The 2013 Staff Exchange Program between the Control Yuan (CY) and Ombudsman/Human Rights Offices Overseas was held from June 24 to 26. The program was joined by eight participants from Thailand, Vietnam, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Fiji, the Gambia and Swaziland.
The three-day program began with an introduction to the ROC constitutional system and control powers, lectured by CY Member and Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee, Dr. Louis Chao. The participants were then briefed on the different departments and their day-to-day work. They also toured the National Audit Office (NAO) and the Complaint Receipt Center, where they observed an actual complaint case filing to a CY member. The participants also participated in a press conference on an impeachment case and glimpsed the actual practice of control powers.
At the closing ceremony, the participants expressed their appreciation for the program and shared their feedback. Mr. Drammeh from the Gambia hoped that the cooperation between the audit offices of the two sides could be further strengthened. Ms. Blake from Nauru noted that the new President of her country, Mr. Baron Waqa, was also the participant in the same program last year. Therefore, she was hopeful for the work on establishing an ombudsman system in Nauru. The participant from Kiribati, Mr. Baantarawa, said “I love Taiwan; I love the Control Yuan” in his remarks. He also sang songs with a guitar in expression of his thanks.
The CY has held five similar programs since 2004. Over the years, the program has fostered mutual learning and international friendship.