Paris Principles Independence The “Paris Principles" set forth the essential mission of national human rights institutions as promoting and Fundamental Principles protection human rights. Their mandate specifies national human rights institions’ sphere of competence, which shall encompass the following fundamental principles: Pluralism Responsibilities The official inauguration of the National Human Rights Commission where President Tsai expressed her enthusiasm in deepening Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and human rights. Structure of the National Human Rights Commission On August 1, 2020, the NHRC’s first terms of commissioners were inaugurated; these Commission representatives comprise of different professional fields and ethnic groups, including justice, women, children, environmental protection, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, gender, medical care, etc. 1 Chairperson Concurrently served by the President of the Control Yuan 1 8 Vice Chairperson Elected by and from among the commissioners Commissioners Members of Control Yuan with professional expertise in human rights At present, there are 26 staff members from the public and private sectors, with respective Staff Unit professional expertise in law, education, human rights, labor, social welfare, indigenous peoples, gender, and health and environment, etc. Moreover, 15 human rights consultants were appointed to gather various opinions from experts and scholars to fulfill the requirement of pluralism. Research and Planning Division - human rights strategy plan, research, and assessment Functions and Powers Deputy Executive Secretary Enquiries and Investigation Division - visits, inquiry, and collaboration 10 or ratification of international human rights instruments and their incorporation, and to ensure the conformity of domestic laws, shall be vested with competence to promote and regulations, directives, and administrative protect human rights and shall be given as broad measures with international human rights norms. a mandate as possible, which shall be clearly set 5. To conduct systematic studies of the Constitution forth in a constitutional or legislative text, specifying and legal statutes based on international human its composition and its sphere of competence. rights standards in order to propose necessary and feasible recommendations to amend the According to the "Organic Act of the Control Yuan Constitution, legislation and laws. National Human Rights Commission," the functions 6. To monitor the effectiveness of government and powers of the National Human Rights agencies in promoting human rights education, Commission are as follows: enhancing human rights awareness, and handling matters involving human rights. 1. To investigate incidents involving torture, 7. To cooperate with domestic institutions and civic human rights violations, or various forms of groups, international organizations, national discrimination in accordance with its authority human rights institutes, and non-governmental or in response to petition from the general organizations to promote the protection of public, and to handle them and provide remedy 2. To study and review national human rights policies and make recommendations. 3. To publish thematic reports on major human Education and Promotion Division - human rights education, promotion, and cooperation 4. To assist government agencies in the signing The Paris Principles require that a national institution according to the law. Executive Secretary assess the domestic human rights situation. rights issues or annual reports on the state of human rights in the nation to understand and human rights. 8. To provide independent opinions for national repor ts submitted by the government in accordance with the provisions of international human rights treaties. 9. O ther matters related to the protection and promotion of human rights. 11