Taiwanese people should not be deprived of their rights to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA). That’s the word from incoming Cabinet spokesperson Tung Chen-yuan on Tuesday.
Taiwan has participated in the World Health Assembly as an observer since 2009, but has yet to receive an official invitation this year.
Tung said that health is a universal human right. Taiwan’s medical contribution has been outstanding. Tung said Taiwan’s epidemic prevention system has been an integral part of the world and Taiwan should not be deprived of its right to join the WHA.
“We believe and advocate that Taiwan’s international participation including in the World Health Organization should be meaningful, comprehensive and with dignity," said Tung. "The right to health and to participate in international organizations should not be denied to the Taiwanese for any reason.”
Meanwhile, foreign ministry spokesperson Eleanor Wang said that Taiwan’s representative office in Geneva has been in constant contact with the WHO. Wang said that the WHO is still working on Taiwan’s invitation.