On May 16, 2023, the Committee on Domestic and Ethnic Affairs of the Control Yuan convened an inquiry session. This session concerned a corrective case against the Hsinchu County Government regarding their handling of an urban renewal project in Hsinchu city.
The government was found to have forgone procedures related to the demolition of above-ground properties required by Urban Renewal Act, resulting in the forced demolition of homes and improper compensation to residents. This violates the protection of the “right to adequate housing” under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and the purpose of the Act to Implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Taiwan ratified both ICCPR and ICESCR in March 2009). To date, the Hsinchu County Government has yet to properly address or actively improve the situation.
In accordance with Article 25 of the Control Act, if corrective measures have been issued but not implemented, the Control Yuan may inquire about the matter. If appropriate action is still not taken after the inquiry, impeachment proceedings may be initiated for dereliction of duty.
The Hsinchu City Government sent a letter to the Hsinchu County Government and the implementing agency on February 10, 2023, requesting a correction to the report and the re-convening of a self-administered public hearing. The Control Yuan’s Committee on Domestic and Ethnic Affairs suggests that the Hsinchu County Government should promptly coordinate with the Hsinchu City Government’s review opinions to ensure the completion of relocations, facilitating urban renewal project progress.