Consolidating Democracy

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The memory of authoritarianism is gradually fading as democracy progresses. The change of the governing party is proof of Taiwan's march toward a mature democracy.

De-politicizing Military
In the process of moving from authoritarianism to democracy, many countries have experienced bloodshed and chaos. Taiwan's peaceful transition of governing party has become the model for the third wave of democracy, and President Chen praised democratic values in his inaugural speech as worthy of honor.

In 1999, the military performed outstanding service during the 921 earthquake. After the election last year, the military pledged loyal to the new-elected president. The new administration announced that all government officials should remain neutral. Existing KMT organizations within governmental agencies were disbanded, but were not replaced with DPP organizations. To preserve democratic values during the change of governing party, a civil servant system that pledges loyal to the country, rather than a political party, must be established.

Civil Service Neutrality
Taiwan has a high-quality civil service. After the new administration took office, new officials have a hard-working attitude, new approach, and practical style. Diligent and creative people are encouraged to enable a new civil servant system to form the foundation of a lasting democracy.

Democratization not only requires de-politicizing the military and modernizing the civil service, but must ensure the people at the local level supervise the government. When human rights prevail, the people will guard against the politicization of national systems. In his inaugural speech, President Chen introduced the new human rights policy of our nation, pledged to include the Republic of China in the international human rights system, and committed to enacting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as domestic law.

Toward the International Human Rights System
The Republic of China signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in 1967. After a delay of 34 years, the Executive Yuan Council submitted both treaties to the Legislative Yuan for consideration as domestic law in April 18 of this year.

After approval, the law will be sent to the President for promulgation. The Executive Yuan has also researched the draft of Basic Law to Safeguard Human Rights. Thus, the human rights in Taiwan will be protected after the legislative process is completed.

President Chen Shui-bian also advocated the establishment of an independent National Human Rights Committee, which has been promoted by the United Nations. The Executive Yuan has nearly completed the draft of the Organizational Law of the National Human Rights Committee. When the new law is passed, it will raise human rights consciousness in Taiwan. In April of this year, President Chen Shui-bian appointed ambassadors-at-large for human rights to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international human rights organizations.

In addition, the new administration has planned human rights policies, such as revising the Code of Military Justice to protect human rights in the armed forces, implementing the Code of Criminal Procedure to safeguard human rights in criminal cases, promoting equality of ethnic groups to raise social human rights, and strengthening security for women, children, and senior citizens. The new administration enlarged the scope of the Revised Draft Compensation Statute for Improper Trials of Treason and Espionage During the Period of Martial Law to safeguard the victims' rights.

Recognition by International Human Rights Community
In December of last year, President Chen Shui-bian declared the amnesty of Su Ping-kun, convicted of murder and robbery in 1987; labor rights leader Tseng Mao-hsing; and 19 Jehovah's Witnesses, who have refused compulsory military service to show the new government's respect for human rights. On February 26, 2001, the Human Rights Report, released by the US Department of State, praised the new government's efforts in human rights.