on the January 19, 1996

As the only actual human rights NGO in Taiwan, which is obviously an indivisible part of Asia, this Association has fully recognized the fact that not only the population in Asia is the biggest over the world, but also the violations of human rights in terms of the numbers of the victims in Asia is a lot more than other areas.

Having reviewed the Draft Asian Human Rights Charter to be consulted in Hong Kong on the 29th January through 1st February, 1996, this Association would hereby openly express our support and appreciation in the following statements:

1. We are convinced and firmly believe that the reasons and consideration for the need for an Asian Charter on Human Rights as put forward in the proposal, especially, with respect to our common humanity as the solid base of Asian human rights;

2. We agree that under the general principle of the universality and indivisibility of human rights, there is no difference on human rights between the Western and Eastern world of the North and South, and whatsoever excuse for the difference in culture, economy, politics and etc., could be used to abuse any of human rights of Asian people;

3. We unconditionally support the concept and practice of participatory democracy as the legitimate requirement of a government so as to safeguard the people's rights including all the fundamental human rights;

4. We agree in general principle of the whole context of the draft on "A Charter of Asian Human Rights" in respect of "Right to Sustainable Development," "Women's Rights," "Children's Rights," "Indigenous/Tribal People's Rights," "Rights of Minorities," "Workers' Rights," "Rights of Refugees and Internally-Displaced Communities," "Rights of Older Persons," "Rights of Students," "Rights of Peasants and Fisher-folk," "Rights of Domestic Helpers," "Rights of Persons with HIV/AIDS," "Rights of Prisoners and Political Prisoners," "Rights of Human Rights Defenders," and "Remedies."

Especially we would emphasis the importance of "Remedies" as the practical way to protect and implement Asian human rights.

5. We take this opportunity to express our deep and sincere appreciation for Asian Human Rights Commission, the CCA, many Asian NGOs and other community organizations together with many human rights oriented individuals who have been working very hard to make this draft possible. We do hope that this draft will be formally adopted and implemented throughout Asia in the news future so that the human rights of all Asian people will be promoted and protected more and better.

(Signed) (signed)
President Vice President
Ken Huang-Chuan Chiu Stephen Sheng-Shyong Lee