Remarks at the Ceremony to Confer the
2007 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award
Chen Shui-bian
President
Republic of China (Taiwan)
December 13, 2007
Chairman Wang of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Dr. Cynthia Maung, Secretary General of Reporters Without Borders Robert Menard, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: good afternoon!
It is a great honor for me to have been invited to attend the ceremony for conferring the 2007 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA). First, on behalf of the government and 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to congratulate Dr. Maung on winning this prestigious award, and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) on its achievements in advancing democracy throughout the world.
TFD is the first national foundation to advocate democracy in Asia. Since its founding in 2003, TFD, under the leadership of Chairman Wang, has been committed to spreading democracy in Asia and the other continents, and to establishing democratic networks across the globe. Its endeavors have yielded remarkable results. Last year, TFD established the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to encourage individuals and groups that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of democracy or human rights in Asia through peaceful means. With its particular significance, this award vividly demonstrates Taiwan's passion and determination in supporting democracy and human rights.
For years, Dr. Maung has worked at the border between Thailand and Burma, providing medical services to tens of thousands of refugees violently suppressed by Burma's military regime. She has also helped educate and counsel Burmese refugees so that they can form a community that embraces democratic values and respects human rights. Her determination and actions to protect her fellow countrymen and fight for their fundamental human rights are absolutely admirable. On behalf of democratic and free Taiwan, I would like to pay our highest regard to Dr. Maung.
A few months ago, a "saffron revolution" took place in Burma. People following the lead of monks, the conscience of their society, took to the streets to demand democratic reform. To our deep regret, however, Burma's military government not only rejected its people's appeals, but also acted harshly in suppressing them. Such atrocities bring back memories of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, in which students and people full of aspirations for political and social reform lost their lives at the hands of China's brutal dictatorship.
In light of the great trials faced by the Burmese people in their quest for democracy, Dr. Maung's winning of this award has epic meaning. The Burmese military regime's cruelty and indifference look doubly contemptible when placed next to her selfless love.
The path to democracy is often stained with the blood of political activists. Taiwan's own journey has been no exception. Because of our personal experiences, we can respect all the more the courageous men and women who relentlessly fight for democracy and human rights around the world. We can also better understand the urgency of the world community of democracies to combine their resources so as to spread and consolidate democracy and pave the way for a new wave of global democratization. By so doing, the universal values of freedom, democracy and dignity can be enjoyed by all mankind.
Taiwan has received much support from the international community in its pursuit of democracy. During its national development, Taiwan received foreign aid from many developed countries to improve such fields as healthcare and education. Therefore, it is the shared conviction and desire of the people and government of Taiwan to proactively repay the international community for its generosity. That is why we established the TFD to help promote democracy worldwide.
Meanwhile, our non-governmental organizations like the Tzu Chi Foundation and the Taiwanroot Medical Peace Corps have translated our people's compassion and goodwill into charity and rescue endeavors through the provision of medical or humanitarian aid. Furthermore, our public and private sectors have worked together to create the Taiwan International Health Action, or TaiwanIHA. This has let Taiwan integrate its medical resources for overseas emergency relief efforts, thereby increasing the effectiveness of our assistance to people and countries in need.
Through the 2nd Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award and the selfless love of Dr. Maung, together we can further spread the seeds of freedom, democracy, peace, dignity, and joy, while kindling the desire among others to take up these noble pursuits. We look forward to more individuals and organizations joining the ranks of the democratic and just in fighting dictators and evil regimes. In the meantime, we aim to aid the sick and the poor through generous medical assistance programs. This is the duty of both free and democratic Taiwan, and the rest of mankind.
In closing, I would like to once again congratulate Dr. Maung and thank all of you for participating. I want to especially thank the members of the ADHRA Final Review Board and the host organization's staff for their hard work. May all of our distinguished guests and dear friends enjoy the best of health and everlasting happiness! Thank you.