Establishing a National Human Rights Institution—Taiwan in Global Trends

Abstract

The UN has been promoting the establishment of independent NHRIs for several decades and the Paris Principles were passed as the international standards thereof. All treaty bodies believe that NHRIs are positive actors in the implementation of human rights treaties. There are currently 146 NHRIs, having been implemented in over 70% of the world’s states. It can be observed that there have been two high tides of NHRI establishment between 1990 and 2009 during which 77% of the world’s NHRIs were established. This chapter explores Taiwan’s preparatory work in establishing a NHRI in line with global trends. The analysis focuses on three main issues, including historical developments, model types, and accreditation results. It examines both the global trends and Taiwanese endeavors. It explains that only two NHRI models, an independent human rights commission or a human rights ombudsman—the models adopted by most states, are proposed in Taiwan. It also observes that elements such as time, region and model are not key factors in accreditation. When Taiwan prepares to establish a NHRI, competence and responsibility, composition, independence and methods of operation are, in truth, the essential elements to be complied with.