Tsai pledges to advance democracy, human rights at ADHR Award ceremony

2021/12/14

President Tsai Ing-wen said Dec. 10 that Taiwan is committed to playing a more active role in advancing the universal values of democracy and human rights in the international community.
 
The path to democracy and safeguarding human rights has never been an easy one, Tsai said, adding that the country has overcome tremendous hardships from the era of authoritarian rule.
 
It is of paramount importance to strengthen these hard-won outcomes, Tsai said. The government will also continue sharing experiences with friends from around the world, while promoting the country’s democratic way of life to people worldwide, she added.
 
Tsai made the remarks in a pre-recorded video at the 16th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony organized by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy on Human Rights Day in Taipei City.
 
This year’s prize went to Humaira Rasuli, an Afghan human rights lawyer and the co-founder and executive director of the Kabul-based Women for Justice Organization. She has been leading the WJO’s team of activists and experts to increase women’s access to justice, uphold rule of law, and investigate some of the most emblematic sex crime cases in Afghanistan.
 
According to Tsai, Rasuli’s bravery and persistence have earned her widespread respect. The recognition from the award is expected to inspire further efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and sexism while addressing more women’s rights issues in Asia, she added.
 
Founded in 2003, TFD is the first national-level foundation in Asia aimed at promoting democracy. The annual ADHR Award honors individuals or groups for their efforts in promoting fair and just societies.  


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