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Update

The purported “values-based diplomacy” of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship must move beyond rhetoric about democratic resilience.

May 31, 2024

Press Release

Climate change leads as one of the most important issues facing the world, according to a major new survey of young people published by Amnesty International today to mark Human Rights Day.

December 9, 2019

Press Release

Responding to the news that lawmakers in Taiwan have passed a law that will see the island become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, effective from May 24, Annie Huang, Acting Director of Amnesty International Taiwan, said: “Taiwan has today made history in the fight for equality for LGBTI people. Love has won over hate, and equality has won over discrimination. This is a moment to cherish and celebrate, but it has been a long and arduous campaign for Taiwan to become the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. “We hope this landmark vote will generate waves across Asia…

May 17, 2019

Press Release

A landmark ruling by Taiwan’s highest court means it is close to becoming the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, Amnesty International said.

May 24, 2017

Press Release

On the launch of its 2015 State of the World report, Amnesty International USA urged President Obama to use his last year in office to bring U.S. laws and policies in line with international human rights standards.

February 22, 2016

Press Release

International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

February 18, 2016

Report

International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

February 18, 2016

Report

This has been a devastating year for those seeking to stand up for human rights and for those caught up in the suffering of war zones. Governments pay lip service to the importance of protecting civilians. And yet the world's politicians have miserably failed to protect those in greatest need. Amnesty International believes that this can and must finally change.

February 25, 2015

Report

TAIWAN Head of state Ma Ying-jeou Head of government Jian Yi-huah (replaced Chen Chun) Taiwan carried out six executions. As of December, prosecution and defence lawyers were required to debate sentencing and related issues in death penalty cases before the Supreme Court. Indigenous people were caught in protracted land disputes and the authorities failed to protect their rights as the post-2009 typhoon reconstruction process continued. Media monopolies expanded further. A gender equality education curriculum was implemented after a year's delay. Death penalty Six men were executed – all in December; 55 prisoners were awaiting execution and had exhausted all appeals.…

May 29, 2013

Press Release

A hard-line group of Asian countries are defying the global trend against the death penalty and putting to death thousands of people after unfair trials every year, the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) said today in a new report released at a press conference in Taiwan. Fourteen Asian countries, taken together, execute more people than the rest of the world combined.

December 6, 2011

Press Release

Contact: AIUSA media relations office, 202-509-8194 (Washington, D.C.) -- Taiwan must halt the use of the death penalty, Amnesty International said today, after the death sentence was confirmed in the country's longest-running criminal case. Chiou Ho-shun who has been detained for 23 years is now on death row facing execution following the rejection of his appeal by the Supreme Court on July 28. "The Taiwanese authorities must immediately halt the execution of Chiou Ho-shun and order his retrial with fair proceedings in line with international standards," said Sam Zarifi Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific director. "Taiwan must also introduce a moratorium on…

July 28, 2011

Report

Head of state Ma Ying-jeou Head of government Wu Den-yih (replaced Liu Chao-shiuan in September) Death penalty retentionist In March, Taiwan ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In December, an implementation act provided for a review of all laws, regulations, ordinances and administrative measures to ensure they are aligned to the Covenants within two years. A national human rights reporting system will be established to monitor implementation. Death penalty The 2006 moratorium on the death penalty remained de facto only, despite the Minister of Justice announcing her…

March 19, 2011