A letter from Formosa Club, a group of Europe-based lawmakers, sent to the World Health Organization expressing grave concern over the body’s exclusion of Taiwan is deeply appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 13.
Signed by the club’s co-chairs and over 1,000 legislators from the European Parliament and national parliaments across Europe in the lead-up to the 74th WHA taking place virtually May 24 to June 1, the letter commends the Taiwan Model for its success in combating COVID-19, the MOFA said. It also highlights how Taiwan Can Help realize the WHO’s goal of Health for All by enhancing global response efforts, the ministry added.
Excluding Taiwan from participating in WHO proceedings undermines the fundamental human rights of Taiwan’s people and deprives the global community of knowledge and experience Taiwan could otherwise share, it said, adding that health issues should not be politicized.
The MOFA said the letter is part of a growing international consensus recognizing the importance of including Taiwan in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the WHO. The government will continue working with its like-minded partners to contribute to global health security, the ministry added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “1,000-plus lawmakers from the #FormosaClub, @Europarl_EN & parliaments across #Europe can't be wrong! @DrTedros must put #HealthForAll above politics & bring #Taiwan into the @WHO posthaste. We thank our cleareyed friends for standing on the side of right. Yes! #TaiwanCanHelp”
Established in Brussels October 2019, the Formosa Club includes members Michael Gahler, chair of the European Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group; Klaus-Peter Willsch, chair of the Germany-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group; Sen. Alain Richard, chairman of the upper house’s France-Taiwan Friendship Group; and Lord Rogan, co-chair of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group. (DL-E)
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