"The Republic of China is one of the strongest countries in Asia for freedom of expression, with a thriving democratic society that has a deep influence over public policy," Premier Mao Chi-kuo said at a 2015 World Freedom Day celebration held today in Taipei.
Praising the World League for Freedom and Democracy (WLFD) for advancing the universal values of liberty and democracy and for passing on the torch of democracy, the premier expressed hopes that the league would draw the world's attention to Taiwan's unique democratic experience.
Today's World Freedom Day celebration coincides with the 61st anniversary of the WLFD, Mao pointed out. In the six decades since its founding, the league has worked to protect freedom and has established chapters around the world to advocate democracy and human rights.
In a 2013 report by U.S.-based Freedom House surveying 195 countries worldwide, Taiwan received the highest score of 1 for political rights and a 2 for civil liberties, the premier said. It was also listed as a free country for the 15th consecutive year.
In the new year ahead, Premier Mao hopes the WLFD will help the ROC government promote two diplomacy goals. The first is to strengthen ties with international nongovernmental organizations having cooperative ties with the United Nations and participate in issues important to the U.N. The second, to encourage Taiwanese youth to interact with their international counterparts through courses co-organized by the U.N. World Youth Alliance and universities in Taiwan.