《TAIPEI TIMES》Taiwan maintains its ‘free’ country rating, report says

Staff writer, with CNA

Taiwan maintained its status as a “free” country in the latest edition of the Freedom in the World report published yesterday.

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The nation scored 94 out of 100 in the report, which was compiled by Washington-based non-governmental organization Freedom House.

Taiwan ranked second in Asia behind Japan.

Taiwan received 38 points out of 40 for political rights and 56 out of 60 for civil liberties, identical scores to last year.

The report gives scores of zero to four points for each of 10 political rights indicators and 15 civil liberties indicators, which take the form of questions.

Taiwan retained “highly free” ratings with perfect scores in several areas, the report said.

Exceptions included the questions: “Is there freedom for trade unions and similar professional or labor organizations?” and “Do individuals enjoy equality of opportunity and freedom from economic exploitation?”

Taiwan was given three points for each.

Taiwan has a democratic system that has allowed for regular peaceful transfers of power since 2000 and robust protections of civil liberties, the report said.

However, there continues to be concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers and threats from the Chinese government amid its efforts to influence Taiwan’s policymaking, media and democratic infrastructure, it added.

A local #MeToo movement in May last year led to the passage of stronger protections for people affected by sexual harassment, it said.

Meanwhile, China continued to be rated as “not free,” garnering only nine points, the same as last year, the report said.

It was given minus-2 points out of 40 for political rights and 11 out of 60 for civil liberties, the report showed.

On a global level, freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year, driven by flawed elections and armed conflict, it said.

Civil liberties and political rights diminished in 52 countries or territories, while only 21 places improved, it said.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES