National Human Rights Commission Pledges Continued Reform to Align with International Standards

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Taiwan stated its commitment to continuous reform and societal dialogue to align human rights protections with international standards, during the 4th review meeting of Taiwan's state reports on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). NHRC Vice Chairperson Chi Hui-jung, along with Commissioners Kao Yung-cheng and Hung Yi-chang, attended the meeting organized by the Ministry of Justice. Chi Hui-jung highlighted the global human rights challenges posed by war, authoritarianism, digital surveillance, climate change, and AI development. She noted that the NHRC began preparing its independent assessment report in August 2024, gathering extensive societal input through expert consultations, civil society exchanges, and cross-disciplinary forums. The NHRC also responded to the concluding observations and recommendations from the 3rd review, emphasizing the importance of financial independence and stable operations in line with the Paris Principles for its statutory functions. Commissioner Kao Yung-cheng pointed out areas for improvement in prohibiting torture and prison conditions. He also recommended domesticating ILO Conventions 188 and 189 to protect migrant domestic workers and fishermen, mandating Wi-Fi on deep-sea fishing vessels, and including deep-sea fishermen in mandatory occupational accident insurance to strengthen communication rights and social security. Commissioner Hung Yi-chang suggested establishing a statutory cultural governance platform for indigenous peoples to enhance their participation and empowerment, as most current cultural policies are government-led. He also recommended deepening cultural sensitivity training for civil servants. Regarding international reviewers' concerns about the NHRC's independence, the death penalty, forced evictions, and hate speech, the NHRC reiterated its goal of becoming an independent national human rights institution compliant with the Paris Principles. It will continue to promote social dialogue and public communication on these issues and push for institutional reforms.