The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday launched an investigation into seven cases of forced relocations, saying the results would help the government develop better references for implementing urban transitional justice.
The government’s lax regulations on real estate led to the forced relocation of people who settled where they could, highlighting the clash between public property management and living rights, it said.
Moreover, it has resulted in the loss of opportunities to preserve unique urban landscapes and local memories, it said.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
NHRC commissioner Tian Chiu-chin (田秋堇) said the commission’s efforts stemmed from suggestions made by international academics in 2022 that the government conduct a systematic investigation into forced relocations.
The investigation would focus on incidents involving public property, interview those involved in forced relocations and review the paperwork related to administrative decisions leading to a forced relocation, she said, adding that the commission is basing its definition of “habitability” on that of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Starting next month until June, the commission would begin interviewing 40 people involved in seven major relocations over the past years, and would also arrange visits to understand the history of the settlements, how they were formed and how the law became a threat to communities, said National Taipei University College of Public Affairs associate professor Ho Yen-sheng (何彥陞), who is helping with the commission’s investigation.
Ho said that public asset management should not be an excuse for forcible relocations, adding that human rights, including the right to live, should be guaranteed for everyone.
The seven cases were the forced demolition of Huaguang Community; the Wolong Street community relocation; the Banciao Daguang Community relocation; the Sindian Liugong Canal eviction dispute; the Liu Family eviction case in New Taipei City’s Sansia District (三峽); and the Losheng Sanatorium eviction.
The interviews would be analyzed by experts from July to September, and compiled into references and possible policy suggestions by the end of the year, NHRC commissioner Kao Yung-cheng (高涌誠) said yesterday.
The government should be the stalwart protector of the people’s basic rights, he said.
The investigation aims to provide the government with constructive, progressive policy recommendations that would prevent tragedies of the past from recurring and ensure the implementation of urban transitional justice for the betterment of the public, he added.
This story has been amended since it was first published.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday expressed “shock and regret” over a statement issued by his wife without his consent, and rejected her assertion that his eldest sister, Ma Yi-nan (馬以南), would manage his medical care or act as his spokesperson amid an ongoing embezzlement probe into his foundation. Ma Ying-jeou in a statement said he was shocked by a statement by his wife, Chou Mei-ching (周美青), regarding his affairs. Ma Yi-nan “must not” be in charge of his healthcare and other personal affairs, nor can she be allowed to represent the Ma family, the former president said. He said he was also
RSS