Past Recipients Print
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Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances Received the 2016 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award |
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In a ceremony at its office this morning, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) presented this year’s Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD). AFAD is a regional federation of human rights organizations working on the issue of forced disappearances, with its headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
President Tsai Ing-wen was invited to present the award sculpture to AFAD Secretary-General Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso. Then Legislative Yuan Speaker and TFD Chairperson Su Jia-chyuan presented the award grant of 100,000 US Dollars to Ms. Diez-Bacalso on behalf of AFAD.
Speaking before presenting the Award, President Tsai expressed her respect for AFAD, saying, “Despite facing political pressure and lack of resources, AFAD has steadfastly continued its efforts to rescue the disappeared and speak out for the families of the victims. This is a very difficult, but very important mission.” President Tsai noted, “In the past, during Taiwan’s pursuit of freedom and human rights, the international community gave us much encouragement and support. Today, we are a true democracy, and we are willing to share our experiences and resources with the international community, particularly with those regions and peoples who are still struggling for democracy and freedom.” President Tsai continued, “I hope that the TFD can play a role to promote progressive forces in Asia, in order that the ideals of democracy, freedom, and human rights can penetrate every corner of Asia, and indeed the world.”
Chairperson Su also congratulated AFAD, explaining, “The purpose of the establishment of Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award is, maintaining the spirit of ‘remember from history, passing on the future,’ to encourage individuals or organizations that have demonstrated long-term commitment and outstanding leadership in advancing democracy or human rights in Asia.” Chairperson Su expressed his particular appreciation for the work of AFAD, adding, “In the Martial Law era, a large number of cases of political disappearances also occurred in Taiwan. Many Taiwanese were taken away for questioning for no clear reason, and sometimes they were never heard from again. I was involved in some of the efforts to rescue such people. Thus, I can deeply empathize with the kind of fear and torment felt by the families of the disappeared. Furthermore, I deeply understand how difficult the situation of human rights organizations is, facing the limitless power of the rulers in an authoritarian country. To stand up against such a government is definitely not easy.”
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Diez-Bacalso expressed her gratitude on behalf of AFAD, saying, “The Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award bestowed upon the Taiwan Democracy Foundation to AFAD will… amplify our voices, fortify our efforts and multiply our gains here in Asia. Coming from Taiwan, which has a common experience of enforced disappearances during an authoritarian rule, this award is a noble expression of friendship and solidarity.” Ms. Diez-Bacalso added, “The heartening news of our winning the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award came at a time when our Chairperson, Mr. Khurram Parvez, was persecuted – arbitrarily detained for 76 days by Indian authorities. Detained on 16 September, he was released on 30 November – barely more than a week ago.” Ms. Diez-Bacalso dedicated the Award “to all the disappeared in Asia and the rest of the world… who are spiritually present here and now, and in whose names we are receiving this award,” as well as “to the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, children of the disappeared.”
The ceremony was attended by approximately 80 guests, notably including two members of the international review panel: Dr. Sima Samar, Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and the 2008 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award laureate, and Mr. Nicholas Bequelin, East Asia Director of Amnesty International, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, Taiwanese civil society, and academia. At the beginning of the ceremony, a dance performance commemorating human rights victims was performed by members of the Tsai Jui-Yueh Dance Foundation.
Press release
President's speech
Chairman's speech
Ms. Bacalso's speech
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances Receives the 2016 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) held a press conference at the briefing room in Legislative Yuan. TFD Chairman Su Jia-chyuan announced the 2016 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) will be awarded to Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD). AFAD is a regional federation of human rights organizations working directly on the issue of forced disappearances, with its headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
At the press conference, president Szu-chien Hsu introduced the background of ADHRA and its review process this year. Then, in his speech, Chairman Su mentioned that, when Taiwan was under authoritarian rule, there were also a large number of forced disappearances by the government, and he had taken part in rescue missions for some of the cases. Therefore he can deeply empathize with the fear of the victims’ families. Precisely because we have witnessed this history of bloodshed and tears, not only do we realize the perspectives of freedom and democracy, but also we admire and are grateful for the selfless contributions of human rights organizations.
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy will host the 11th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony on December 10th, 2016, International Human Rights Day. The AFAD delegation, led by its Secretary-General, will come to Taipei to receive the award.
For more details, please see news release (English version)
