Rainbow Pearl
Compassion and support for migrant workers and teens’ mental health
Support for migrant workers
Teen Mental Health ConcernsSource: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/734271
Under the trend of declining birth rates, incidents of youth suicide have increased. A civil organization released the top 10 youth mental health news stories of last year (2024), categorizing them into three major areas: mental health, school violence, and digital sexual violence. A psychiatrist stated bluntly that mental health issues often originate in the family, worsen in schools, and manifest in society. Thus, a multi-faceted approach is needed to address these issues, and teenagers must learn to cope with and express their stress. In one prominent case, a neck-slashing incident at a middle school in New Taipei City led to the New Taipei District Court sentencing a male student surnamed Guo and a female student surnamed Lin to 9 and 8 years in prison, respectively, for carrying out the attack in September 2024.
Among the top 10 youth mental health stories, three were related to school violence. Besides the neck-slashing case, there were incidents of middle school students bullying elementary school children and a teacher being harassed and grabbed by an emotionally unstable student during class. On the mental health front, cases included suicides, emotional disorders, and a 17-year-old girl with depression who jumped in front of a train. Additionally, three cases of digital sexual violence were highlighted.
The civil organization emphasized that adolescents face multiple complex challenges, such as academic pressure, digital technology, and social media relationships, which can lead to psychological stress. They called on families, schools, and society to jointly address these trends. They also urged guidance for adolescents to learn to cope with and express their stress, while avoiding the stigmatization of mental illnesses.
Professor Feng Yan, an honorary professor in the Department of Social Work at National Taiwan University, pointed out, “These issues largely stem from adult society creating an environment that leaves young people feeling lost and unsupported. They need clear help and guidance.”Yang Congcai, Executive Director of the Dun-An Social Welfare Foundation, stated, “In many families today, parents may feel they can simply leave everything to the schools. This weakens family functioning, leaving students feeling misunderstood at home, which creates a vicious cycle.”Experts analyzed common sources of psychological stress among adolescents, identifying academic pressure as the most frequent, followed by interpersonal relationships. With the rise of social media, it’s easier for young people to lose their sense of self. Parents are urged to spend more time with and listen to their children, while the government should provide schools with more resources to strengthen anti-bullying measures and student counseling mechanisms, thereby creating a more robust support system for youth in society.
Summary of Article:
Civil society organizations identified key issues impacting teen mental health, focusing on mental health disorders, school violence, and digital sexual violence. Notable incidents include severe cases like the New Taipei neck-cutting incident, bullying, and emotional breakdowns in schools. Experts emphasize that psychological stress originates from schoolwork, digital influences, and strained interpersonal relationships, often compounded by insufficient family support and reliance on schools.
To address these challenges:
- Societal collaboration is essential to create a robust support system for teens.
Potential impact of Rainbow Pearl activation
Nurturing Emotional Balance:
The Pearl’s compassion-based energy could inspire programs aimed at teaching teens emotional resilience and stress management techniques, providing them with tools for self-expression and emotional healing.
Encouraging Holistic Healing:
Inspire educational reforms to integrate mindfulness, empathy-building, and anti-bullying measures into school curricula.
Restoring Interpersonal Connections:
Foster improved communication between teens and their families
White Pearl
Advocacy for Gender Equality
Defending Gender Equality: Opposition to Taiwan’s Proposed Budget Cuts
Source: https://www.civilmedia.tw/archives/131071
Written by: Taiwan Rainbow Equality Platform, Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association, Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy, Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline AssociationIn response to yesterday’s (01/15) news that legislators Hsu Hsin-Ying, Hsu Yu-Jen, and Niu Hsiu-Ting proposed to slash nearly the entire budget for gender equality initiatives under the Executive Yuan’s Gender Equality Office—from NT$16.273 million down to just NT$3,000—four organizations, namely the Taiwan Rainbow Equality Platform, Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association, Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy, and Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association, issued a joint statement.
In addition to expressing strong opposition to this budget proposal, they also called on all political parties to propose constructive budget oversight plans during the upcoming cross-party budget negotiations in the following days. They emphasized that, instead of destructively eliminating public budgets, it is crucial to ensure that Taiwan’s progress in gender equality, which stands out in Asia, can continue.
Before the current Legislative Yuan elections, various groups advocating for gender diversity jointly released the first-ever LGBTQ+ Policy White Paper in June 2023. This document addressed five key areas: “campuses and education,” “workplaces,” “intimate relationships and families,” “healthcare and social welfare,” and “society and politics.” It was presented to presidential and legislative candidates in the hope of fostering more comprehensive gender equality policies in the future. In addition to engaging with political parties before the elections, the organizations also met with caucuses in the newly elected Legislative Yuan afterward, receiving positive responses from both the Kuomintang (KMT) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucuses. Advancing gender equality legislation and policies requires not only the supervision of legislators and caucuses but also sufficient public budgetary resources to support related tasks such as statistical data compilation, policy research, and discussions. Eliminating the entire budget would result in a year-long standstill for gender equality policies. Thus, we strongly oppose the proposal to cut almost the entire budget for gender equality initiatives.
As of now, the central government’s general budget for fiscal year 2025 is still under cross-party negotiation. In addition to expressing our objections, we strongly urge the legislative caucuses of all parties to refrain from passing a third reading of the proposal to cut almost the entire gender equality budget. Instead, we advocate for a reasonable and professional approach to budget oversight that would allow constructive discussions and development of gender equality policies.
At the same time, we invite all citizens who care about gender equality issues to contact their district legislators through phone calls or social media and join us in voicing opposition to this proposal. Let us prevent the complete suspension of gender equality initiatives this year!
Summary of Article:
Four Taiwanese organizations—Taiwan Rainbow Equality Platform, Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association, Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy, and Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association—strongly oppose a recent proposal by legislators to cut nearly the entire budget for gender equality initiatives under the Executive Yuan. This would reduce the budget from NT$16.273 million to just NT$3,000, threatening the progress of Taiwan’s gender equality efforts.
The organizations emphasize that sufficient public funding is essential for policy research, data collection, and discussions. They highlight the first-ever LGBTQ+ Policy White Paper released in 2023, which outlined key areas for advancing gender equality. Positive responses were received from major political parties before and after the recent elections.
The groups call on legislators to adopt constructive, professional oversight instead of destructive budget cuts, urging citizens to voice their opposition to the proposal. They stress that without adequate funding, Taiwan’s gender equality policies could face a year-long standstill, risking its leadership in Asia on this front.
Potential impact of the White Pearl activation
Illuminating the Path of Equality
Dissolving Illusions: The White Pearl’s energy helps expose biases and misconception. By shining a light on the importance of these initiatives, it encourages decision-makers to see the long-term value of equity for all.
Revealing Inner Truth: It embodies the principle that all beings are inherently equal, resonating with the core message of gender equality advocates. This clarity can inspire more inclusive and enlightened decision-making at legislative and societal levels.
Strengthening Advocacy and Public Awareness
Purity of Purpose: The Pearl symbolizes the purity of intent behind gender equality initiatives, reminding society and policymakers of the moral and ethical imperative to support such programs.
Unifying Voices: The Pearl’s energy promotes unity, fostering collaboration between organizations, individuals, and political parties to collectively advocate for fair policies and sufficient funding.
Bridging Divides: Encouraging the recognition of shared humanity, the Pearl’s energy can help bridge partisan divides, leading to collaborative efforts that prioritize fairness over political agendas.
Gold Pearl
Enlightened Leadership for Taiwan
President Speech on Human Rights Day
Source: https://www.president.gov.tw/News/28954
Translation:
President Lai Ching-te attended the “2024 World Human Rights Day Ceremony” this morning (7th), expressing respect and gratitude to those who have courageously sacrificed for Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and human rights. He emphasized that transitional justice is a critical policy on the path to democracy. He stated that society must bravely confront the dark chapters of its history, learn from past mistakes, and avoid repeating them.
The government will take proactive steps to engage with society and steadfastly safeguard Taiwan’s democratic, free, rule-of-law, and human rights-based way of life. He looks forward to building a fair, sustainable, and peaceful Taiwan together with the people.In his speech, the President mentioned that he had just returned from visiting the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. Taiwan and these Pacific allies share Austronesian cultural roots and are like family. He admired their unwavering commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights despite threats from authoritarianism.
Attending World Human Rights Day today resonated with him deeply, as his visit marked a new era of value-based diplomacy. Democracy, freedom, and human rights are shared principles that underpin Taiwan’s global friendships and must be cherished and preserved for generations.The President stressed that democracy and freedom are hard-earned yet easily lost, urging unity and cooperation to protect them.
He honored those who bravely endured suffering for Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and human rights. These individuals, facing oppressive political regimes, demonstrated remarkable resilience, embodying the indomitable spirit of the Taiwanese people.
The President recalled attending the inauguration of the National Human Rights Museum and the unveiling of the Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park six years ago as Premier. Now as President, he reaffirmed Taiwan’s foundational commitment to human rights and its adherence to democratic constitutional governance. He vowed never to backtrack on Taiwan’s democratic journey. Transitional justice remains a crucial policy to unearth historical truths, address injustices, and provide justice to victims and their families, ensuring past mistakes are not repeated.
The President noted that on this year’s Martial Law Memorial Day, he visited the National Archives to review the opening and application of political records, encouraging proactive efforts to collect relevant documents and help the public understand Taiwan’s martial law history. The government, he said, must actively engage with society and hopes for continued support from all sectors to sustain Taiwan’s transitional justice efforts, ensuring democracy, freedom, and human rights reach their ideal goals.He highlighted Premier Cho Jung-tai’s convening of the first “Executive Yuan Committee on Promoting Transitional Justice” since taking office, aiming to coordinate across agencies and accelerate the resolution of challenges.
Taiwan, after 38 years under martial law, suffered significant damage to its society, economy, legal system, and human rights, the President said. Only after transitioning to democracy have historical truths gradually emerged. The government must humbly confront this unjust history, enabling the public to understand the nature of authoritarian rule, fostering unity, and preventing future authoritarian threats. Knowing the truth and understanding each other are prerequisites for meaningful dialogue, rebuilding trust across all ethnic and regional divides, and moving toward a brighter future.
The President emphasized that while historical mistakes can be forgiven, they must not be forgotten. The best way to combat historical amnesia is by continuously uncovering truths, recording stories, and preserving Taiwan’s cultural heritage. By promoting transitional justice education across the nation, Taiwan can achieve the long-term goals of this endeavor. National unity is essential to overcoming challenges and ensuring Taiwan’s continued development, which is the ultimate aim of transitional justice.
Addressing the victims and their families present, the President acknowledged them as witnesses to history who remind society that past mistakes must not be repeated. He offered heartfelt respect and remembrance to those who dedicated their lives and youth to Taiwan’s human rights ideals. He pledged to steadfastly safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty, democracy, freedom, rule of law, and human rights-based way of life, and looks forward to working hand-in-hand to create a just, sustainable, and peaceful Taiwan.
The event was also attended by Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te, Deputy Minister Wang Shih-ssu, Control Yuan member Tien Chiu-chin, and victims’ representatives Chen Chung-tung, Chou Hung-chi, Wang Wen-hung, and Chen Hsien-tsung.
Summary of Article:
President Lai Ching-te attended the “2024 World Human Rights Day Ceremony” to honor those who sacrificed for Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and human rights. He emphasized the importance of transitional justice in addressing past injustices, uncovering historical truths, and preventing the recurrence of authoritarianism. The government is committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s democratic values and engaging with society to build a just and sustainable future.
The President reflected on his recent visit to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, highlighting their shared commitment to democracy and human rights despite facing authoritarian threats. He stressed that democracy and freedom are hard-earned and require unity to protect.
Acknowledging Taiwan’s history under martial law, the President called for humility in confronting past injustices, fostering public understanding of authoritarianism, and promoting meaningful dialogue to rebuild social trust. He reiterated the government’s efforts to advance transitional justice, including opening political archives and improving cross-agency coordination.
The President emphasized the importance of remembering historical mistakes to prevent their repetition and urged continuous education and storytelling to preserve Taiwan’s cultural heritage. He expressed respect for victims and their families, pledging to uphold Taiwan’s sovereignty, democracy, and human rights while working together for a peaceful and just Taiwan.
Potential impact of the Gold Pearl activation
Spreading Enlightened Teachings to Foster Justice and Unity
Revitalizing Wisdom:
- The Golden Pearl represents the dissemination of teachings that transcend boundaries, inspiring Taiwan’s leaders and citizens to embrace the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
Illumination of historical truths and the courage to confront past injustices, empowering society to learn and grow from its history.
Laying the Foundation for Healing:
- Transitional justice resonates with the Pearl’s transformative energy, encouraging the pursuit of truth, reconciliation, and healing.
- Promoting Solidarity in Human Rights
- The Pearl encourages resilience in the face of challenges, reminding Taiwan of the enduring power of enlightened principles to overcome adversity.
Humanitarian Inequality Tri-Pearl Set – Addressing Humanitarian Inequality in Taiwan
The Rainbow Pearl: Fostering Compassion and Healing
Role in Humanitarian Inequality:
- Emotional Support: Inspires empathy-driven solutions that address the emotional and physical pain of those living in poverty or facing inequality.
- Community Healing: Promotes initiatives that build solidarity and mutual support among communities, reducing social divides.
The White Pearl: Illuminating Truth and Equality
Role in Humanitarian Inequality:
- Exposing Injustice: Sheds light on systemic inequalities and the root causes of poverty and suffering, fostering understanding and accountability.
- Promoting Equality: All beings are inherently equal and deserving of dignity, ensuring that policies and actions are inclusive and just.
The Gold Pearl: Spreading Enlightened Teachings
Role in Humanitarian Inequality:
- Guiding Leadership: Encourages leaders to adopt strategies that prioritize fairness, justice, and the equitable distribution of resources.
- Education and Awareness: Inspires programs that teach sustainable practices and equitable policies to combat poverty and inequality.
- Foundation of Unity: Frames the pursuit of human rights and resource equity as part of a global shift toward higher consciousness.
The Rainbow, White, and Gold Pearls embody a path toward a balanced, compassionate, and enlightened Taiwan, where poverty, inequality, and suffering are transformed through wisdom, truth, and love. This vision extends globally, making Taiwan a beacon of hope and progress in the fight for human dignity and justice.