The European Union released its Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World for 2014. Taiwan was found to meet international standards for human rights and democracy.
The report released on Monday featured 139 countries. Taiwan was found to meet global standards for human rights and democracy, but the EU also stated its stance that the death penalty should be abolished.
The report expressed concern for human rights problems in China. This includes the lack of freedom of speech and internet freedom and human rights issues with minorities such as Uighurs and Tibetans. The EU said it wants to see China approve the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It also noted that China leads the world in the number of executions, thought that number is declining.
As for Hong Kong, the EU expressed concern over the election of the Chief Executive in 2017. It noted the calls for democratic elections through demonstrations last July and October. The EU said it would continue to support civil society in Hong Kong through human rights groups and Non-Governmental Organizations.