An international review of Taiwan’s third national report on the implementation of the U.N. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights kicked off May 9 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding human rights.

Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday received a Ministry of Justice briefing on Taiwan’s first national human rights action plan. Taiwan prides itself as a nation founded on human rights, the premier said. The plan demonstrates that Taiwan is willing, of its own accord, to implement and commit to the obligations of international human rights conventions, and furthermore respond to issues of concern expressed by the international community and the general public.

Outstanding efforts by Taiwan’s representative offices have significantly increased foreign trade and investment in the first quarter of 2022, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 9.

A short film spotlighting the ways Taiwan Can Help realize the World Health Organization’s goal of Health For All was released May 2 in the run-up to the 75th World Health Assembly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang joined representatives from over 50 countries and territories at the signing of the Declaration for the Future of the Internet April 28, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable and secure cyberspace.

On April 27, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that it will end contact information registration starting April 27 and will maintain the current mask mandate and other preventive measures from April 27 to April 31, after analyzing the current COVID-19 situation, to maintain disease prevention capacity, bring social and economic activity back to normal and efficiently manage associated risks. Related rules are listed below.

Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday received a Council of Agriculture briefing on a plan to address human rights in the fishery industry. The government will invest over NT$2 billion (US$68.5 million) to implement this plan, the premier said. It will tackle the issue via the improvement of fishing crew rights, onboard facilities and onshore facilities, as well as amend legal frameworks, upgrade supervision capabilities and strengthen intermediary management.

Taiwan has become one of the founding members of the U.S.-led Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum, underscoring the government’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to promote trusted global data flows and privacy protection, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs April 21.

Considering the need for and right to family reunions of R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals and Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in coordination with other government agencies, announces that starting today, April 12, foreign relatives of R.O.C. (Taiwan) nationals and valid Alien Resident Certificate holders residing in Taiwan may apply to enter Taiwan.

Taiwan co-founded the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement March 29, joining fellow members New Zealand, Canada and Australia in promoting regional tie-ups based on shared cultural and ethnic heritage.