The New Era of Peace for International Human Rights

Anniversary of World Citizenship Day in Taiwan
The 2002 World Citizens Human Rights Workshop
A Series of Activities Launched from Today

Released Immediately
Date: April 2, 2002
Released by: Association of World Citizens Taiwan
Federation of World Peace and Love
Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

To celebrate the anniversary of "World Citizenship Day in Taiwan," the Association of World Citizens (AWC) Taiwan and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) launched a number of activities from April 1, 2002, at the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy. The martial arts group, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, was invited to sponsor the event. The 2002 World Citizens Human Rights Workshop on April 1 marked the beginning of the event, followed by endorsements for the "Declaration of Human Rights for World Citizens." Those who support the importance of human rights are welcome to access the websites (www.worldcitizens.org.tw, www.fowpal.org, or www.taijimen.org ) to post your signature.

The workshop covered four topics: (1) The significance of human rights in a democratic society, (2) Democratic society and freedom of speech, (3) How to spread the concept of human rights through peace education, and (4) How to promote human rights through global organizations. Other than delegates from Taiwan (including aborigines), there were delegates from Canada and the U.S. (New York, Los Angeles, and San Jose). Reputable guests were also present. The President of AWC Taiwan, Dr. Hong Tao Tze, stated in his speech that "The origin of peace comes from harmony between man and nature; human rights come from respect among peoples." He further indicated the method of practice as "With love as the motivation, cultural exchange combines our spiritual strength so to share freedom among world citizens, to protect human rights, and to reach the goal of world peace."

The "Declaration of Human Rights of World Citizens" is the resolution of this workshop, and "Protection of human rights," "Freedom of speech," "Judicial reform," and "following the just code of procedure" are also four major topics being widely discussed. It is our hope that world leaders will strive to protect their citizens and keep them free from fear. This Declaration will soon be sent throughout the world for signature collection, which will then be submitted to the United Nations.

The President of AWC, Mr. Douglas Mattern, was unable to attend the conference in person, but sent a letter of greeting, in which he wrote: "We have held 11 World Citizen Assemblies in cities around the world, but the Taiwan Assembly will be remembered as one of the best." He also valued and recognized the importance of the workshop. He indicated that "The theme of your meeting is wonderfully set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We need to use this document more and expose it to our schools, churches, and politicians, and use it more within our own movement."

Last year, the 2001 World Citizens Assembly took place at the Grand Hotel in Taipei, where over 400 honorable representatives from all over the world held open dialogues. Within a few months, the "Peace Declaration," which was the resolution from the workshops, contained signatures from over 320,000 people from around the world. Signatures were submitted to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan by Elaine Valdov, Chairman of the 53rd UN/NGO annual conference. During the 2001 World Citizens Assembly, another significant event occurred. Witnessed by President Chen Shui-bian, Dr. Hong Tao Tze, President of AWC Taiwan, announced April 1, 2001, as "World Citizenship Day in Taiwan."

Websites for the signature campaign:
AWC Taiwan : www.worldcitizens.org.tw
FOWPAL : www.fowpal.org
Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy : www.taijimen.org