President Han: The work of defending democracy and human rights will always be a cause worth supporting, remembering, and sustaining. I look forward to our collective and continued efforts.
President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) of the Legislative Yuan, serving as Chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), attended the 2025 20th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony at the Taipei Guest House this morning (10th). Distinguished guests included President Lai Ching-Te, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-Chi, TFD President Liao Da-Chi, and the award recipients: Chairman Julius Ibrani, Ms. Regina JBF Astuti, and Ms. Aldeta Oktaviyani. Members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance. The event opened with a performance of "Angela" and "Bsiyaq ini priyux (Eternity)" by Kumu Basaw, an award-winning Seediq singer-songwriter from Nantou.
In his opening remarks, President Han welcomed guests to the 2025 20th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony on behalf of the TFD. He noted that since its inception in 2006, the award has honored activists throughout Asia who champion democracy and human rights. These individuals demonstrate immense conviction and courage in defending universal values under challenging conditions. President Han emphasized that during this era of global democratic backsliding—where the vulnerabilities and unmet needs of the marginalized are increasingly evident—tangible support is vital. This support brings international attention to those who risk everything to drive justice and reform and give a voice to the voiceless. Today’s ceremony, he stated, is a sincere tribute to these courageous fighters.
Following a rigorous review by a panel of domestic and international experts, the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) was selected as this year’s recipient. On behalf of the TFD, President Han extended his heartfelt congratulations to the PBHI, commending their 30-year commitment to protecting the legal rights of the underprivileged and advancing institutional reform. He praised the organization for steadfastly upholding human rights even as the space for civil society in Indonesia has come under increasing pressure.
President Han highlighted the PBHI’s extensive presence across Indonesia’s islands, where it has long provided essential legal aid to the underprivileged and brought to light human rights issues often neglected during the country’s democratization. By documenting cases of arbitrary arrests, forced evictions, and violations of the right to life, the PBHI has shown the world the power of courage and faith in the face of adversity. President Han remarked that such a spirit is exceptionally rare and moving in today's world.
President Han further asserted that as the TFD Chairman, he believes freedom and democracy are universal values that must be guarded, expanded, and put into practice. While 2024 was a major election year with over 70 countries heading to the polls, Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2025 report noted that it also marked the 19th consecutive year of decline in global freedom. In the face of these shifting global trends and challenges, President Han stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has both the duty and the capability to work with international partners to project the power of democracy and human rights across more borders. President Han added that in the future, the TFD will continue to stand with civil society partners across Asia and the globe, supporting frontline activists and ensuring that more voices that need to be heard are heard by the world.
In closing, President Han congratulated the PBHI once more. He emphasized that the ceremony was more than just an award; it was a declaration to the world that the defense of democracy and human rights will always be a cause worth supporting, remembering, and sustaining. He called on all present to continue these vital efforts together.
The ceremony continued with a speech by President Lai, who presented the award trophy. President Han then presented the prize grant and joined the recipients for a group photo. Chairman Ibrani delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of the PBHI. The event concluded successfully after approximately one hour.
