Taiwan’s civil society supports the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of June 4th We still remember, exactly twenty years ago, how we shed tears as we watched on television the tanks roll into Beijing city, the blood stream down the faces of students and ordinary citizens. We also remember, how Taiwanese politicians both in government and in opposition condemned the Chinese Communist Party, and how celebrities held hands and sang for the demonstrators. We remember, that was the “Wound of History.” [1] Twenty years later, the people of Taiwan appear to be suffering from collective amnesia. Today, Taiwan’s media and…

On March 10, 1959, the Tibetans in Lhasa took to the streets, demanding the withdrawal of Chinese troops marching into and stationing there since 1949. After a few weeks, tens of thousands of Tibetans were killed and injured in this protest. The temples were damaged in large-scale. Dalai Lama brought 120 thousand Tibetans fled to exile in India and began the lives without freedom and home for half a century. The Tibetan National Uprising Day is March 10th every year.. Tibetans and supporters around the world would commemorate the bravely sacrificed Tibetans for the uprisings. This year is the 50th…

During Israeli air attacks against the ruling Hamas government in Gaza Strip, the lives, safety, and personal property of Gaza residents is under serious threat and hundreds of innocent civilians have been killed. Accordingly, we the representatives of non-governmental organizations in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasize the need for restraint and for respect for international humanitarian standards during time of war, that non-combatants must not be targeted and must be protected. By condemning the atrocities committed against civilians during these air strikes, we demand from all sides engaged in armed activities, particularly the Israeli government, the neighboring states, and relevant international…

Press Statement of the Joint Fact-Finding Mission of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHCR) 1. Background of the Mission The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) decided to conduct a fact-finding mission, consisting of four members, to South Korea from 21-24 July 2008 in the light of numerous reports of human rights violations since May. The two regional human rights organisations consider the events recently occurring in South Korea of regional importance because South Korea is viewed as a benchmark for democracy…

International Human Rights Day was marked in Taipei by a march against the political killings in the Philippines. Some seventy overseas Filipinos and Taiwanese friends staged the mass action in the Chung Shan North Road area, where most Filipinos in Taipei are found during Sundays.Shouting Stop the killings and uphold human rights in the Philippines, the marchers stopped three times to encourage migrant workers they passed by to place stickers on a plain Philippine map. This symbolized their intent that such killings would not occur in their home provinces back home.At the start of the activity, the protesters pressed their…

This is a campaign launched by Amnesty International to highlight on the many different ways that the freedom to use the net is limited by governments. Around the globe net cafes are being closed down, home PCs are being confiscated, chat in discussion forums is being watched and blogs are being censored or removed. “The internet has become a new frontier in the struggle for human rights,” said Kate Allen, UK director of Amnesty International. Chinese journalist Shi Tao is serving a 10-year jail sentence for sending an e-mail overseas which detailed the restrictions the Chinese government wanted to impose…

Free Tibet March in Taipei on March 10, 2006. Please see Programs for details.

On March 10, 2006, the 47th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, TAHR joined the march against China’s occupation force and political persecution in Tibet. Apart from the Tibetans living in Taiwan, many Taiwanese people and groups participated as well. With banners, signs and rhythmic chanting, over 100 people walked and made their voice heard in the streets of Taipei. Please see HERE for details.

Blood was shed as over 100,000 people gathered around the Norbulinka palace to stop their spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, from attending a theatrical event at the Chinese Military Headquarters in Lhasa. Tibetans feared that Dalai Lama would be abducted to Beijing and never return to Tibet again. As a result, uprising against the Chinese occupation force and massive demonstrations took place in Lhasa in March, 1959. Tens of thousands of Tibetans were slaughtered by the People’s Liberation Army. The Dalai Lama and around 80,000 refugees escaped to neighboring countries. Since then, Tibetan uprising and demonstrations have continued. Recognizing the plight…