良心時代運動

An Era of Conscience

International Forum in Support of 2017 UN Human Rights Day: Refused to Be Victims of Silence

By Amy Chen, Cupertino CA

 
Participants wished themselves to implement human rights and spread love & peace.  

On the evening of December 9, 2017, the UN NGO Association for World Citizens hosted an international forum on “International forum in Support of 2017 UN Human Rights Day” in Cupertino, Silicon Valley, California to respond to UN Human Rights Day. Experts from different perspectives, representatives of different industries, observed and discussed the importance of human rights in life. The panelists included Alan Hung, a 10th grade high school student; Kent Wu, software engineer; Chi Lin, mental health counselor; Chris Tsai, student at the University of San Jose; Shuchi Hung, volunteer from the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL); and Yi- Chuan Lu, Berkeley University Ph.D. candidate.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US has voted to abolish Net neutrality regulations in December. Alan Hung mentioned: “Net neutrality regulations are essential for maintaining individual human rights on the internet. Without it, internet service providers may charge extra money for access to specific sites or block sites completely. The main reason for why this may happen if net neutrality is repealed is a lack of competition for internet service providers.”

Kent Wu works under a highly competitive environment in Silicon Valley. He said: “respect and transparent process are things to inspire people to

 
   

be innovative to achieve their potential. It forms a virtuous cycle to tie people together in order to make a difference. In addition, it helps to fortify the foundation of human rights.” Chris Tsai mentioned: “Human rights were fought for by our ancestors for massive periods of time. We have gone from absolute tyranny to democracy in a period of centuries. We must take the example of the civil Rights movement to push forth and understand each of our own responsibilities to protect human rights and fight for further of it.”

Yi-Chuan Lu shared: “the tax rate in the US is relatively high. But the tax authorities are rather clear-cut about the laws: they return every cent of

 
  Yi- Chuan Lu shared a true story from his classmate. The tax rate in the US is relatively high. But the tax authorities are rather clear-cut about the laws: they return every cent of overpaid tax plus interest back after investigations.

overpaid tax plus interest back after investigations. In Taiwan, to keep up with those developed countries, tax reformations are urgent and imperative at this moment.”

Professor Kenneth Jacobsen, also known as a famous human rights attorney, stated he studied the Tai Ji Men tax case for close two years. He pointed out in the Tai Ji Men tax case, there are many due process and “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” violations. The Taiwan government's handling of taxation directly infringes on human rights and seriously violates its right to freedom of belief and freedoms.  He calls for the Taiwan government to achieve fairness and justice and also be very clear-cut.  Dr. Rene Wadlow, President of Association of World Citizens further pointed out that the Tai Ji Men tax case is only one of many tax cases in Taiwan. He urged the Taiwanese government to make thorough tax reform so Taiwan can truly become a country ruled by law with a fair taxation system.

Shuchi Hung said: as terrorist attacks around the world continue, we are not sure we will not encounter it. Therefore, we are faced with the threat of basic right to life. We should not be left alone.  We must embrace the spirit of Martin Luther, a theology professor who launched the Protestant Reformation, to insist the right things!

Chi Lin shared: “‘Human rights’ are universal values ​​and common goals. However, the levels of practice vary greatly across all countries and regions. Human rights violations are still happening in every corner, such as domestic violence, school bullying, workplace harassment, and so on. In 15 years of mental health counselors’ practice, Chi Lin found out that the biggest persecution of human rights came from the government; silence won’t stop violence. Chi Lin encourages everyone in every corner to be a guardian of human rights.”

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, stated in his speech “Human rights are the foundation of peaceful societies and sustainable development. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights established the equality and dignity of every person. And it makes governments responsible for ensuring that people can enjoy their inalienable rights and freedoms. Today, we see disturbing hostility towards human rights in all regions. Let us stand against those negative forces.  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world. Let us together make sure the words are translated into action. Let us stand up and speak out for human rights. They protect us all.” The United Nations starts a one-year event on Human Rights Day to commemorate the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  The Declaration, translated in more than 500 languages, announces the inalienable rights of every individual as a human being.

 
   

Time's Person of the Year 2017 is 'The Silence Breakers'. They are people from all races, classes, and occupations all over the world who came forward with stories of sexual harassment and assault and helped force a nationwide reckoning. It is an urgent task to gather more good and powerful forces to implement human rights in the world.

News

The Tai Ji Men Cultural Performances Take Pasadena by Storm

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy showcased spectacular cultural performances at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on October 15, 2023 to mark the grand opening of its Pasadena academy.

Tai Ji Men’s ‘Back to the Origin' Earns Praise from Heads of State

Modern people are burdened by the weight of existence and yearn for happiness. The play explores the question: “Where did we come from, and where will we go from here?”

Grand Opening of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Pasadena

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy celebrated the grand opening of its academy in Pasadena on October 14, 2023, with former heads of state, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, scholars, community leaders, and local residents in attendance.

2023 World Leader Summit of Love and Peace in Pasadena/Arcadia

The 2023 World Leader Summit of Love and Peace was held at the Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia on October 13, 2023, by the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), an international organization dedicated to advocating love and peace.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions Opens

The 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions takes place on August 14-18 at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago, with dignitaries, religious and spiritual leaders as well as members of various organizations from around the world in attendance.

Tai Ji Men Participates in the Parade of Faiths

The inaugural Parade of Faiths, a prelude to the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, took place in Chicago on August 13, heralding the return of the Parliament to its birthplace.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze Honored with Global Human Rights Award

Bobby Hunter, retired Harlem Globetrotter and chairman of United Churches, recognized human rights advocates and highlighted the importance of solidarity

Tai Ji Men Nei-Hu Academy 19th Anniversary Leaders from Different Fields Making Good Wishes for a Better Future

Tai Ji Men Nei-Hu Academy celebrated its 19th anniversary on Sep.18, 2022, with the theme "The Years Are Good, Our Happiness Remains." They invited many guests from all walks of life to gather on the day of the celebration.

The world gathers energy and prays for peace, with 200 countries joining the six major declarations

The world is in turmoil in 2022, with frequent natural and man-made disasters and epidemics such as COVID-19 and monkeypox threatening human health.

Words of Conscience: Prayers for the World & One-minute of Silence

Inviting you to film and upload a one-minute prayer of conscience and a one-minute of silence video.

More