Taiwanese people have the absolute right and final say over their own future, and no single country has any right to interfere with the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution and international treaties, according to a white paper on human rights released yesterday.
The outgoing premier, Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄), cited the nation's first human rights white paper yesterday morning during his last press conference held after the closed-door Cabinet affairs meeting.
"It's true that it takes time, effort and many other factors to reach the ultimate goals set forth in the white paper, but we mean it when we say we want to realize these goals," Chang said.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
In addition to ensuring the Taiwanese people's right to self-determination, the white paper also outlined the long-term goals of safeguarding civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as protecting human rights for minority and underprivileged groups.
The purpose of drafting the human rights white paper is twofold, Chang said.
"We hope the general public will pressure the government to make good on its promises," the outgoing premier said.
Improving situation
In addition, Chang added, they would like to show the international community that the government has made a concerted effort to improve Taiwan's human rights situation and is determined to abide by the international rules governing human rights.
"We hope that the international community takes notice of Taiwan's achievements to improve human rights and to listen to what the people of Taiwan have to say," Chang said.
The white paper is the first comprehensive and systematic report on Taiwan's human rights situation. The report is scheduled to be released to the public on Jan. 1 next year.
Chang stressed Taiwan's progress on human rights and the importance of the human rights white paper.
"In retrospect, Taiwan has come a long way in terms of pursuing human rights over the past 50 years -- from the `tang wai' activities to the legalization of opposition parties and finally to the peaceful transfer of power," Chang said.
"Just because the DPP experienced political persecution during KMT rule, we don't want to see history repeat itself now that the DPP has come to power," he said.
Stated goals
The Cabinet has also outlined the goals of reviewing capital punishment and allowing cable television stations to air commercials without submitting them to the Cabinet's Government Information Office for review.
In addition, the Cabinet is considering lowering the age of franchise from the current 20 years to 18, and legislating referenda and people's right to initiate laws.
In developing economic, social and cultural rights, the Cabinet plans to protect the basic human rights of HIV carriers and ease rules on organ donations. In addition, more money would be marked for future cultural development and the protection of Aboriginal languages.
In protecting the rights of soldiers and indigenous people, the system of compulsory military service may become voluntary and the military may adopt a militia in the long run.
In addition, indigenous people may also enjoy equal rights when it comes to receiving education, health care and developing their own cultures.
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