On December 10, 2024, in honor of United Nations Human Rights Day, an international webinar titled “The Tai Ji Men Case: Human Rights vs. Human Wrongs” was held, organized by CESNUR and Human Rights Without Frontiers. Scholars and Tai Ji Men practitioners gathered to shed light on ongoing human rights violations affecting Tai Ji Men in Taiwan and beyond. The event juxtaposed the ideals of human rights against the grim realities of oppression and injustice.
Michele Olzi from the University of Insubria opened the first session, discussing the implications of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) as outlined in UN Human Rights Covenants. Drawing on Jack Donnelly’s analysis, Olzi emphasized that human rights constitute legal entitlements, not merely ethical values. He highlighted that Tai Ji Men’s rights were blatantly denied through a fabricated legal case initiated in 1996, wrongful confiscation of their sacred land in 2020, and continuing judicial failures even as recently as August 2, 2024.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s message for Human Rights Day underscored the increasing violation of these rights worldwide, advocating for their indivisibility. Michele Olzi introduced renowned scholars Massimo Introvigne and Hans Noot. Introvigne explored the historical perspectives on rights, emphasizing the moral responsibility of states to rectify injustices, contrasting this with the persistent wrongs inflicted upon Tai Ji Men by Taiwanese authorities.
Noot spoke about contemporary human rights violations manifesting in various forms, including persecution and denial of freedoms, spotlighting Tai Ji Men as a case exemplifying such oppression. He urged that any acts of persecution be condemned, especially when targeting benevolent groups like Tai Ji Men, noted for their commitment to peace and human rights.
The second session, chaired by Willy Fautré, featured a poignant story of injustice from 200 CE, reflecting on society’s capacity for wrongful judgment. He outlined seven specific injustices faced by Tai Ji Men: the fabricated case’s initiation, unjust detentions, false victim claims, coerced tax fabrication, seizure of sacred land, the arrest of a demonstrator, and the biased court ruling in 2024.
Five Tai Ji Men dizi shared personal experiences shaping their understanding of integrity and social rectitude. Rita Shen, an educator, reflected on the challenge of accountability among students, mirroring society’s refusal to admit wrongdoing. Jerry Kan highlighted systemic tax injustices, recalling his ordeal as an estate administrator. Meanwhile, Luna Ho spoke of the isolation faced by Tai Ji Men adherents after the initial raid, underscoring a collective call for reform in the tax system.
Joffrey Hung, a Taiwanese student in Canada, broadened the perspective, asserting that the issues faced by Tai Ji Men are part of a larger narrative of human rights violations globally. Wu Chih-Chung addressed the historical context of Taiwan’s tax system, connecting contemporary injustices to past practices, urging reform aligned with international human rights standards.
Marco Respinti concluded the webinar by emphasizing that the ongoing necessity of Human Rights Day reveals persistent breaches while tyrants continue to redefine these rights to justify violations. He called for United Nations intervention in the Tai Ji Men case, highlighting its clear violation of recognized human rights frameworks. The event closed with musical tributes celebrating universal human rights and a heartfelt request for justice for Tai Ji Men.
A webinar titled “The Tai Ji Men Case: Human Rights vs. Human Wrongs” celebrated Human Rights Day, revealing ongoing injustices against Tai Ji Men internationally. Scholars emphasized the importance of freedom of religion and legal entitlements in human rights, detailing specific wrongs faced since 1996. The event highlighted personal testimonies from Tai Ji Men practitioners, calling for universal reform and recognition of injustices in Taiwan’s tax system. Guest speakers called for global solidarity in addressing human rights violations.
The webinar marking Human Rights Day served as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for justice faced by Tai Ji Men in Taiwan. As speakers articulated, human rights are integral legal entitlements that must not be disregarded or maligned, with each violation resonating universally. The participants’ personal testimonies underscored a collective call for acknowledgment and reform, aiming to rectify historical injustices and forge a path towards a more equitable society. In the shadow of ongoing violations, the pursuit of rights remains a critical endeavor that requires global attention and unwavering solidarity.
The Tai Ji Men case is emblematic of broader issues related to human rights abuses in Taiwan, representing a unique intersection of legal and spiritual struggles. For nearly three decades, practitioners of Tai Ji Men have faced systemic injustices, including fabricated accusations, wrongful detentions, and violations of their religious freedoms. The ongoing discrimination and the fight for recognition highlight the importance of international advocacy for human rights. This case has drawn global attention, prompting discussions about legal entitlements versus moral values in the context of human rights. Human Rights Day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to address these injustices, fostering solidarity among those advocating for freedom and dignity in the face of oppression. The collective voices of Tai Ji Men practitioners and supporters aim to rectify past wrongs and uphold the principles of justice and equality.
Original Source: bitterwinter.org
