The National Human Rights Museum (NHRM) hosted a commemorative event to observe the White Terror Memorial Day on May 19 at the Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park. The occasion was attended by distinguished guests including Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei (何志偉) of the Office of the President, Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin (林明昕) of the Executive Yuan, Minister of Culture Li Yuan, and Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang (王時思), along with political victims and their families.
During the event, Wang Mei-hsiu (王美琇), representing the initiators of the White Terror Memorial Day, expressed her gratitude to the NHRM for officially organizing the commemoration for the first time. She emphasized the importance of transitional justice and democratic values, expressing her hope that the government would take further steps to reinforce the foundations of historical education in Taiwan.
Minister Li highlighted the significance of remembering the White Terror for all people in Taiwan. Having personally experienced family trauma from that era, he expressed deep appreciation for the victims, their families, and the organizations and artists who continue to document this dark chapter of the nation’s history.
Minister Lin noted the designation of May 19 as the White Terror Memorial Day serves to heal the wounds of the past while promising a better future by preventing history from repeating itself.
Deputy Secretary-General Ho reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening human rights values among the general public.
To encourage broader public participation, the NHRM also organized a human rights market, a concert, and other related activities, aiming to foster greater awareness of local history and promote public dialogue.