In Support Of Taiwan's Bid For Membership In The World Health Organization

Floor Speech

IN SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S BID FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 26, 2007)

* Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, for years now, Taiwan has had no representation in the World Health Organization (WHO). The health rights of Taiwan's 23 million people have been grossly neglected. As a democracy, the Government of Taiwan is compelled to respect the wishes of its people and apply for membership into the WHO. Also, Taiwan would like to be invited to send observers to sessions of the World Health Assembly this May.

* I support Taiwan's bid to be a member of the WHO. Taiwan's bid is closely related to its campaign for World Health Assembly observer status and meaningful participation in World Health Organization activities. The health rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people must be respected. Moreover, Taiwan is willing and able to contribute to the world health network. As of December 2006, Taiwan had 32 technical missions stationed in 29 partner countries and dispatched 16 mobile medical missions to 12 countries. It is conceivable that with a membership in the WHO, Taiwan will be able to contribute even more of its resources to the global health network.

* Several years ago, Taiwan was gripped in crisis with the outbreak of SARS. Since Taiwan was not a member of the WHO, Taiwan encountered a significant amount of red-tape in getting WHO assistance to the affected areas during its urgent time of need during the SARS crisis. Should there ever be a new medical crisis in Taiwan, the WHO should be free of all barriers in assisting people in urgent need of immediate medical attention.

* Madam Speaker, Taiwan's application for WHO membership in the name of Taiwan does not represent any change of Taiwan's status quo. Taiwan is most commonly known as ``Taiwan'' internationally and the Government of Taiwan has made it absolutely clear that it has no intention of changing its national name. Taiwan's Constitution has not been changed.

* I hope that the administration will once again enthusiastically support Taiwan's application and that no government will dispute Taiwan's membership request. All nations, especially the United States, Japan, and major European countries, should request the WHO to make appropriate arrangements for Taiwan to participate in WHO's mechanisms or at the very least grant Taiwan WHA observer status this May.

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