President Chen's Congratulatory Message to the 32nd General Conference of the World League of Freedom and Democracy
President Chang, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations and a warm welcome to all of the participants attending the 32nd General Conference of the World League of Freedom and Democracy. This conference brings together representatives from around the world to discuss and promote freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Following the end of the Cold War, and with rapid advances in communication technology, the trend of globalization has gained momentum. International cooperation has replaced international confrontation, and political democratization, economic liberalization and globalization have become world trends. However, the United States experienced the gravest terrorist attacks on September 11 last year. And events of other terrorist attacks, ethnic and religious conflicts, and regional wars have devastated communities around the world. All these horrifying events remind us that only through peaceful international cooperation will humanity gain genuine freedom and human rights.
Since its establishment, the World League of Freedom and Democracy has won worldwide recognition for its remarkable achievements in promoting justice, advancing freedom, and protecting human rights. This conference theme "Strengthening the Human Rights in the Age of Globalization" carries immense significance. I firmly believe that only those governments, which value and protect human rights can enjoy the support and trust of the people. Therefore, I have proposed building our nation on the foundation of human rights and have taken specific actions to realize this goal. I have advocated establishing the National Human Rights Commission, incorporating international human rights conventions into domestic law, and strengthening cooperation and exchanges with NGOs dedicated to human rights. My commitment coincides with your goals and efforts. In the future, I believe your League will continue to cooperate with the supporters of freedom and democracy around the world to enhance the welfare of mankind and safeguard world peace.
In closing, I wish this conference great success and good health and happiness to each of you.