Pan Han-Shen

Chief Secretary of Green Party Taiwan

“International Networking is an ace in the hole for social movements.”

Issues

Losheng's support from abroad

Losheng supporters attempted to seek support from abroad. Though not a member of the United Nations(UN), Taiwan has been making bids to take a seat for years.

Has the Losheng controversy drawn any international attention?

Pressure from abroad

A member of the primary campaign group Losheng Youth Yang Yeou-Ren had led teams to Geneva and New York seeking the support from the World Health Organisation and the UN. His efforts didn’t get any direct response from both and yet he has had feedback from several international NGOs. These organisations expressed their concern for Losheng to the Taiwanese government.

Some people argued that the Taiwanese government won’t take the pressure from the NGOs seriously. There is also divided opinion among a few in Losheng Youth. The chief secretary of Green Party Taiwan Pan Han-Shen commented that Losheng has not brought enough international pressure so that the government is not serious about it. Yang Yeou-Ren said that once the Losheng movement succeeds, it would mean a lot both to Taiwan and some underdeveloped countries. “It underlines Taiwan’s efforts to follow the step of advanced countries and makes a good example to countries that fall behind.”

Cry out to the world

Free hug'

'Free Hug' campaign in Paris to support Losheng.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lepatrimoinelosheng/sets/72157600060467566/

Many people who are concerned about the demolition of the Queen’s Pier in Hong Kong also support Losheng. In April, they tried to play the Losheng documentary in certain universities to draw the students’ interest. On April 15, they held a concert at the Queen’s Pier to support the protest in Taiwan. The performance was not good though. “Students here don’t care about public affairs at all. Also, there’s no leprosy in Hong Kong so we couldn’t find any institution to appeal to,” said a Losheng supporter in Hong Kong Sharon Loh.

Students in Paris made efforts as well. They made a French website and held a “Free Hugs” street activity in April. Over two hundred people agreed to leave their photos to show their support for Losheng. “I believe if Losheng needs our help, we students in Paris would always like to stand up for the cause again,” said a supporter in Paris Schian Hung.

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