The Role of NGOs in Monitoring the Implementation of Human Rights Treaty Obligations

The ratification of the Covenants through the enactment of the “Act to Implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights” in 2009 brought a new model of operation for human rights NGOs, in particular taking advantage of the review of the state human rights reports and the follow-up of the Concluding Observations and Recommendations. NGOs are now able to engage with the government on human rights issues on a scale unprecedented in Taiwan’s modern history. This chapter gives an account of three stages in the development of this model: (1) the influence of NGOs, although limited in number, on high officials during President Chen Shui-bian’s terms from 2000 to 2008; (2) the influence of core NGOs, particularly those participating in Covenants Watch, in shaping the format of the state reports and its reviews; (3) the involvement of many more NGOs and individuals in the review and follow-up processes. The chapter also identifies the limitations of this operation around the review of the state reports, especially when facing the institutional deficiencies of the government, and in providing adequate training of civil servants, teachers, the police, and judges.