Six members of the Judges Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (JAROC), were unable to attend the International Association of Judges’ (IAJ) annual conference in Azerbaijan after being denied visas and entry permits, the association said yesterday.
The delegates received assurances from the organizers that they would be helped with visa and entry procedures under the IAJ’s principles of inclusiveness and equal participation, but they received neither approval nor any formal explanation, the JAROC said in a statement.
The 67th IAJ General Assembly was held in Baku this year from Saturday last week to yesterday.
Photo: screen grab from the Judges Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Web site
The group was forced to cancel its trip as a result, the JAROC said, adding that the incident not only violated members’ right to full participation, but also undermined the IAJ’s commitment to judicial independence, equal exchanges and cooperation.
Describing the incident as regrettable, the JAROC called on the IAJ to establish a clear, fair and transparent mechanism to prevent similar cases.
It also urged timely and open procedures to ensure that all member states can participate in international meetings with dignity and equality.
The incident was just another example of the barriers Taiwan faces in trying to participate in international events, as many nations bow to the wishes of China in keeping Taiwan out of the international gaze, although the JAROC did not directly accuse Beijing of interfering at the event.
The IAJ is a professional, nonpolitical, international organization of national associations of judges. It was founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 1953 and has its headquarters in Rome.
The IAJ annual meeting is hosted in rotation by its member nations. Taiwan previously hosted the 65th edition in 2023.
Separately yesterday, the Judicial Yuan expressed its “utmost concern” over Azerbaijan’s refusal to grant visas and entry permits to the JAROC delegation.
In a statement, the judicial body said it would continue to support civil organizations promoting Taiwan’s free and independent rule of law internationally.
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