Photo:A delegation of international human rights experts met with the President of the Legislative Yuan, Mr. You Sik-kun, on April 6.

May25, 2023

In early April 2023, a delegation comprising 12 prominent human rights experts from eight European and American countries visited Taiwan. The delegation included human rights scholars and media professionals from the United States, France, Italy, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Romania, and Lithuania. They were invited by the Taiwan Human Rights Think Tank, the Chinese Academy for Democracy, and the Citizens' Supervisory Union. The purpose of their visit was to explore various institutions in Taiwan, such as the Legislative Yuan, the Supervisory Yuan, and the Taiwan Human Rights Commission, as well as to visit the National Museum of Human Rights. The visit provided them with insights into Taiwan's transition from authoritarianism to democracy and freedom.

During their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to delve into the Tai Ji Men case, which has remained unresolved for 27 years and is regarded as a quintessential example of human rights persecution in the post-authoritarian era. International human rights scholars have expressed particular concern about this case.

During their visit to the National Museum of Human Rights, Chen Yinsheng, a victim of the White Terror, personally conducted an English-language tour of the premises for the European and American human rights experts. As they stood before the extensive wall adorned with the names of victims, Marco Respinti, executive editor of Winter magazine, remarked, "This place evokes profound sadness, as it represents the suffering endured by numerous individuals. No fear can ever justify the violation of human beings. Sometimes, one may feel they have a valid excuse for such actions, but in reality, there is nothing that can justify them."

Photo:During their visit to the National Museum of Human Rights, Chen Yinsheng, a victim of the White Terror, personally conducted an English-language tour of the premises for the European and American human rights experts.

Donald Westbrook, a lecturer at San Jose State University, was deeply moved by Chen Yinsheng's personal experiences, which encompassed injustice, unlawful acts, and torture. Westbrook strongly believes that society must learn from the mistakes of the past, refrain from repeating them, and strive for improvement. He specifically highlighted the Tai Ji Men case, also known as the Chen Yinsheng case, which remains unresolved after 27 years. Westbrook characterized it as a fabricated case, emphasizing that it exemplifies political, religious, and philosophical injustices, as well as political persecution that flagrantly violated human rights. He emphasized the importance of not overlooking such cases.

The last stop of the delegation was a visit to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), where the first ambassador-at-large for religious freedom in Taiwan appointed by President Tsai Ing-wen, Mr. Busing Dali, also accompanied the delegation. Dali was also accompanied. As a pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Christ, Mr. Buxing Dali has experienced the political suppression of the Presbyterian Church. As a pastor of a Christian Presbyterian church, he has personally walked through the history of political suppression of the Presbyterian Church and heard 12 international human rights experts call for the government to allow Tai Chi disciples to properly use their land and doctrines to cultivate their spirituality, and for the country to make good use of Tai Ji Men for international diplomacy.

Led by Professor Massimo Introvigne, a renowned socio-religious scholar and editor-in-chief of Italy Bitter Winter magazine, and President of the Belgian NGO Human Rights Without Frontiers, a conference on human rights and freedom of worshop will be held at the University of Paris. The delegation of human rights experts, including Willy Fautré, president of the Belgian NGO Human Rights Without Frontiers, will annually organize forums on human rights and freedom of worship in selected countries.

Additionally, during their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with President of the Legislative Yuan, You Sik-kun, and President of the Supervisory Yuan, Chen Ju, on April 6 and 11 respectively. The delegation expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to hold the Forum on Human Rights and Freedom of Belief in Taiwan, which serves as a testament to the international community's recognition of Taiwan's achievements in promoting human rights, democracy, and freedom. It is worth noting that in a 2014 report, Taiwan was ranked second in the Religious Diversity Index among 232 countries and regions worldwide, showcasing its commitment to religious pluralism and contributing to a more harmonious and tolerant society by promoting ethical conduct.

Photo:Supervisor Chen Ju (Right first) also affirmed her dedication to addressing the Tai Ji Men case to the best of her abilities. 

Nevertheless, Massimo emphasized that international human rights experts, including Professor Donald Westbrook and numerous scholars who were not present, express concerns over the lack of resolution in the Tai Ji Men case. They believe that the fact that the case has remained unresolved for 27 years highlights the urgent need for transformative justice in Taiwan. President Yoo acknowledged these concerns and expressed his commitment to monitoring the case, seeking expert guidance for potential solutions. Supervisor Chen Ju also affirmed her dedication to addressing the case to the best of her abilities. Massimo emphasized that they are all staunch supporters of Taiwan and emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving issues within a highly democratic country like Taiwan. They expressed their willingness to assist in finding a resolution to the case.