Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-cheng details government endeavors in human rights protection during the launch of Taiwan’s 1st ICERD national report Dec. 14 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of MOI)
 

The first national report on the implementation of the U.N. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination was released Dec. 14 by the Ministry of Interior, reflecting ongoing government endeavors to ensure the rights of all members of society.

During a press event organized by the MOI, Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-cheng said Taiwan’s progress in promoting human rights protection plays a key role in enhancing the country’s visibility on the global stage.

As a non-U.N. member, Taiwan has long incorporated ICERD into domestic law, he said, adding that the national report marks another milestone in the country’s work to offer equality for all.

Echoing Lo’s remarks, Deputy MOI Minister Chen Tsung-yen said the report contains policy suggestions and recommendations from 34 civic groups and human rights organizations, for which the government is sincerely grateful.

According to the ministry, the report focuses on public sector measures to foster a diverse culture through promoting historic and transitional justice for indigenous people, reviving the languages and cultures of minority groups and protecting their basic human rights.

The report also examines government measures and regulations to see if they are in line with ICERD goals, and identifies distinct goals for groups such as indigenous people, Hakka people, Mongolians, Tibetans, new immigrants, migrant workers and non-citizen residents, the MOI added. (SFC-E)