Taiwan is both able and determined to play a more active role in advancing democracy and human rights globally, President Tsai Ing-wen (???) said Friday while congratulating the Afghan winner of a Taiwan-sponsored human rights award.

“We will continue to share experiences with our friends around the world and spread our values of freedom and democracy to enrich the lives of people everywhere,” she said on International Human Rights Day.

Tsai talked up Taiwan’s democracy in a video speech to congratulate Women for Justice Organization founder Humaira Resuli for winning the 2021 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA).

Established by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the ADHRA is awarded every year to honor individuals or organizations that have demonstrated long-term commitment and outstanding leadership in advancing democracy or human rights through peaceful means in Asia.

“Having once lived in Pakistan as a refugee, Rasuli has for the past 20 years stood on the front lines of the women’s rights movement in Afghanistan, and is herself a renowned human rights lawyer and trauma counselor,” Tsai said in her speech.

Even amid instability in Afghanistan, she has never shied away from adversity, and has demonstrated remarkable resilience in her pursuit of legal reform, including advocating laws that protect women’s rights and seeking dignity for victims of violence, Tsai said.

Her bravery and persistence, she said, have “earned her widespread respect.”

The path to democracy and safeguarding human rights has never been an easy one, Tsai said, but Taiwan endured years of authoritarian rule and understands how important it is to strengthen its democracy.

“Taiwanese people are committed to freedom and democracy, and to our way of life defined by these values,” she said.

The ADHRA was first awarded in 2006, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual award ceremony was held virtually this year.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel