2023-06-28
Amnesty International Delegation Visits DPP, Praises Taiwan as a Model of Democracy and Human Rights
Dr. Agnès Callamard, secretary-general of Amnesty International, led a delegation of staff members including Gwen Lee, the Asia-Pacific commissioner for China issues, to visit the Democratic Progressive Party headquarters this afternoon (June 28). The meeting was cordial and friendly, and we discussed topics such as Taiwan’s current political and human-rights situations as well as advancing Chinese authoritarianism. Secretary-General Hsu Li-ming, Deputy Secretary-General Andrea Yang, DPP Spokesperson and Director of the International Affairs Department Peifen Hsieh, Director of the Gender Equality Department Li Yan-rong, and Deputy Director of the International Department Alysa Wen-li Chiu represented the DPP at the meeting.
When Dr. Callamard raised the issue of China’s rising authoritarianism, Secretary-General Hsu Li-ming responded that Taiwan’s unique political environment faces greater pressure from China compared to other countries. Due to a shared language and ethnicity, Taiwan is more susceptible to being subject to China’s extensive cognitive-warfare tactics. Taiwan will continue to defend itself against any infringement and threat to its democratic institutions, remaining steadfast in upholding human rights despite constant threats from our powerful neighbor.
Hsu also highlighted Taiwan’s close relationship with Amnesty International. Starting from the period of martial law and the Formosa Incident, Taiwan has worked closely with the international NGO on its path toward democratization and protection of political rights. As a result, Taiwan now leads Asian countries in human rights and has received global recognition. The DPP believes that human rights, democracy and freedom are universal values, and that as long as Taiwan’s grass-roots forces and international democratic communities can work together to uphold and defend these values, democracies around the world will naturally support Taiwan.
Dr. Callamard stated that Taiwan serves as a model of democracy and human rights in Asia, especially as a non-member of the U.N. She acknowledged Taiwan’s impressive “Taiwan Model” review mechanisms, as well as our implementation of several U.N. human-rights conventions. Dr. Callamard expressed hopes that Taiwan will continue playing a role in promoting human rights and progressive legislation. After the meeting, Secretary-General Hsu presented to Dr. Callamard a plate with the Chinese character for “love” on it which is meant to commemorate Taiwan’s achievement of marriage equality, in addition to a custom-made tote bag featuring Yushan Mountain, Amnesty International’s black- and yellow-colored scheme, and the words “Peace and Love for Taiwan”
