President Lai Honors Taiwan’s Political Prisoners, Pledges Commitment to Defending Democracy on International Human Rights Day

President Lai Honors Taiwan’s Political Prisoners, Pledges Commitment to Defending Democracy on International Human Rights Day

Taipei, Taiwan – On International Human Rights Day, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) paid tribute to those who suffered political persecution during Taiwan’s authoritarian era and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to defending democracy and human rights.

Lai, who attended a human rights award ceremony in Taipei, expressed his profound respect for those who contributed to Taiwan’s freedom and democracy, despite enduring oppression under the authoritarian regime. He particularly highlighted those who were prosecuted and imprisoned during the Kaohsiung Incident of 1979, a pivotal moment in Taiwan’s history.

Remembering the Kaohsiung Incident

The Kaohsiung Incident remains one of the darkest chapters of Taiwan’s authoritarian rule. On December 10, 1979, pro-democracy activists staged a demonstration against the Kuomintang (KMT) government in Kaohsiung, leading to a violent crackdown. Following the event, key figures in the pro-democracy movement were arrested and subjected to harsh trials.

Lai took to social media to commemorate the individuals who were victims of political repression during this period, acknowledging their sacrifices in the struggle for a democratic Taiwan. He stressed that the Kaohsiung Incident was a reminder of how far Taiwan has come and the ongoing need to protect its democratic values.

Lai’s Call to Defend Democracy

In his speech, Lai urged Taiwanese society to remain united in the face of threats to democracy and freedom. “Democracy and freedom are hard-earned, and they can regress easily if we are not vigilant,” he said. Lai also acknowledged that in recent years, disinformation and cognitive warfare have posed significant challenges to democracies worldwide. He emphasized the importance of confronting these threats to ensure that Taiwan’s democratic progress remains secure.

International Recognition: Odhikar’s Role in Human Rights

At the award ceremony, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) presented the 2024 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) to the Bangladesh-based human rights group Odhikar. The organization was recognized for its three decades of advocacy for civil and political rights in Bangladesh.

In her acceptance speech, Odhikar’s representative, Saira Rahman Khan, detailed the organization’s struggles against state surveillance, arbitrary trials, and other forms of repression. She dedicated the award to the “mass movement and its martyrs,” acknowledging the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and democracy in Bangladesh.

Strengthening Global Partnerships for Democracy

President Lai highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening global democracy and human rights. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to making Taiwan a resilient democracy that can stand firm in the face of external pressures. “Taiwan’s democracy has grown stronger thanks to the contributions of many defenders of human rights and democracy,” Lai said. He emphasized Taiwan’s intention to deepen international partnerships and work with like-minded nations to strengthen global democratic values.

The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy’s Role

The TFD, which hosted the award ceremony, has played an instrumental role in advocating for human rights and promoting democratic values both in Taiwan and abroad. In his remarks, TFD Chairman and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu praised Odhikar for its tireless work in advancing democracy and human rights through advocacy and training efforts. Over the years, Odhikar has trained over 400 human rights campaigners, significantly impacting Bangladesh’s civil society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Kaohsiung Incident?
A1: The Kaohsiung Incident refers to the pro-democracy demonstration in Kaohsiung on December 10, 1979, where Taiwanese citizens protested against the authoritarian Kuomintang government. The event led to a violent crackdown and the imprisonment of key democracy activists.

Q2: Why is President Lai’s tribute to political prisoners significant?
A2: President Lai’s tribute on International Human Rights Day underscores Taiwan’s commitment to remembering its past struggles for democracy. It also reaffirms Taiwan’s ongoing dedication to defending human rights and ensuring that Taiwan’s democratic values remain protected.

Q3: What is the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA)?
A3: The ADHRA is an award presented by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy to recognize individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the advancement of democracy and human rights in Asia.

Q4: How does Taiwan contribute to global democracy efforts?
A4: Taiwan is committed to strengthening international partnerships and deepening cooperation with countries that share similar democratic values. Taiwan aims to be a resilient democracy that can actively support the global democratic community.

Q5: Who is Odhikar, and why was it awarded?
A5: Odhikar is a Bangladesh-based human rights organization recognized for its advocacy work in civil and political rights. It was awarded the 2024 ADHRA for its dedication to human rights activism, despite facing government repression.

Conclusion

President Lai Ching-te’s tribute to Taiwan’s political prisoners and his reaffirmation of Taiwan’s commitment to defending democracy highlight the nation’s ongoing dedication to human rights. As Taiwan continues to strengthen its democratic values, it remains an important beacon of freedom in Asia. For more updates on Taiwan’s human rights initiatives, visit Cialisweb.tw.