The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) raises its serious concern about the impact of proposed budget cuts on the operation and functioning of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Taiwan.

Preliminary estimates of the approved budgetary bill suggest that the operational budget for the NHRC will be reduced by at least 90%. These cuts will directly impact the NHRC’s capacity to perform its mandate, including conducting research on human rights issues, investigating complaints of human rights violations and discrimination, and developing educational and promotional resources for human rights.

The proposed budget cuts will severely undermine the financial independence and stability of the NHRC. Insufficient funding will severely impact its ability to serve the public.

The proposed budget cuts also undermine the NHRC’s compliance with the minimum international standards contained in the United Nations Principles on the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles) which state that a national institution …”shall have an infrastructure which is suited to the smooth conduct of its activities, in particular adequate funding. The purpose of this funding should be to enable it to have its own staff and premises, in order to be independent of the Government and not be subject to financial control which might affect its independence.

The APF calls on the State to ensure the financial independence and continued functioning of the Commission, in alignment with the constitutional framework and international standards.

Samar Haj Hassan Chairperson Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions