Taiwan's transitional justice budget cut in full by legislature

Aug 21, 2026

Taiwan's legislature wiped out the entire budget for the Cabinet's transitional justice work, a setback for human rights groups and a warning sign for the government's ability to keep the program running.

  • Lawmakers cut all funding for the Cabinet's human rights and transitional justice office in the 2026 central government budget.
  • The Cabinet says the cut risks freezing the work entirely and signals abroad that Taiwan is backing away from human rights.
  • Civic groups have launched petitions calling the move a blow to democracy and a step backward for rights.
  • Without money, the Cabinet-level body that coordinates work across ministries — chaired by the premier — cannot function normally.
  • The Cabinet says it will keep going using existing resources and legal workarounds, and is drafting a four-year plan tied to the next budget.

Outlook: The work continues on a shoestring for now, with the real test coming when the 2027 budget reaches the legislature.

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