Former member of the US House of Representative Ms. Marjorie Margolies and former Legal Advisor to US President Bill Clinton Mr. Ken Jacobsen put in a courtesy call to the Control Yuan (CY) President Chang Po-ya on the morning of June 3.
In her opening remarks, President Chang welcomed the guests and briefed them on the CY's human rights protection work. The guests also shared their own career experience. Ms. Margolies noted that she had been serving as a reporter and a member of the House of Representatives, and has put great focus on women and human rights. In recent years, she embarked on a campaign to encourage women’s participation in public affairs. She particularly noted that an international survey suggests that Taiwan is ranked number two in the world in terms of women's participation in public affairs. She said that the appointment of President Chang as the first female head of one of the five branches of government in Taiwan, well exemplifies this survey result.
Mr. Jacobsen also shared his experience serving as a legal advisor in the White House during Clinton's administration, as well as his academic study of Sports Law. He emphasized that the rule of law and justice give a solid foundation for human rights. He also praised values the CY for its role in human rights protection. He said that this was his first visit to Taiwan and hoped to return again and stay longer next time.
The guests were invited by the Association of World Citizens and College of Law at National Taiwan University. During their stay in Taiwan from May 26 to June 4, they attended several academic forums and seminars on human rights issues.
Also attending the CY meeting were CY Vice President and Convener of Committee on Human Rights Protection Mr. Sun Ta-chuan, Secretary-General Mr. Fu Meng-jung and Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Hsu Hai-chuan. After meeting with President Chang, the guests were given a guided tour to the CY Display Room, Plenary Meeting Hall, and Complaint Receipt Center.