TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Tsai Ing-wen presented the award to Amihan V. Abueva, the Regional Executive Director of the Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia) at the 2023 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) ceremony held Thursday (Dec. 7).
Tsai, alongside Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, attended the event where she praised Abueva's decades-long advocacy against various forms of violence on children, particularly human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Tsai highlighted the selflessness and bravery shown in Abueva's career, reflecting a tireless dedication to creating a safer world for children and future generations.
Tsai also mentioned the nation's efforts over the past decade to incorporate international child rights standards into domestic law. She noted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, adopted by Taiwan through legislation in 2014 to enforce provisions protecting children's rights under its domestic legal framework.
You Si-kun, speaking as the chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, underscored Taiwan's commitment to democracy and human rights. He pointed out that the award, given annually in conjunction with the upcoming International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, signifies Taiwan's steadfast support for democratic values.
You also recalled Taiwan's own struggles to secure democracy and human rights, acknowledging that Abueva's contributions align with the mission of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, which aims to back human rights defenders worldwide.
