Category United Nations

The Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA) constitute a core framework of modern international law, defining when State responsibility arises and what legal consequences follow breaches of international obligations. This article marks Victim Support Taiwan’s (VST) first full translation of ARSIWA into Traditional Chinese, accompanied by an introductory analysis from a victim-centered and human rights perspective. It explains the basic structure of State responsibility, as well as principles of reparation and remedies. The article further situates ARSIWA in Taiwan’s contemporary context, examining how it can be used to address cross-border harm, legal warfare, and gray-zone operations by China, and to articulate legal arguments for State responsibility and the protection of victims’ rights under international law.

The Updated Set of Principles for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights through Action to Combat Impunity (2005) represents a cornerstone of contemporary international human rights law. Adopted by the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Principles clarify States’ obligations to investigate serious violations, prosecute perpetrators, ensure victims’ rights to truth and justice, and provide effective reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence. This article presents Victim Support Taiwan’s (VST) curated edition of the Principles, accompanied by an analytical overview from a victim-centered perspective. It explains key concepts such as impunity, universal jurisdiction, and restrictions on amnesty and prescription, while situating the framework within Taiwan’s legal development and regional security context. By linking international standards with domestic reform, the article highlights how combating impunity strengthens the rule of law and affirms victims as active rights-holders under international law.

The Guidelines on Justice in Matters involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime (2005) establish international standards for protecting children within criminal justice processes. Adopted by the UN Economic and Social Council, they articulate child-sensitive procedures grounded in dignity, non-discrimination, best interests, and participation. This article presents Victim Support Taiwan’s (VST) curated edition with an analytical overview that translates the Guidelines into an operational rights framework. It examines procedural safeguards, access to justice, and institutional implementation, while situating the standards within Taiwan’s legal development. By linking global norms with domestic reform, the article highlights how child-centered justice affirms children as rights-holders and strengthens fair and responsive legal systems.

This translation is based primarily on the official English version from the United Nations, with reference to the terminology used in Taiwan's current relevant laws, particularly the provisions of the Crime Victim Rights Protection Act. In the translation process, I have striven to accurately convey the meaning of the original text and, as much as possible, to use vocabulary common within Taiwan's legal community to ensure both accuracy and readability. For certain terms that do not yet have a clear corresponding concept in Taiwan's legal system, I have cautiously selected appropriate translations based on the original meaning and local legal practice, maintaining consistency throughout the text.

The Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters are a key United Nations policy framework setting minimum procedural safeguards for restorative justice. This article presents Victim Support Taiwan’s (VST) first complete Traditional Chinese translation of the Principles, accompanied by an overview written from a victim-centered and human rights perspective. It explains core requirements such as voluntariness, safety, power balance, and judicial oversight, and situates the Principles within Taiwan’s legal context. In particular, the article highlights the connection between the UN Principles and Taiwan’s Crime Victim Rights Protection Act, demonstrating how Taiwan’s legal reforms reflect international standards in advancing victim protection and restorative justice.

The Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (1985) is a foundational international instrument on victims’ rights. Victim Support Taiwan (VST) presents the first complete Traditional Chinese translation of the Declaration, accompanied by an editorial overview from a victim-centered and human rights–based perspective. This article outlines the Declaration’s core principles—access to justice, fair treatment, restitution, state compensation, and assistance—and situates them within Taiwan’s legal context. It highlights the development of Taiwan’s Crime Victim Rights Protection Act and explains how domestic reforms increasingly align with international standards on victim protection and remedies.