Taiwan would continue to strengthen its "democratic defense" capabilities, President William Lai (賴清德) said today as he presented the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to Bangladeshi human rights organization Odhikar at a ceremony in Taipei.
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy recognized international Human Rights Day today by holding the 19th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award Ceremony, which featured Lai and foundation chairman Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) as speakers.
Lai presented the award along with a grant of US$100,000 to Odhikar’s director ASM Nasiruddin Elan, secretary-general Saira Rahman and other organization leaders.
Photo: Liao Chen-hui, Taipei Times
Lai praised the organization for courageously defending human rights in Bangladesh despite facing numerous challenges.
Odhikar has been dedicated to advancing human and political rights for the Bangladeshi public since its founding in 1994, Lai said.
The organization has played a crucial role in oversight and accountability, publishing annual human rights reports that expose overlooked human rights abuses and revealing hidden atrocities for public scrutiny, he said.
Odhikar’s work has not been easy, with leaders constantly facing harassment, surveillance and even imprisonment, Lai said.
Despite this, they have displayed an indomitable fighting spirit, bravely pursuing democracy and earning public admiration, he added.
Like Bangladesh, Taiwan has also endured repressive authoritarian rule, Lai said.
Taiwanese are now able to enjoy a free and democratic life thanks to the efforts of countless human rights defenders, he said.
Taiwan has become a thriving democratic society and stands at the forefront of defending democracy, he said.
In recent years, Taiwan has been working with the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) to expand collaboration with international partners, sharing its experiences and strategies to combat disinformation and cognitive warfare, which are common threats for democratic countries, Lai said.
Taiwan would continue to strengthen its democratic defense capabilities and partnerships with other countries to collectively bolster global democratic resilience, he said.
The government must take proactive action and engage in open communication with society, Lai said in a Facebook post today commemorating Human Rights Day.
All sectors must work together to ensure that the path of transitional justice in Taiwan can progress, he said in the post.
Additional reporting by CNA
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