Political rights 結果共10筆

Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu warns against the misuse of Taiwan’s five national security laws for infringing human rights and manipulating elections. Amidst discussions on cross-strait relations and following Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China, Chu calls for amendments to these laws, criticizing their use as tools for political suppression by the DPP. He advocates for dialogue and peace in cross-strait interactions, urging the DPP to prioritize human rights and constructive engagement over ideological rigidity.

Taiwan ranks second in Asia for freedom according to the Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2024 report, scoring 94 just behind Japan’s 96. The report highlights global decline in freedom for the 18th consecutive year, affecting a fifth of the world’s population. Taiwan maintains its ＂Free＂ nation status with high scores in Political Rights and Civil Liberties, while China is labeled as ＂Not Free＂ with significantly lower scores.

Renowned human rights lawyer Chen Chun-han, a legislator-at-large from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), passed away at the age of 40 due to complications from a cold. Despite living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Chen earned law doctorates from National Taiwan University, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan. DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming and his office are assisting with the funeral arrangements to ensure Chen’s life ends on a fulfilling note. Chen’s passing has left many in shock and mourning, not only for his political role but also for his exceptional contributions as a champion of life in the face of adversity.

Human rights lawyer Chen Chun-han, a legislative-at-large candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), responds to a controversy involving the online talk show ＂The Night Night Show with Hello.＂ Chen appreciates the show’s apology for allowing mainland China media personality Wang Zhian to mimic disabled individuals, which was seen as a dig at the DPP and indirectly at Chen. Despite thinking the apology came late, Chen commends Hello and his production team for planning a special segment to discuss the issues faced by disabled and rare disease patients in Taiwan. Chen emphasizes that the core of the criticism lies in whether society can tolerate discrimination against the disabled and respect their right to political participation. He states that this is a human rights issue that transcends ideological and party lines. Chen also mentions that voters needn’t feel obligated to vote for the DPP in 2028, highlighting Taiwan’s democratic freedom and the importance of supporting any political party based on personal beliefs. However, he adds that if Hello and his team find the DPP under Lai Ching-te’s leadership satisfactory within the next four years and genuinely wish to support it, they would be welcomed.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih visited the First Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market in Taipei, gaining support from vendors who welcomed his visit. Hou Yu-ih is the first of the three presidential candidates to visit the market, potentially boosting his popularity in the polls. Accompanied by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, KMT legislative candidate Chung Hsiao-ping, and Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation Chairman Yang Cheng-wu, Hou Yu-ih received a warm reception from the local market community. Vendors expressed their support for Hou Yu-ih, noting that despite the market being closed, his engagement with them was significant. They hoped that Hou Yu-ih would improve market convenience and promised to support him at the polls. Mayor Chiang Wan-an emphasized the importance of the fruit market, the nation’s largest wholesale agricultural market, and expressed hope that Hou Yu-ih would secure funding and construction to upgrade the market’s equipment and protect vendor rights if elected. Hou Yu-ih, who has personal experience working in a market, pledged to enhance the market environment and operating conditions using modern equipment and technology if elected. He also promised to ensure the best cold chain conditions for preserving fruits and vegetables. Hou Yu-ih urged support for a rotation of political power, emphasizing its importance in a functioning democracy.

President Tsai Ing-wen criticizes China’s one-sided trade barriers and emphasizes that bilateral trade relations should not be used as a political tool in her New Year’s address. The tariff preference for certain products under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) has been suspended as of Jan. 1, 2024. Tsai notes China’s intervention in elections and expresses confidence in the people of Taiwan to make wise decisions. She argues that Taiwan’s industries already have global exposure and are gradually reducing reliance on China. Tsai believes that while the economic benefits of the ECFA are limited, diversifying risks and global positioning are important for Taiwan’s industries. She highlights that China often imposes unilateral trade barriers on other countries for political reasons, citing examples of punitive tariffs and import bans on Lithuania and Australia due to their friendly relationship with Taiwan and criticism of China’s human rights policy in Xinjiang.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim expresses concerns about Taiwan’s political climate and her hesitation to return to the country for public office. She describes a ＂dark political vortex＂ and emphasizes the need to defend democracy, freedom, and basic rights. Despite the challenges, Hsiao pledges steadfast efforts alongside presidential candidate Lai Ching-te to guide Taiwan and offer its people more opportunities. She aims to concentrate on state affairs and constructive national debates, avoiding distractions and external disturbances. Hsiao’s commitment reflects the underlying tensions in Taiwan’s political landscape and her determination to maintain stability and progress for the country.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, confirms planned amendments to the ＂Assisted Reproduction Act＂ will include changes to surrogacy policies, extending coverage to same-sex partners, single women, and surrogate mothers. The draft law will be made public early next year and reviewed by the Executive Yuan by the year’s end. Presidential candidates have called for surrogacy policy consideration, with Ko Wen-je inviting a long-term surrogacy policy advocate for discussion. The amendments are not influenced by Ko’s political platform. The ongoing effort to amend the law has been ongoing for two-and-a-half years, with a preliminary draft of 42 articles finalized and 13 expert meetings held. The revision aims to protect children’s rights while addressing same-sex marriage, single women, and surrogacy issues. Surrogacy services will require professional consultation and legal contracts to outline rights and obligations for both parties.

Taiwan People’s Party temporarily suspends Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an over embezzlement allegations. Mayor Kao faces indictment under the ＂Anti-Corruption Act＂ while maintaining her innocence. Get the latest updates on this political development.

President Tsai Ing-wen commends the diversity of the citizen judicial system introduced in Taiwan in 2023 and calls for the judiciary to ＂become adaptable and more resilient＂ with the constant emergence of new challenges.