Human Rights Commission: Support Abolition of Death Penalty, First Step is Moratorium and Social Dialogue

Taipei, June 24 (CNA) - Amid recent discussions on the death penalty and corporal punishment, National Human Rights Commission Vice Chairperson Chi Hui-jung stated today that both the death penalty and torture are incompatible with human rights. The commission supports the abolition of the death penalty and solemnly and cautiously urges Taiwan to take the first step towards a moratorium on executions. National Human Rights Commission member Kao Yung-cheng added that regardless of public support for abolishing the death penalty, the commission should serve as a bridge between the government and the public to engage in broad social dialogue.

The Human Rights Commission and the French Office in Taiwan co-hosted a press conference on human rights cooperation and sharing. When asked by the media about recent proposals for severe penalties, including corporal punishment, due to frequent drunk driving incidents in Taiwan.

Chi Hui-jung responded that both the death penalty and torture do not meet international human rights standards. Many believe the death penalty serves justice, but international cases and research show that it does not improve public safety, nor does its abolition increase crime rates. What should truly be done is to comfort victims and their families and provide adequate resources for victim support and rehabilitation mechanisms.

Chi Hui-jung emphasized that the Human Rights Commission supports the abolition of the death penalty and solemnly and cautiously urges Taiwan to take the first step, which is a moratorium on executions.

Kao Yung-cheng stated that the Human Rights Commission has made the promotion of abolishing the death penalty a key task since its establishment, hoping to foster exchanges of opinions among people with different stances, victims' families, and related groups through social dialogue. Due to budget cuts in recent years, social communication plans have been affected, making comprehensive promotion difficult. However, regardless of the level of public support for abolishing the death penalty in Taiwan, the Human Rights Commission should continue to serve as a bridge between the government and the public to engage in broad social dialogue.

Director of the French Office in Taiwan, Franck Paris, shared France's experience with abolishing the death penalty, saying that progress in human rights often requires long-term dialogue and effort. Historically, when France pushed for the abolition of the death penalty, public support was actually in the minority, but the law was later amended to lead the way, allowing public opinion to gradually catch up.

Regarding the renewed proposals for corporal punishment, Kao Yung-cheng pointed out that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has been incorporated into domestic law. Article 7 clearly states that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Taiwan abolished corporal punishment over 100 years ago, and he believes society cannot tolerate practices such as extracting confessions through torture or administering corporal punishment. "I am confident that Taiwanese society will not support corporal punishment." (Edited by Wan Shu-chang) 1150624

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