On the morning of December 10, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan attended the 19th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award Ceremony at the Taipei Guest House in his capacity as Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. Distinguished guests in attendance included President Lai Ching-Te, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. François Chihchung Wu, and Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Executive Director Liao Da-Chi. Joining them were representatives from this year’s awardee, the Bangladesh-based Odhikar Human Rights Foundation: Mr. ASM Nasiruddin Elan, Dr. Saira Rahman Khan, and Ms. Taskin Fahmina. Nearly 100 attendees, including foreign diplomats stationed in Taiwan, were also in attendance. The event opened with a performance by Suming Rupi, a renowned Amis singer-songwriter from Taitung and winner of multiple Taiwanese music awards, where he performed the songs “Applaud Yourself” and “Don't Give Up.”
President Han began his remarks by extending greetings to the distinguished guests and expressing gratitude for their attendance. He highlighted the significance of presenting the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award on December 10, which is International Human Rights Day. President Han noted that since the establishment of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy in 2003, it has been dedicated to strengthening democracy and protecting human rights. In 2006, the foundation inaugurated the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to honor individuals or organizations making exceptional contributions to advancing democracy and human rights. Over the years, the award has become one of the most prestigious and influential human rights accolades in Asia.
President Han next congratulated this year’s awardee, the Bangladesh-based Odhikar Human Rights Foundation, and praised its impactful efforts. Since its founding in 1994, the foundation has actively promoted democracy and human rights in Bangladesh through research, advocacy, monitoring, and training. It has trained over 400 human rights defenders and achieved remarkable results in empowering citizens, safeguarding human rights, and furthering issue advocacy. Odhikar’s annual human rights reports have monitored civic rights issues and government transparency while exposing human rights abuses in Bangladesh. Notably, Odhikar’s efforts led the Bangladeshi government to sign the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 2010 and to participate in international investigations of persecutions against the Rohingya people from 2016 onward, contributing significantly to global human rights cooperation.
President Han introduced the three outstanding individuals representing Odhikar at the ceremony: Mr. ASM Nasiruddin Elan, a key leader of the foundation who has steadfastly upheld the protection of human rights despite governmental pressure and challenges, exemplifying his fearless dedication; Dr. Saira Rahman Khan, a professor at BRAC University specializing in international law, gender equality, and social justice who has driven social change through teaching, publications, and research; and Ms. Taskin Fahmina, a senior member of Odhikar and Vice Chairperson of Forum-Asia who has long been involved in investigating human rights violations, providing psychosocial support training, and advocating for gender-related issues.
President Han emphasized that the award not only acknowledges Odhikar’s 30 years of outstanding contributions but also seeks to inspire more human rights advocates in Asia to champion the values of democracy and human rights. He highlighted Taiwan’s efforts in institutionalizing human rights protection, such as passing the Act to Implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 2009, and regularly publishing the Human Rights Report. He added that the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission under the Control Yuan further demonstrates Taiwan’s role as a beacon of freedom and democracy. In closing, President Han, serving as Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees. He encouraged continued efforts to bring together sparks of light to illuminate the dark corners of the world where human rights remain unmet. By channeling the power of human goodwill, he envisioned building a world that is more democratic, open, and secure.
The ceremony continued with President Lai Ching-Te delivering remarks and presenting the award trophy, followed by President Han awarding the prize money to the recipients and taking group photos. Dr. Saira Rahman Khan then delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech. The event concluded successfully after approximately 40 minutes.
