Lecture | Two Covenants Review is Approaching: How Do Indigenous Youth Respond? Indigenous Human Rights Classroom

To mark Human Rights Day on December 10, this lecture invites Indigenous youth working in civil society organizations to share Indigenous perspectives on the domestic implementation of international human rights covenants. In preparation for next year's review of the Two Covenants—the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)—Indigenous groups have also jointly submitted a parallel report focusing on a range of Indigenous issues. They hope to respond to the state report from an Indigenous human rights perspective while offering critical observations and recommendations.

But what are Indigenous human rights? Why do Indigenous peoples need to participate in movements surrounding international human rights covenants? Human rights are often treated as universal values, while Indigenous rights are frequently understood and interpreted through the lens of cultural relativism. Does this mean that the two are in tension or even mutually contradictory? From the perspective of Indigenous subjectivity, can participation in international human rights mechanisms itself be understood as an exercise of sovereignty?

Through accessible explanations by the speakers, this lecture will help the public better understand what Indigenous human rights are, while also exploring lesser-known issues that may previously have gone unnoticed.

Time

Friday, December 12, 2025, 19:00–21:00

Venue

Koo Kwang-Ming Foundation Office (3F., No. 266, Songjiang Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City)

Organizer

Taiwan Indigenous Youth Public Participation Association

Co-Organizers

Koo Kwang-Ming Foundation

Judicial Reform Foundation

Online Registration

Moderator

▌Yuli Ciwas｜Secretary-General, Taiwan Indigenous Youth Public Participation Association / Atayal

Of mixed Atayal and Han ancestry, Yuli Ciwas began participating in the international review process for the Two Covenants more than a decade ago, starting—quite literally—with a cup of coffee. Yuli has long focused on advocacy relating to Indigenous issues and currently serves as Secretary-General of the Taiwan Indigenous Youth Public Participation Association. In Yuli's own self-deprecating words, the role is "nothing particularly extraordinary," except that it comes with a modest salary.

Panelists

▌Nikal Kabala'an (Margaret Yun-Pu Tu)｜Vice President, Pacific Alliance For Autonomous Traditions, Indigenous Sovereignty (PAFATIS) / Pangcah (Amis)

Currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Law at the University of Washington and an affiliate of the UW Center for American Indian & Indigenous Studies, Nikal Kabala'an (Margaret Yun-Pu Tu) has long focused on Indigenous self-determination and cultural rights, with research also examining the intersections of law and technology. Her writings have appeared in Taiwan Politics, Global Taiwan Brief, Policy Options, East Asia Forum, and other publications.

▌Cheng-Ching Lin｜Legislative Policy Researcher, Judicial Reform Foundation / Amis

A graduate of the Graduate Institute of Law at National Taiwan University, Cheng-Ching Lin wrote a master's thesis on Indigenous transitional justice. Through his work, he became involved in the international review process for the Two Covenants and has long followed the relationship between the Indigenous movement and legal reform. He has consistently maintained that action depends on knowledge and that one's social position shapes the way one sees the world. His current research focuses on decolonization, and he reflects on the ambiguity of what "Taiwan" means for Indigenous peoples—whether it excludes them or includes them.

▌Savungaz Valincinan｜Chairperson, Taiwan Indigenous Youth Public Participation Association / Bunun

A graduate student at the Graduate Institute of Law at National Dong Hwa University, Savungaz Valincinan has long participated in Indigenous rights movements and has stood on the front lines advocating for Taiwan's Indigenous peoples. Having contributed to parallel reports for the Two Covenants on multiple occasions, Savungaz has developed deep reflections on the legalization and institutionalization of Indigenous rights. Savungaz has also run for the Legislative Yuan and believes that reform from within political institutions is necessary, while continuing to consider possible strategies and paths forward for the Indigenous movement.

Contact Person

Cheng-Ching Lin｜Legislative Policy Researcher

kacan@jrf.org.tw

(02) 2523-1178 #14