Today the Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR) and the Global Committee for the Rule of Law “Marco Pannella” (GCRL) established a partnership with a view to extending and strengthening their common activities in the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The two sister organizations, based in Taipei and Rome respectively, will conduct different activities including researches, information-sharing, and organization of public events. The goal is to support human rights defenders, international institutions and the universality and indivisibility of human rights, especially vis-à-vis the threats posed to the rules-based order by the aggressive national agenda of China and other authoritarian regimes.
Asia is no longer an emerging political and economic powerhouse: it is a full-fledged power claiming a front seat in the world stage. Taiwan and Taiwanese civil society can play a significant role in steering the whole continent towards a modern democracy regime. Since TAHR and GCRL believe in the “rule of law” rather than the “rule by law”, this fresh alliance will focus on two main issues encompassing in particular the EU and Asia: the sanctions regime to be enforced in case of serious human rights violations, and the recognition of the “Right to Know” as urged by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
GCRL President Giulio Terzi stated: “Taiwan shines as a beacon of democracy in the Asian continent and beyond. The relationships with the United States and the European Union stand as rock-solid proof of Taipei’s reliability and geopolitical relevance in terms of prosperity and security. This partnership constitutes a promising horizon and we look forward to working with our friends at TAHR.”
GCRL Secretary General Matteo Angioli said: “Taiwan and Taiwanese citizens rose to the challenge and dealt with the pandemic successfully. In addition, they swiftly made their expertise and resources available for the international community, which is why we are eager to team up with TAHR. Indeed, Taiwan can help not only by facing the health crisis, but also by contributing to the restoration of trust in democracy worldwide.”