Politics

US report praises Taiwan human rights practices

Michael H. Posner, U.S. assistant secretary of state, briefs members of the media on the 2011 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices May 24 in Washington. (CNA)

• Publication Date：05/25/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

Taiwan’s human rights practices are in line with international standards and protect civil, personal and political freedoms from unwarranted infringement, according to the latest U.S. State Department human rights report.

Released May 24 in Washington, the 2011 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices states that Taiwan enjoys fair freedom of speech and press, and has an independent judicial system and effective government administration to guarantee equality before law for all.

But there is room for improvement, according to the report. Principal human rights problems documented in Taiwan last year were corruption and violence against children and women.

Citing statistics from the ROC Ministry of the Interior, the study found local authorities indicted more than 400 officials on corruption charges, including 54 high-ranking officials.

In addition, 22,094 cases of physical, mental or sexual abuse against children were reported, along with 6,568 cases of rape and sexual assault. But MOI estimates put the total number 10 times higher since many victims did not report the crime due to social stigmatization.

“Central and local authorities, as well as private organizations, continued efforts to identify and assist high-risk children and families, and to increase public awareness of child abuse and domestic violence,” the report said.

Launched in 1977, the annual report provides a snapshot of human rights in almost 200 countries around the world. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw