TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislative Yuan (立法院) President Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) emphasized safeguarding freedom and democracy at the 20th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony Wednesday (Dec. 10). The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD, 台灣民主基金會) held the ceremony at the Taipei Guest House (台北賓館). Han, serving as TFD chairman, asserted the Republic of China (ROC, 中華民國), Taiwan's official name, has the responsibility and capability to collaborate with international partners to extend democracy and human rights across more borders.
The Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI, 印尼法律援助與人權協會) received this year's award for championing democracy and human rights under challenging conditions. Han noted the award, established in 2006, recognizes activists persistently advocating for justice, reform, and the voiceless, especially during global democratic regression. Han congratulated PBHI on behalf of TFD, acknowledging their long-term efforts providing equal legal aid and highlighting overlooked human rights issues in Indonesia's democratization.
Han expressed gratitude to all partners concerned with Asian democracy and human rights, noting TFD's ongoing progress within the international human rights network thanks to widespread support. He pledged continued collaboration with civil society partners in Asia and globally to support frontline activists. Han believes the ceremony encourages laureates and signals to the world that defending democracy and human rights is a cause worthy of support, remembrance, and continuation. ◼