Museums ink 1st ever pact on human rights education in Taiwan

2017/03/03

The first ever memorandum of understanding on integrating resources, restoring historical truths and promoting human rights education in Taiwan was inked by National 228 Memorial Museum, Taipei 228 Memorial Museum and Preparatory Office of the National Human Rights Museum March 1 in Taipei City, paving the way for further reconciliation in society regarding the February 28 Incident of 1947.

During the signing ceremony at Taipei 228 Memorial Museum, Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun told dignitaries and guests, including dozens of family members of the victims, that the incident and subsequent near four decades of martial law saw many people persecuted and their families suffer long-lasting discrimination and endless sorrow.

Such pain is shared by all members of society regardless of age, ethnicity or political affiliation, she said, adding that it is time to squarely face the history, search for historical facts, assign responsibility, redress wrongs, compensate the victims and deepen human rights education on the road to comprehensively enhancing transitional justice.

The incident took place 70 years ago when protesters demanded Gov. Chen Yi institute reforms. When these demands went unmet, people throughout the island rioted against the government. Military reinforcements dispatched from mainland China killed many while restoring order.

Hsueh Hua-yuan, chairman of the foundation that operates National 228 Memorial Museum and a professor of Taiwan history at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said at the ceremony that those responsible for the incident must be held accountable for their actions. Only in this way can the people truly learn from the mistakes of the past and pull together for the future of Taiwan, he added.

According to Cheng, since taking office last year, she has been working to advance the establishment of the National Human Rights Museum, which will encompass existing memorial parks set up at former jails for political prisoners in New Taipei City and Green Island in Taitung County, southeastern Taiwan.

A draft of the relevant organization act, which contains articles covering such functions as collecting, exhibiting and researching historical documents on past authoritarian rule, as well as supporting human rights groups, is under review by the Executive Yuan. It is expected to be sent to the Legislative Yuan for fast-tracked approval by year-end.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=18&post=112074)