May 21, 2018
No. 112
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) strongly protests and condemns the denial of press passes to Taiwanese media for the 71st World Health Assembly, which commenced on May 21 in Geneva, Switzerland.
MOFA calls on all member states of the World Health Organization, as well as international media, to join Taiwan in demanding that WHO respect and uphold the freedom of the press, not serve particular political interests, and not infringe on the right of Taiwanese media to cover the WHA.
MOFA also urges WHO to keep in mind the events of 15 years ago, when the SARS outbreak resulted in the deaths of many people due to inadequate media coverage of its spread and development.
As the most important international health agency, WHO is responsible for the health security of all mankind. Therefore, it should staunchly defend the right to information of people around the world when it comes to matters of health. By denying press passes for the WHA to Taiwanese media as a result of political factors, WHO has seriously violated common human rights as enshrined by the United Nations and contravened the principles of fairness and justice.
MOFA reiterates that WHO should act in accordance with its own Constitution, protect the health and wellbeing of all people, respect the freedom of the press, and uphold the right of Taiwanese media to cover the WHA. MOFA will continue to consult with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, so as to amplify expressions of protest and dissatisfaction, and urge WHO not to yield to political pressure. (E)