Through this investigation, it has been observed that over the past five years,
the proportion of personal income tax paid by non-citizens relative to the total tax
revenue does not adequately justify the exclusion of non-citizens with permanent
residency and their children from tuition subsidies under Article 56 of the Senior High
School Education Act, given their minimal impact on the national economy and fiscal
conditions as of May 2024.
Additionally, the government's review of central regulations for potential
violations of the ICERD includes examining Articles 2 and 4 of the Education
Fundamental Act, particularly for failing to add "race" as a category in accordance
with ICERD. The necessary amendments have not been completed since 2020, and
the government has only tracked revisions to educational laws identified in 2020,
without regularly reassessing regulations needing revision based on current
conditions.
It is recommended that the government periodically review and revise
educational laws and policies according to international human rights covenants to
ensure they are updated to align with these standards. This will help guarantee equal
treatment for all individuals residing in Taiwan.
The Concluding Observations and Recommendations of the first national
review of the ICERD report in April 2024, specifically under point 11, suggested that
the government domesticate the ICERD, similar to other core United Nations human
rights covenants. Therefore, the government should promptly draft and pass specific
implementing legislation to ensure that the principles of the ICERD are fully
integrated into Taiwanese law.
iv.
Secondary education must be affordable for all and the government
should gradually implement a free education system.
Taiwan is currently promoting an educational equity system that offers
tuition-free elementary education. However, existing tuition subsidies for secondary
and
higher
education
exclude non-citizens.
27
Based
on
the principles
of