May 22, 2017
No.081
The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is extremely disappointed that Taiwanese journalists are being denied press passes for the 70th World Health Assembly being convened in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 22. Taiwan calls on WHO members and the international media to urge the WHO to respect the freedom of the press, and to refrain from depriving Taiwanese media, for political reasons, of the right to report on the meeting.
As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the WHO has a responsibility to protect the right of all peoples around the world to knowledge and freedom of speech. The WHO works for the public interest by ensuring the health security of all humankind. Unfortunately, the WHO has buckled under political pressure and is restricting Taiwan’s press access to the assembly. This is a serious violation of a universal human right and the principle of justice for all that the UN aims to embody. MOFA has requested that Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and other friendly nations alike strongly protest to the WHO and jointly defend the freedom of the press.
MOFA reiterates that the WHO should adhere to its own constitution, and strive to advance the health of all humankind without distinction of race, religion, political belief, and economic or social condition. It should respect and uphold the right of Taiwanese journalists to cover the meeting, and protect the freedom of the press. (E)