3163 Edition
October 8-14, 2012
General Assembly News
“Taiwan for UN” delegation meets with Uyghur activist Rebiya Kadeer in the US
Reported by Lin Yi-ying
Written by Lydia Ma
A support group co-sponsored by the Taiwan United Nations Alliance (TAIUNA) and the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) called “Taiwan for UN Support Group” returned to Taiwan from a tour of Washington, D.C. on September 27, 2012. According to a spokesperson, the group visited some US legislators, the PC(USA) United Nations office, and also the Formosa Association for Public Affairs (FAPA).
One of the highlights of this trip was a meeting with the President of World Uyghur Congress, Rebiya Kadeer, organized by FAPA. Rebiya encouraged Taiwanese youths to be courageous and to work hard to build a country of their own – even if a China-leaning government may try to oppress them. She underscored that such a government can neither destroy people’s love for their homeland nor alter a their relationship with the land. She underscored that this is a conviction she holds close to her heart and borne out of her personal experience in her people’s fight for independence. After meeting for 1 hour, the delegation, which included many PCT ministers and officials, took a group picture with Rebiya Kadeer.
TAIUNA Secretary General, Rev. William J.K. Lo, wrote an opinion article for Taiwan Church News afterward and recounted that when Rebiya was asked about strategies that would help unite Taiwanese youths, she replied that all that is required is a small group of fervent people. Rebiya said that a small, passionate group of young people can easily attract other youths to gather around them and this will ultimately result in a breakthrough. Rebiya underscored that it is only when people try their best to save themselves that others will come to their aid. She also alluded that God saves those who save themselves. Rebiya said that she hopes to see Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang become official members of the United Nations.
Photo provided by PCT
