Taiwan commemorates February 28 Incident

2020/03/03

Taiwan commemorated the February 28 Incident with a series of nationwide ceremonies, spotlighting the government’s commitment to healing historical scars while continuing to pursue truth and reconciliation.
 
 During an event at National 228 Memorial Museum in Taipei City, President Tsai Ing-wen offered her condolences on behalf of the government to victims of the incident and their surviving family members. She also vowed to push ahead with promoting transitional justice.
 
 These efforts are reflected by an online database launched by the Transitional Justice Commission last week, three books and a report on the incident published by the 228 Memorial Foundation earlier this year, and the implementation of the Political Archives Act last year, Tsai said. Only by facing up to the past can the country unite and consolidate its democracy, she added.
 
 The incident took place 73 years ago when protesters demanded Gov. Chen Yi institute reforms. People around Taiwan demonstrated, prompting Chen to call for military reinforcements from China who killed many during the crackdown.
 
 According to Tsai, the National Archives Administration has declassified political records transferred by the TJC, which will be made available with minimum restrictions. This is set to be complemented by the National Security Bureau’s release of relevant files by the end of March, she added.
 
 The government will also continue developing human rights education, Tsai said, citing the contributions of National Human Rights Museum and establishment of the Control Yuan’s National Human Rights Committee.
 
 Promoting transitional justice and safeguarding human rights are key planks in Tsai’s campaign platform. Since taking office in May 2016, the president and her administration have implemented a raft of measures to redress past injustices.
 
 These include clearing victims of charges, offering compensation and passing legislation to bring the country’s related laws in line with the U.N. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)