SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This chapter contributes to the growing literature on international human rights and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Taiwan. Despite decades of debate, Taiwan has never established a NHRI that complies with international human rights norms. At present, Taiwan is confronted with three viable options: the creation of an independent NHRI, the creation of a national commission under the Office of the President, or the reform of the Control Yuan into a NHRI. In this chapter, I focus on the latter option: the use of the Control Yuan as a NHRI. Specifically, I consider the historical relationship of the Control Yuan to human rights in Taiwan, and further consider the socio-legal as well as constitutional, implications of reforming this branch of government into a NHRI that complies with international human rights norms.