Lan Tsai-Yun
Resident of Losheng Leprosy Sanatorium
“I’m so worried about the demolition that I can hardly sleep well. But I will never give up fighting.”
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How do the residents express their voice?
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A resident explains to the visitors. |
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To have more people hear their voice, the residents take any opportunity to speak out. They are expecting that the more people are heard, the higher possibility the difficult situation they are facing can be changed. At least, they would like more people to understand their real voice rather than have a misconception due to unreliable sources.
The residents formed a self-help group and now attend many official meetings to express themselves. They have a weekly meeting to discuss with the main supporter Losheng Youth about what to do next. Three years of protest have never beaten them but rather empowered them. “They have become brave and strong, knowing what to say to the camera and the media.” commented a member of Losheng Youth Hu Ching-Ya.
How can a Compensation Act help?
While most Losheng campaign groups are taking administrative measures, there’s another team seeking legislation. They are pushing the legislators to carry the Han-Sen Disease (another name for leprosy) Compensation Act into effect because one of the functions of the Act is to protect Losheng.
The action began as a result of a survey in 2004 on how the human rights of the residents had been deprived. The next year, a verdict from Japan confirmed that the leprosy patients who were sent to Losheng under Japanese colonial rule can also receive national compensation. The President of Taiwan Chen Shui-Bien then promoted our own Compensation Act.
Other clauses of the Act include the government’s apology and compensation to patients, lifelong care for the patients, the patients’ right of residence, and heritage designation of Losheng. Due to the boycott by some legislators, the Act hasn’t been passed up to now. Lawyer Cheng Wen-Lung, also the leader of a team that provides juridical assistance to Losheng, has his worries. “Meanwhile we are also seeking legal action although it takes time and energy. Legislation is definitely a more comprehensive way and yet now I’m afraid that Losheng could be demolished soon before the Act becomes effective.”
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