New Commitment for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights

Lung-chu Chen

On May 20, 2000, the unprecedented peaceful transfer of power took place in Taiwan, from KMT to DPP and from Mr. Democracy to "the Son of Taiwan," as Chen Shui-bian assumed the Presidency. Taiwan has courageously stood up, and a new democratic era of forward movement has begun.

President Chen's Inaugural Address was a focal point of intense interest and speculation before its delivery. As it turned out, the speech was quite a hit —— the Taiwanese people gave it an approval rate of 78%, it won widespread international acclaim, and for China it was not satisfactory but acceptable.

Generally speaking, the focus has been on the Taiwan-China relationship in appraising the inaugural address. However, what is especially worthy of notice was President Chen's emphasis on freedom, democracy, human rights and peace, and his new commitment to Taiwanize the International Bill of Human Rights.

The first half of President Chen's speech was concerned with domestic matters, while the latter half dealt with external affairs. The universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights serve as the bridge to link the two. Freedom and democracy are of course part of human rights, but it is proper and fitting to highlight their importance.

Human rights and peace are indivisible. A regime that abuses human rights is apt to oppress its people internally and to provoke aggressive war externally. In order to keep domestic tranquility, human rights must be respected and protected. In order to maintain regional and international peace and security, human rights must be respected and protected.

Human rights need to be localized as well as internationalized. President Chen has urged the Legislative Yuan to transform the International Bill of Human Rights through domestic legislation. In addition, he has proposed that an independent National Commission of Human Rights be established so that Taiwan can be part of contemporary international human rights community.

This is a new vision and a new challenge for the government and people of Taiwan. Will they rise to the occasion to build a proud island nation blessed with freedom, democracy and human rights —— one that will become a new beacon of human dignity in the Asia-Pacific community.