6 January 2025. WBI contributed insights on priority setting and potential improvements during a public hearing for the draft of Taiwan’s second National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights. This December 2024 event was organised by Taiwan Labor Front and TTNC Watch, and was moderated by the Taiwanese legislator Fan Yun.
The public hearing, titled Where is the Second National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights Going?, was convened to address the delayed release of Taiwan’s second NAP. It brought together government officials, industry representatives, and civil society organisations to exchange updates, share perspectives, and incorporate stakeholder opinions on key challenges in the Action Plan. WBI’s Project Officer Shuhan Lin spoke at the event.
Taiwan’s first four-year NAP on Business and Human Rights was adopted in December 2020. In preparation for the second NAP, four workshops were held last year in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues involving the private sector, labor unions, and advocacy groups.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, which serves as the NAP’s secretariat, initially aimed to release the second plan by the end of 2024. This timeline also included the launch of the Guidelines for Enterprises to Respect Human Rights in the Supply Chains (臺灣供應鏈企業尊重人權指導), which seeks to align corporate practices with international standards. The publication of the second NAP is now expected in early 2025, following its approval by the Executive Yuan and review by the National Human Rights Commission.
During the hearing, WBI emphasised the importance of clear and actionable guidelines, particularly given their significant impact on Taiwan’s supply chains. These guidelines are crucial for Taiwanese businesses to adapt to evolving regulatory landscape enforced by Taiwan’s trade partners. Taiwan’s supply chains have faced increasing scrutiny from global brands and investment institutions regarding labour and human rights. For instance, International reports have frequently highlighted the treatment of migrant workers in Taiwan’s technology, apparel and fishery sectors.
WBI also raised the issue of discrepancies between Taiwan’s understanding of forced labor and international standards, particularly those outlined in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 11 indicators of forced labor. For example, practices deemed acceptable by local companies or legal under Taiwan’s national laws—such as charging migrant workers service fees—can constitute forced labor violations or breaches of human rights policies observed by purchasing brands.
As 2025 begins, WBI looks forward to the release of Taiwan’s updated National Action Plan and more collaborative efforts among public and private sectors to address these global challenges and advance human rights standards in Taiwan’s business environment.
