom have all opened offices in Taiwan, furthering their connections with the Indo-Pacific.
Ladies and gentlemen, Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia. The government of Taiwan will continue to champion human rights and democratic values and do all it can to promote a more open, free, prosperous, and secure world. We believe that with individuals, organizations, and nations working together in solidarity, we can raise global awareness, put an end to human rights abuses, and protect vulnerable groups.
In particular, Taiwan looks forward to working with the Human Rights Foundation to strengthen our network of international human rights activists and collaborate on new projects.
The Oslo Freedom Forum in Taiwan provides a crucial and timely reminder of the extraordinary courage of the activists, journalists, lawyers, artists, students, and regular citizens who stand up to human rights abuses. This event is an important platform for advocating the values and principles that we all hold dear.
Together, we will prevail.
I wish this forum every success. Thank you!