MOFA expresses regret at World Health Organization’s failure to invite Taiwan to 71st World Health Assembly
Statement No. 002 (05/08/2018)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expresses its sincere gratitude to diplomatic allies, the United States and other like-minded countries, distinguished domestic and overseas medical professionals, and international public health organizations for supporting Taiwan’s participation in the 71st World Health Assembly (WHA), and for urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to invite Taiwan to the event.
Inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA would not only conform to the WHO Constitution and universal values concerning human rights, but also allow Taiwan to join the efforts of WHO and countries throughout the world in promoting Universal Health Coverage, and working towards achieving their core objective of raising health standards among all mankind.
The universal value regarding human right to health, as stated clearly in the WHO Constitution that “health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition,” constitutes the foundation of inviting Taiwan to participate in WHA and in other WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms on an equal basis.
MOFA urges WHO to positively recognize the long-term public health and medical partnerships that Taiwan has established with WHO member countries, as well as Taiwan’s contributions to worldwide public health and the human right to health, and its importance as a member of the global disease prevention network.
MOFA reiterates that only the democratically elected government of Taiwan can represent its 23 million people and take responsibility for their health. On the basis of safeguarding the global human right to health and preventing gaps in the global disease prevention network, the Republic of China (Taiwan) government solemnly calls upon WHO and all the related parties to act in a spirit of inclusivity and allow Taiwan to participate in this year’s WHA, as well as WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities, creating a win-win situation for all concerned.
