Taipei, Oct. 24 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian urged the people of Taiwan Tuesday to work together to develop the Republic of China into a country characterized by perfect democracy, rule of law and human rights.
Chen made the appeal in a keynote speech delivered at the inaugural ceremony for the President's Advisory Group on Human Rights.
Noting that human rights, rule of law and democracy are the three pillars of a modern country, Chen said protection of human rights is a measurement of the legitimacy of a constitutional democracy.
"I'm hopeful that the ROC can become a country blessed with perfect democracy, rule of law and human rights through concerted efforts of all residents on the island," Chen said. He expressed his admiration and respect for people of Taiwan who have been jailed or endured other suffering in the name of promoting Taiwan's democratization and human rights development.
Quoting Bo Yang, a noted writer who spent some 10 years in jail for his commitment to democracy on the island during the era of martial law, Chen said past mistakes can be tolerated and forgiven, but should not be forgotten.
"Those who forget previous mistakes are likely to repeat their past wrongdoings. We must explore, record and reflect on past events, learn lessons from previous mistakes and continue moving forward," Chen stressed.
As human rights form the core and basis of a constitutional country, Chen went on, Taiwan must address human rights issues on three dimensions. First of all, he said, Taiwan should promote human rights consciousness and education at various levels, from schools to on-the-job training for public functionaries and professionals. Second, Chen said, Taiwan must introduce international human rights standards to upgrade its human rights concepts and guideposts. Third, he continued, Taiwan must enshrine a comprehensive human rights protection and promotional mechanism.
Chen, the ROC's first president from the Democratic Progressive Party, further said that his professional experience as a lawyer has made him fully aware that human rights protection cannot solely rely on law, because no matter how perfect legal regulations are, they leave room more or less for law enforcement officers to act on their discretion. "How this discretion is exercised hinges on law enforcement officers' human rights concepts and standards," Chen said, adding that he hopes Taiwan can set up a human rights research center to upgrade its overall human rights standards.
Noting that the ROC completed its first-ever peaceful transition of power between different political parties in May, Chen said he is hopeful that the formation of the new human rights advisory group will facilitate the promotion of human rights education, legislation and policy formulation.