Taiwan and EU hold sixth edition of human rights consultations

The sixth edition of the annual consultations on human rights between Taiwan and the European Union (EU) will be carried out in Brussels, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international human rights standards, the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.

The event was co-chaired by Minister without Portfolio Lo Ping-cheng; the director of the Human Rights Division of the European External Action Service, Luisa Ragher; and the director of the Division for China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia of the European External Action Service, Dominic Porter, added the MOFA.

According to the ministry, the consultations were held in a constructive and open atmosphere that provided an opportunity for both sides to review recent developments and provide updates on their respective policies and priorities for action.

During the event, Taiwan shared information related to its National Action Plan on Human Rights 2020-2024 and the National Action Plan on Fisheries and Human Rights 2020-2025.

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The EU presented the results of its ongoing mid-term review of the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, a recently adopted anti-corruption package and efforts to boost accountability, among other topics.

Specific topics discussed by both sides included human rights—including the protection of LGBTI people and immigrant workers, such as domestic workers and workers in the fishing industry—gender equality, business rights, and education. in human rights, MOFA noted.

The EU also reaffirmed its longstanding opposition to the death penalty, urging Taiwan to abolish the punishment.

According to the MOFA, Taiwan will continue to work with the EU to address the issues outlined during the consultations on the basis of shared values ​​and principles.