Do Lawyers Deserve Human Rights? Such a Humble Request! ~ Joint Statement in Support of Chinese Human Rights Lawyers
Last edited: 2026-08-26
"I do not agree with what you have to say but I'll defend to death your right to say it."
Upholding Human Rights and the Rule of Law is a Lawyer's Vocation
If you believe that everyone has the right to assistance from a lawyer, this is a universal value. If you believe that it is only natural for lawyers to strive for the lawful rights of defendants, this is a lawyer's vocation. If you believe that in order to uphold human rights and the rule of law, lawyers should not suffer or be punished simply for uttering words unpalatable to those in power, then we must stand up and let them know our support. Supporting human rights and the rule of law is a matter of right and wrong in our choice of values; silence is joining the structure of complicity.
Concern for Human Rights and the Rule of Law is Also Protecting Taiwan
The Chinese government is currently engaged in an unprecedented, massive wave of arrests, enforced disappearances, interrogations, and summonses targeting human rights lawyers and human rights workers, which especially warrants our concern and solidarity. With cross-strait exchanges becoming increasingly frequent, if Chinese lawyers cannot even protect themselves, how can they protect Taiwanese people doing business or traveling in China? At the same time, we cannot ignore the potential impact that China's continuous decline in the rule of law may have on Taiwan, nor the bad example it might set for Taiwan's rulers. Caring about Chinese human rights lawyers is safeguarding Taiwan's legal environment.
The Admirable Courage of Chinese Human Rights Lawyers
Having experienced the authoritarian era of martial law, Taiwan deeply understands that democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are hard-won fruits of continuous struggle by enlightened individuals rather than gifts from the heavens or acts of charity by authorities. The Chinese government is currently suppressing China's future conscience and hope. Much like Taiwan's early democracy pioneers, these individuals are not unaware of the potential dangers and harms they face, yet driven by their belief in human rights and the conscience of the rule of law, they bravely speak the words lawyers ought to speak and do what they ought to do. Their courage is admirable, and having just emerged from an authoritarian era ourselves, we ought all the more to voice our unwavering support!
Contact Person for the Statement
Kao Jung-chih, Executive Director, Judicial Reform Foundation 02-25231178
This article is an AI-generated translation of the original Chinese text. In the event of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.