LY passed signing of two international covenants on human rights

On December 31, 2002 the Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of its decision to sign the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, with reservations to three provisions - "abolishment of death penalty", "freedom to enter and leave a country" and the "rights to form a unit and strike".  By virtue of signing these Covenants, our protection for human rights will be in line with that of the world, which, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes, will highlight the contrast between Taiwan and China on human rights protection, as well as bolster our legitimacy in participating in international organizations.