■苦勞論壇2007/04/01
◎作者：Liu Han-Chi、Liu Kwangyin、Cheng Huang-Yaw
Q1: What kind of a place is Lo-Sheng Sanatorium?
In 1927, the General Governor of Taiwan started to build Losheng Sanatorium for the quarantine and treatment of lepers. With the force of sanitary police and the medical officers, the general investigation, quarantine, and imprisonment of the lepers were conducted thoroughly in the period from1934 till the end of colonial governance of Japan. As a result, Losheng Sanatorium became the institution of compulsory quarantine as well as life-long imprisonment for the leprosy patients. Now, we consider Losheng Sanatorium as the epitome of the hundred-year sanitary history in Taiwan. It is the only historical mark that can testify the epidemic prevention history of Taiwan, and it is also the best place for us to do the introspection of the human rights of the patients.
Q2: What is the Hansen's disease?
Leprosy, also called the Hansen's disease，is a chronic bacterial disease infecting the skin and nerves in the hands and feet and, in some cases, the respiratory system. In 1873, a Norwegian doctor, Hansen, discovered the pathogenesis of this disease, hence the name Hansen's disease. Leprosy virus is hard to cultivate even in the lab, so the contagiousness is extremely weak. Almost everyone (90% of the human beings) has the natural immunity against leprosy virus. Human is the main infection source of the Hansen's disease, and the upper respiratory tract is the major route of infection. The latent period is spans from three to five years, but could be as long as 40 years. The Hansen's disease is easier to spread in the environment with poor public sanitation facilities. Currently, the good sanitary condition in Taiwan ensures that the Hansen's disease almost has no contagiousness, and there is also effective cure for the disease.
Q3 Why was there a compulsory quarantine policy in the past?
At the beginning of the 20th century, because of the improvement in sanitary condition, the Hansen's disease was almost extinct in Europe and America. However, the Japanese government desired to imitate the militarism of German government, so when they faced the large amount of the domestic leprosy patients, they regarded those patients as "the national humiliation", and began to draw up "the prevention law of Leprosy "in 1907. They planned to isolate the lepers from the society, trying to create the illusion in which the Hansen's disease was extinct.
Q4 What is the influence of the compulsory quarantine policy?
In order to justify its compulsory quarantine policy, the Japanese government exaggerated the contagiousness of the Hansen's disease, and propagandized it to the society with force. They educated people that leprosy was extremely horrible, and used the police force and the spy system to "arrest" the patients and put them in hospitalization. This discriminating experience of being arrested in front of their families, friends, neighbors as well as the ingrained infamy of this policy prevented the Hansen's patients from going back to the society even after the compulsory quarantine policy was relieved. It was a tragedy for those patients to have homes they dared not return to.
Q5 Why is Taiwanese government tearing down the Losheng Sanatorium？
In 1994, Taipei City's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) System has planned to build a depot on the site where now the Sanatorium is. Chen Jing-Chuan, (陳京川) the ex-director of Losheng was opposed to this decision, and did three surveys among the patients to see what they thought and needed, shortly before he got demoted and reprimanded. Ever since then, the patients had no access to the MRT construction plans and its related discussions.
Q6 Why is it a mistake to build the depot on the Losheng site？
The MRT depot was originally planned to be built on the mountains behind Fu-Jen Catholic University(輔仁大學), but the plan was changed by local politicians. This is wrong for the following reasons:
1. Waste of money: 3/5 of the depot site needs to be built on flatland; therefore $90 million (USD) will be spent on flatting and improving the soil.
2. Disaster for the environment: What comes after flatting the mountains is a ten-story-tall retaining wall, which destroys the natural environment.
3. Safety concern: the future depot will be situated upon earth faults.
4. Ravaged historical site: the Losheng Sanatorium is an important cultural asset for people in East Asia. The depot construction will turn all this treasure into dust.
5. Ordeal for patients: the patients are forced to leave the place they spent their lives, suffering mentally and physically from the displacement.
6. Autocratic decision-making: the MRT Department never inquired the needs of Losheng patients--the 'residents' of the site—which is a violation of fundamental human rights.
Q7 Why should the Losheng Sanatorium be a World Heritage?
1. The Losheng Sanatorium has witnessed the inhumane treatment (such as discrimination and compulsory quarantine) the lepers had undergone through 70 years of governmental oppression. It is a live showcase of Taiwan's colonial past, history of public health and suppressed human rights.
2. The Losheng Sanatorium is one among the few leprosy sanatoriums left. Its architecture has a mixture of Japanese and Gothic style, along with houses and Buddhist shrines built by the patients. The Sanatorium retains its painfully organised structure as an embodiment of its colonial past.
3. The Losheng Sanatorium has met many requirements for World Heritage. One UNESCO committee member who visited Losheng has commented that the Sanatorium is qualified at a World Heritage site. He mentioned one World Heritage site, the Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, to exemplify the value of human rights.
4. The international trend of cultural assets conservation emphasizes an 'organic' perspective of preserving, which means not only the architecture is preserved, but also its relationship established by people who lived in it. The Losheng Sanatorium is embedded with history and lifelong memory of the patients, therefore partial preservation would tarnish the integrity of its value. Moreover, the Losheng Sanatorium is a reminder of inhumane quarantine and mistaken political measures for the world to see. Forced displacement is nothing less than another persecution for human rights.
Q8 How does the Taiwanese government plan to settle the patients?
In 2002, the new housing projects was initiated, but instead of 'houses' which were earlier promised to the patients, the new director gave them two tall buildings with modern hospital facilities. It became clear that the new administration team intended to run a hospital business and make money. The patients had no choice but to be removed to another place designed for quarantine.
The skyscraper-ish hospital buildings were designed mainly for housing short-term patients; therefore it has inadequate space for residents to move around freely. Moreover, the hospital management team forbids the patients from bringing with them personal belongings, from cooking, and from coming over to the front building—a discriminative policy.
Q9 How are lepers treated in other countries?
In 2001, the Japanese government formally apologised to the maltreated lepers, and devised reimbursement laws to give them the justice and honor they long missed. Take the example of National Sanatorium Nagashima Aiseien (日本長島愛生園): it retains its old architecture and natural environment for educational purposes; the patients live in well-organised houses; intercom facilities were implemented in the sanatorium for patients who have lost their sight. Every patient has nearly two nurses to take good care of them.
Q10 How come we did not speak out in the initial stages of planning? Why stand out now?
In fact, the depot plan has received severe critiques through the decade, from scholars and social groups alike. In 1994, the Taiwanese Bureau of Health has decided the project would brutally disrupt the patients' lives, or even pose life threatens. In the same year, the Losheng residents started their perpetual war against the violence.
Long before the depot construction was initiated, Loshen's ex-director and history professionals have demanded a large-scale inspection of Losheng's position as a historical site. The scholars appealed to the MRT Department that they should spare the Losheng Sanatorium, while they unanimously agreed the entire site should be preserved. However, the officials were rough enough to terminate the process of inspection, and decided the Sanatorium should be torn down entirely.
It was not until 2004, when Prof. John K.C. Liu (劉可強教授) came up with a symbiosis plan, and when the Concil of Cultural Affairs (文建會) has deemed the Sanatorium a historical spot, that the MRT Department was pressured to rethink the possibilities of preservation.
We sincerely appeal to the governmental officials that they should take the problems seriously. People have eyes to see and ears to listen; we will not be fooled or threatened for life.
Q11. Will MRT Shin-Jhong line not able to function if Losheng sanatorium is not torn down?
A11: Liu, Ko-Chiang, a professor in the Graduate Institute of Building and Planning in National Taiwan University (NTU), has long proposed a "Concurrent Construction Program of Losheng Sanatorium and MRT" in December, 2004. This plan not only proposes to preserve the whole area in Losheng, but let the MRT function well. It achieves the four-win situation for the historical site, the MRT, the patients in Losheng, and the HuiLong community. Also, this plan has been evaluated by the Taipei MRT bureau as "technically applicable". However, after the resignation of the whole Cabinet, no more committees were to be hold, the government commissioner in charge of this plan denied it with an official document without any negotiation, and the concurrent construction program has been put aside ever since.
In 2006, the 90% reserve plan proposed by the Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA, 文建會) was evaluate as applicable by Mott MacDonald Group. (欣陸工程顧問公司) However, the Executive Yuan turn down this proposal from CCA without any explanation in less than one month.
If we reserve Losheng sanatorium, it will not necessarily be the obstacle which hinders the MRT service. What we are upset about is the governmental monopoly of technical resources and legal rights behind the curtain, and they blame the Losheng patients for delaying the MRT. If the government keeps ignoring its flawed policy, sweeping things under the rug, and putting off its own political duty, the government will wipe out the entire historical Losheng sanatorium. Such unwise arrogance from our government only damages the rights of patients in Losheng and every citizen.
Q12. According to the Department of Rapid Transit System, Taipei (DORTS, Taipei, 台北捷運局), curved rail in the 90% plan will cause derailment, is it true?
A12: The altered curvature in 90% plan has no connection with the commuters. What the 90% plan affects is the allocation of the workshop; more specifically, the plan only changes the curvature of rails which vacant carriages may go in and out. Unless the DORTS intends to make carriages enter the workshop with a high speed, or they want some passengers to participate parties held in the workshop occasionally; otherwise security is not the issue in this plan. In fact, this is exactly why the government does not want to discuss the 90% plan openly. Besides, when Frank Chang-ting Hsieh (謝長廷) was the minister of Executive Yuan, the 90% was evaluated as an applicable plan.
Q13. According to the media and Department of Rapid Transit System, Taipei (DORTS, Taipei, 台北捷運局), the 90% preservation plan will delay the construction of MRT for two to three years and result in a two to three hundred billion NTD (approx. 760 million USD) increase in budget, is that true?
A13. In the press release issued by the Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA, 文建會) in Jan. 23, 2007, it was mentioned: "according to recent news, some local representatives and organizations in Taipei City and Taipei County claimed that the 90% Losheng preservation plan proposed by CCA will severely delay the MRT construction. Hereby CCA reiterates that the 90% preservation plan, evaluated by Hsin-Lu cooperation, will lengthen the construction period for about four months, and appends a three billion budget to it. It is not true to say the MRT construction will be delayed for two to three years."
Q14. The Losheng sanatorium has its own value to be preserved, and the human rights of the patients are also important; but what about the rights of other citizens?
A14. The Department of Rapid Transit System, Taipei (DORTS, Taipei, 台北捷運局) constantly uses phrases such as "Significant National Construction", "Asserting the Public Interests", and "One Million People's Rights of Using MRT", all of which portray the Losheng sanatorium as a troublemaker consisting of a tiny group of people, who aim at obstructing the construction of MRT. Such tactics downplay the issue of Losheng, simplifying the problem here as "the majority matters." However, we are surprised that our ruling party, who has been proud of its concern about human rights, should say such things.
If we acknowledge that the Losheng sanatorium is an important asset that not only belongs to people in Taiwan, but also to all other countries where quarantine on Hanson disease was ever imposed. The Losheng sanatorium, therefore, becomes heirloom for the entire humanity. If the Taiwanese government is willing to change its attitude and positively promote human rights, then Losheng sanatorium can not only provide another greenbelt for the citizens, but also help transform the HuiLong community into an emblem of human rights.
History repeats itself. If today we turn a deaf ear to the plights of Losheng patients, tomorrow we might ourselves experience governmental violence. In democratic countries, such as Japan, the society would usually wait till all-round plans are devised, so that the disadvantaged minority could be attended of their needs. Likewise, we urge the government in Taiwan to be responsible enough to handle the Losheng dispute with due respect to culture, history, and human rights; not only those of the patients, but also of us people.
Source: 苦勞網
http://www.coolloud.org.tw/news/database/Interface/Detailstander.asp?ID=121952
2007年4月1日 星期日
2007年3月31日 星期六
Why Lo Sheng must be preserved
By Liao Hsien-hao 廖咸浩
Sunday, Apr 01, 2007, Page 8
The Cabinet and the Taipei County Government have decided to evict the residents of the Lo Sheng (Happy Life) Sanatorium on April 16 to make way for the construction of a Mass Rapid Transit maintenance depot. If this isn't stopped, it will be a black day indeed in Taiwanese history. Not only will the government destroy a major cultural artifact and compound the misery of the residents, but even more importantly, it will show us how single-minded politicians lack respect for culture, history and human rights. This is a real tragedy for all Taiwanese.
Of about 60 such institutions around the world, Lo Sheng Sanatorium is one of the few to have survived until today. It bears witness to the process of modernization, in which state violence is used to "purify" society as well as besmirch and oppress disadvantaged groups -- including those of different ethnicity, the lower classes, the mentally ill, the diseased and dissidents.
Preserving Lo Sheng would not only let Taiwan retain one of its cultural assets, but it would also preserve a piece of history for the entire world. The International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement, a UN-related organization dedicated to promoting the rights of Hansen's disease patients, also believes that the sanatorium is part of a global heritage and has asked the Taiwanese government to protect it.
In preserving these buildings, Taiwan would allow the residents to continue to live there instead of uprooting long-standing community networks in the name of modernization. This would conform to the community spirit of the "villages" set aside for protection under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Law (文化資產保存法). It would also let the residents, who have been victimized by the Japanese colonial and Taiwanese governments, satisfy their modest wish to live out their lives in suitable and familiar surroundings.
No one can say how much effort has been wasted in the six years that have passed since former Lo Sheng director Chen Ching-chuan (陳京川) applied to have the sanatorium considered a historical site in 2001. Yet politicians from all parties still delay in executing the most basic of their duties -- confirming the sanatorium as a cultural asset.
According both to the spirit and the regulations of the preservation law, officials must fulfill their responsibilities and assess whether or not a location is a cultural asset after receiving an application. Any other considerations must wait until the status has been confirmed. Yet the entire Lo Sheng case has been handled backwards from beginning to end. It began with the idea that construction should be prioritized over culture. Officials discussed the feasibility of the project first and only talked about cultural preservation afterwards. This is the reason why even today Lo Sheng hasn't even entered the appraisal process.
Next, government technocrats should of course perform their bureaucratic responsibilities instead of trying to make things easier for themselves. The Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems has held on to information and given several, constantly changing reasons for the demolition, none of which held water in the end. How could this stalemate have continued for six years if there weren't politicians directing and conniving behind the scenes, using technocrats as an excuse to get their own way?
And did the Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA) arrive in time to put a stop this? It seemed to be acting in earnest when it listed Lo Sheng as a temporary historical site in 2005 and later commissioned Hsin Lu Engineering Consultancy to draw up a plan to preserve 90 percent of the sanatorium. But its present claim that the sanatorium's designation is a local affair, and that the central government can only encourage but not intervene, is a serious dereliction of duty.
Article 101 of the preservation law says very clearly that "when city and county regulating organizations fail to act according to this law on issues within their jurisdiction, leading to the jeopardization of the preservation of cultural assets, the Cabinet or central government overseeing organizations shall name it as such for a limited period of time. If the local government still fails to act after that time, the central government should handle the issue for them. But in urgent matters, it should handle the situation directly."
Lo Sheng has always been on the brink of harm. First, during Premier Su Tseng-chang's (蘇貞昌) time as county commissioner, no action was taken out of consideration for major construction projects. Second, during commissioner Chou Hsi-wei's (周錫瑋) term, the government told the CCA it couldn't do anything because of development projects.
Faced with the first case of a local government failing to act since the passage of the preservation law and a sanatorium whose fate is still threatened because it lacks status as a cultural asset, the CCA continues to ignore the existence of this article. It is once again passing the buck back to the local government.
For a long time this case has remained clouded in a myth. Namely, it is misunderstood to be a conflict of interest between 100 sanatorium residents and the several million people living in Taipei. But the preservation of cultural sites has always been for everyone, not just a few, which is clearly illustrated in this case.
Even if preserving the sanatorium were to affect the opening of the MRT line, this shouldn't be seen as a zero-sum relationship. When technocrats cease to monopolize information, especially after the plan to preserve 90 percent of the sanatorium comes out, we will see more clearly that modifying the plans for the maintenance depot will not delay opening the line in the least.
Taiwan, which claims to be a progressive country, has instead acted just the opposite on many issues, including comfort women, human rights for foreign laborers and the sanatorium. If it wants to be respected in the international community, it must do more than just pay lip service to these cases. It must put its full weight into promoting progressive values. These problems persist due to a lack of will, not of ability, and Lo Sheng is no exception. Whether or not Taiwan can repair its tarnished name will depend on the Cabinet adopting the 90 percent preservation plan.
Liao Hsien-hao is former director of the Taipei City Bureau of Cultural Affairs and a professor at National Taiwan University.
Translated by Marc Langer
Source: Taipei Times http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2007/04/01/2003354816
Sunday, Apr 01, 2007, Page 8
The Cabinet and the Taipei County Government have decided to evict the residents of the Lo Sheng (Happy Life) Sanatorium on April 16 to make way for the construction of a Mass Rapid Transit maintenance depot. If this isn't stopped, it will be a black day indeed in Taiwanese history. Not only will the government destroy a major cultural artifact and compound the misery of the residents, but even more importantly, it will show us how single-minded politicians lack respect for culture, history and human rights. This is a real tragedy for all Taiwanese.
Of about 60 such institutions around the world, Lo Sheng Sanatorium is one of the few to have survived until today. It bears witness to the process of modernization, in which state violence is used to "purify" society as well as besmirch and oppress disadvantaged groups -- including those of different ethnicity, the lower classes, the mentally ill, the diseased and dissidents.
Preserving Lo Sheng would not only let Taiwan retain one of its cultural assets, but it would also preserve a piece of history for the entire world. The International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement, a UN-related organization dedicated to promoting the rights of Hansen's disease patients, also believes that the sanatorium is part of a global heritage and has asked the Taiwanese government to protect it.
In preserving these buildings, Taiwan would allow the residents to continue to live there instead of uprooting long-standing community networks in the name of modernization. This would conform to the community spirit of the "villages" set aside for protection under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Law (文化資產保存法). It would also let the residents, who have been victimized by the Japanese colonial and Taiwanese governments, satisfy their modest wish to live out their lives in suitable and familiar surroundings.
No one can say how much effort has been wasted in the six years that have passed since former Lo Sheng director Chen Ching-chuan (陳京川) applied to have the sanatorium considered a historical site in 2001. Yet politicians from all parties still delay in executing the most basic of their duties -- confirming the sanatorium as a cultural asset.
According both to the spirit and the regulations of the preservation law, officials must fulfill their responsibilities and assess whether or not a location is a cultural asset after receiving an application. Any other considerations must wait until the status has been confirmed. Yet the entire Lo Sheng case has been handled backwards from beginning to end. It began with the idea that construction should be prioritized over culture. Officials discussed the feasibility of the project first and only talked about cultural preservation afterwards. This is the reason why even today Lo Sheng hasn't even entered the appraisal process.
Next, government technocrats should of course perform their bureaucratic responsibilities instead of trying to make things easier for themselves. The Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems has held on to information and given several, constantly changing reasons for the demolition, none of which held water in the end. How could this stalemate have continued for six years if there weren't politicians directing and conniving behind the scenes, using technocrats as an excuse to get their own way?
And did the Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA) arrive in time to put a stop this? It seemed to be acting in earnest when it listed Lo Sheng as a temporary historical site in 2005 and later commissioned Hsin Lu Engineering Consultancy to draw up a plan to preserve 90 percent of the sanatorium. But its present claim that the sanatorium's designation is a local affair, and that the central government can only encourage but not intervene, is a serious dereliction of duty.
Article 101 of the preservation law says very clearly that "when city and county regulating organizations fail to act according to this law on issues within their jurisdiction, leading to the jeopardization of the preservation of cultural assets, the Cabinet or central government overseeing organizations shall name it as such for a limited period of time. If the local government still fails to act after that time, the central government should handle the issue for them. But in urgent matters, it should handle the situation directly."
Lo Sheng has always been on the brink of harm. First, during Premier Su Tseng-chang's (蘇貞昌) time as county commissioner, no action was taken out of consideration for major construction projects. Second, during commissioner Chou Hsi-wei's (周錫瑋) term, the government told the CCA it couldn't do anything because of development projects.
Faced with the first case of a local government failing to act since the passage of the preservation law and a sanatorium whose fate is still threatened because it lacks status as a cultural asset, the CCA continues to ignore the existence of this article. It is once again passing the buck back to the local government.
For a long time this case has remained clouded in a myth. Namely, it is misunderstood to be a conflict of interest between 100 sanatorium residents and the several million people living in Taipei. But the preservation of cultural sites has always been for everyone, not just a few, which is clearly illustrated in this case.
Even if preserving the sanatorium were to affect the opening of the MRT line, this shouldn't be seen as a zero-sum relationship. When technocrats cease to monopolize information, especially after the plan to preserve 90 percent of the sanatorium comes out, we will see more clearly that modifying the plans for the maintenance depot will not delay opening the line in the least.
Taiwan, which claims to be a progressive country, has instead acted just the opposite on many issues, including comfort women, human rights for foreign laborers and the sanatorium. If it wants to be respected in the international community, it must do more than just pay lip service to these cases. It must put its full weight into promoting progressive values. These problems persist due to a lack of will, not of ability, and Lo Sheng is no exception. Whether or not Taiwan can repair its tarnished name will depend on the Cabinet adopting the 90 percent preservation plan.
Liao Hsien-hao is former director of the Taipei City Bureau of Cultural Affairs and a professor at National Taiwan University.
Translated by Marc Langer
Source: Taipei Times http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2007/04/01/2003354816
Reuters's article archive
- Taiwan gives eviction deadline to leprosy holdouts Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:12 PM IST By Ralph Jennings
Taiwan Journal's articles achive
- Aging lepers fight demolition of home Publication Date：06/23/2006By June Tsai
2007年3月30日 星期五
Taipei Times's articles archive
- Why Lo Sheng must be preserved By Liao Hsien-hao 廖咸浩 Sunday, Apr 01, 2007, Page 8 ,Translated by Marc Langer
- Thousands protest saving sanatorium By Loa Iok-sinSTAFF REPORTER Sunday, Apr 01, 2007, Page 2
- Cultural figures support Lo Sheng Sanatorium By Loa Iok-sinSTAFF REPORTER Thursday, Mar 29, 2007, Page 4
- Threatened lepers visit speaker Wang to appeal for help By Shih Hsiu-chuanSTAFF REPORTER Tuesday, Mar 27, 2007, Page 3
- It's time for the media to fulfill their mandate By Lo Shih-hung and Cahd Liu 羅世宏.劉昌德 Sunday, Mar 25, 2007, Page 8, Translated by Marc Langer
- Su apologizes for leprosarium debacle By Loa Iok-sinSTAFF REPORTER Saturday, Mar 24, 2007, Page 1
- Draft bill aims to preserve sanatorium By Flora WangSTAFF REPORTER Friday, Mar 23, 2007, Page 2
- Feature: Bloggers launch online appeal for leprosarium By Angelica OungSTAFF REPORTER Friday, Mar 23, 2007, Page 2
- Clashes erupt over leprosarium By Loa Iok-sin and Shih Hsiu-chuanSTAFF REPORTERS Saturday, Mar 17, 2007, Page 2
- Chen addresses controversy over leprosy center By Ko Shu-ling STAFF REPORTER Friday, Mar 16, 2007, Page 3
- Indie-music scene mobilizes with concert to protest land grab By Ron BrownlowSTAFF REPORTER Friday, Mar 16, 2007, Page 15
- Sanitorium group protest outside premier's house By Shih Hsiu-chuanSTAFF REPORTER Monday, Mar 12, 2007, Page 3
- Editorial: The cherry-picking of history Thursday, Mar 08, 2007, Page 8
- Leper facility won't be demolished yet: Chou By Mo Yan-chih STAFF REPORTER Friday, Jul 28, 2006, Page 3
- Lepers appeal to local government By Shih Hsiu-chuanSTAFF REPORTER Thursday, Jul 13, 2006, Page 2
- Rights activists angered by plight of Happy Life lepers
By Flora WangSTAFF REPORTER Monday, Jun 12, 2006, Page 2 - Leprosy patients to sue government over policies By Shih Hsiu-chuanSTAFF REPORTER Tuesday, Apr 04, 2006, Page 3
- Leprosy, alienation and the human condition are explored further By Steve PriceSTAFF REPORTER Friday, Feb 10, 2006, Page 15
- Japan to pay out US$68,000 to leprosy patients DPA, TOKYO Saturday, Feb 04, 2006, Page 1
- More human-rights work needed: experts By Chiu Yu-TzuSTAFF REPORTER Monday, Dec 12, 2005, Page 2
- Japan's leprosy victims to get paid THE GUARDIAN, LONDON Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005, Page 2
- Leprosy patients applaud ruling of Japanese court DPA, TAIPEI Wednesday, Oct 26, 2005, Page 2
- Fate of leprosy sufferers unknown
BY JENNY CHOUSTAFF REPORTER Thursday, Sep 08, 2005, Page 2 - 'Let us live our lives here in peace'
By Ho YiSTAFF REPORTER Sunday, Jul 24, 2005, Page 17 - Lepers' advocates protest in Geneva for better treatment By Wang Hsiao-wenSTAFF REPORTER Tuesday, May 17, 2005, Page 3
- Aging lepers denied compensation on a legal technicality By Wang Hsiao-wenSTAFF REPORTER Sunday, Apr 03, 2005, Page 1
- Leper colony to stage dramatic protest at WHO's HQ By Wang Hsiao-wenSTAFF WRITER Saturday, May 14, 2005, Page 4
- Lo Sheng Sanatorium may be saved By Wang Hsiao-wenSTAFF REPORTER Saturday, Feb 19, 2005, Page 2
- Lepers don't want to leave their home By Wang Hsiao-wenSTAFF REPORTER Monday, Feb 14, 2005, Page 3
- Taiwanese ex-lepers sue Japan for past wrongs AFP, TOKYO Saturday, Dec 18, 2004, Page 2
- Lepers protest to save their home By Wang Hsiao-wenSTAFF REPORTER Saturday, Dec 11, 2004, Page 4
- Former lepers protest relocation By Caroline HongSTAFF REPORTER Saturday, Oct 16, 2004, Page 2
- Book illuminates lives of patients in leprosy sanitorium Evelyn ShihCONTRIBUTING REPORTER Wednesday, Jun 30, 2004, Page 4
- On the trail of a humanitarian legacy By Lin Mei-chunSTAFF REPORTER Monday, Jul 24, 2000, Page 2
Taiwan New's articles archive
- Scholars, artists unite in support of Losheng
Taiwan News, Staff Reporter 2007-03-29 00:00:00 Hermia Lin - Under pressure, Su vows to solve sanatorium issue
Taiwan News, Staff Reporter 2007-03-27 00:00:00 Hermia Lin - Police, activists clash over plan to demolish Losheng building Taiwan News, Staff Reporter 2007-03-17 12:00 AM Lu Chia-ying
- Police break up protest over sanatorium Taiwan News, Staff Reporter 2007-03-12 12:00 AM Hermia Lin
- Cabinet approves plan to perserve much of historic leper sanatorium
Taiwan News, Staff Reporter 2006-05-19 11:34 AM Su Chueh-yu
IDEA statement -- March 14, 2007
March 14, 2007
Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural
Representative Office in the United States
901 Wind River LaneGaithersburg, MD 20878
FAX: (240) 235-5410
Dear Sir/Madam:
We are writing to you to express our grave concern over the proposed forcible eviction of the residents of Lo Sheng Hospital in Taiwan from the place that has become their home as well as the proposed complete destruction of this internationally significant site in the history of leprosy.
IDEA is the largest international advocacy organization and network of support for individuals whose lives have been challenged by leprosy, also referred to as Hansen’s Disease. Our leadership is largely made up of individuals who have themselves had this disease.
Last year, IDEA was granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and, as such, can testify before the UN Human Rights Commission on matters of great concern to us.
The forced displacement from their homes of people who were first separated from their families due to society’s fear of leprosy and are now facing a second displacement because land rights are being given priority over human rights, is an issue that we plan to bring before the UN Human Rights Commission.
Prior to the advent of a cure for leprosy, people throughout the world were forcibly separated from their families and isolated in hospitals far removed from society.
This was done for the supposed protection of society at great cost to the lives of the individuals and their families. In fact, in some cases, whole family lines came to an end if an only child had leprosy.
Now that the land that many of these hospitals are located on has become valuable, plans are made for the use of the land that does not take into consideration the ethical and humanitarian issues surrounding the repeated displacement of people from the places that have become their homes.
Many countries throughout the world have recognized the historical significance of the leprosy hospitals where people have been isolated as well as the rights of individuals to live out their lives in the places that have become their homes. This has resulted in creative efforts to develop adapted use facilities that work to benefit society in many ways and also provide for preserving the history and the lifestyle of individuals living in these places (please see attachment for examples of some of these).
A panel discussion will be held on this issue at the next International Leprosy Congress to be held in Hyderabad, India in January, 2008. The residents of Lo Sheng have already been invited to designate a representative to serve on the five-member panel that will lead the discussion. They have accepted this invitation.
We fervently hope that the government and people of Taiwan will recognize that the residents of Lo Sheng are a national treasure. Through their lives, they have the ability to teach present and future generations about issues fundamental to the promotion of peace and justice in our world. They have undergone separation from that which was most dear to them yet do not harbor revenge or hatred. They simply request that their history be honored and that they be allowed to remain in their home.
We hope that we can all work together in a unified effort to ensure that this chapter in Taiwan’s history will be remembered as an example of justice and humanity rather than an example of the use of force and coercion against elderly individuals who gave up their families and their futures a lifetime ago in order that society could feel safe.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Anwei Skinsnes Law,
M.P.H.International Coordinator,
IDEACoordinator, Oral History Project, International Leprosy Association
Global Project on the History of Leprosy.
Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural
Representative Office in the United States
901 Wind River LaneGaithersburg, MD 20878
FAX: (240) 235-5410
Dear Sir/Madam:
We are writing to you to express our grave concern over the proposed forcible eviction of the residents of Lo Sheng Hospital in Taiwan from the place that has become their home as well as the proposed complete destruction of this internationally significant site in the history of leprosy.
IDEA is the largest international advocacy organization and network of support for individuals whose lives have been challenged by leprosy, also referred to as Hansen’s Disease. Our leadership is largely made up of individuals who have themselves had this disease.
Last year, IDEA was granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and, as such, can testify before the UN Human Rights Commission on matters of great concern to us.
The forced displacement from their homes of people who were first separated from their families due to society’s fear of leprosy and are now facing a second displacement because land rights are being given priority over human rights, is an issue that we plan to bring before the UN Human Rights Commission.
Prior to the advent of a cure for leprosy, people throughout the world were forcibly separated from their families and isolated in hospitals far removed from society.
This was done for the supposed protection of society at great cost to the lives of the individuals and their families. In fact, in some cases, whole family lines came to an end if an only child had leprosy.
Now that the land that many of these hospitals are located on has become valuable, plans are made for the use of the land that does not take into consideration the ethical and humanitarian issues surrounding the repeated displacement of people from the places that have become their homes.
Many countries throughout the world have recognized the historical significance of the leprosy hospitals where people have been isolated as well as the rights of individuals to live out their lives in the places that have become their homes. This has resulted in creative efforts to develop adapted use facilities that work to benefit society in many ways and also provide for preserving the history and the lifestyle of individuals living in these places (please see attachment for examples of some of these).
A panel discussion will be held on this issue at the next International Leprosy Congress to be held in Hyderabad, India in January, 2008. The residents of Lo Sheng have already been invited to designate a representative to serve on the five-member panel that will lead the discussion. They have accepted this invitation.
We fervently hope that the government and people of Taiwan will recognize that the residents of Lo Sheng are a national treasure. Through their lives, they have the ability to teach present and future generations about issues fundamental to the promotion of peace and justice in our world. They have undergone separation from that which was most dear to them yet do not harbor revenge or hatred. They simply request that their history be honored and that they be allowed to remain in their home.
We hope that we can all work together in a unified effort to ensure that this chapter in Taiwan’s history will be remembered as an example of justice and humanity rather than an example of the use of force and coercion against elderly individuals who gave up their families and their futures a lifetime ago in order that society could feel safe.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Anwei Skinsnes Law,
M.P.H.International Coordinator,
IDEACoordinator, Oral History Project, International Leprosy Association
Global Project on the History of Leprosy.
1997年的資料 -- 中華日報
＊＊痲瘋村先建後拆 病患第一 醫學辭典 癩病俗稱痲瘋病 老病人：要拆村 不如叫我們去死 希望捷運部門等一等 社會大眾多關懷 台灣地區癩病罹患數及分析（８５） 台灣省立樂生療養院整建計劃辦理情形
報刊名稱 :中華日報
記錄編號: 473704
日期 :1997/08/01
版次 :11
本文受著作權法保護，不提供本文或圖檔
Source: 中央通訊社資料中心
報刊名稱 :中華日報
記錄編號: 473704
日期 :1997/08/01
版次 :11
本文受著作權法保護，不提供本文或圖檔
Source: 中央通訊社資料中心
1997年的資料 -- 台灣新生報
1. 土地即將被徵收 唯一寄託的佛堂、天主堂等可能一併蓋在同一層樓 樂生療養院病患表明不能接受
報刊名稱 :台灣新生報
記錄編號: 498689
日期 :1997/08/08
版次 :6
圖文檔:
Source: 中央通訊社資料中心
2007年3月29日 星期四
United Nations Press Release -- 20 July 2005
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UN EXPERTS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER IMMINENTEVICTION OF TAIWANESE RESIDENTS IN LO-SHENGSANATORIUM
xxxxxxxxxx
20 July 2005
Paul Hunt, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health ("the right to health", and Miloon Kothari, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, issued the following statement today:The Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health ("the right to health") and the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living express their profound concern over information received concerning the imminent eviction of residents living in Taiwan's Lo-Sheng Sanatorium for individuals with leprosy.Lo-Sheng Sanatorium, an area of 30-hectares, is located in Sinjhuang, Taipei County and was originally built in 1930. The sanatorium originally served as an isolation hospital for leprosy patients. However, in recent years the 300 residents of Lo-Sheng have benefited from a village-like, community way of life that allows for their independence in a quiet and peaceful environment. Many individuals without limbs have "scooters", providing them access outdoors to enjoy the gardens surrounding the sanatorium.The evictions were reportedly to take place on July 20, 2005 to allow for the creation of a Mass Rapid Transit System ("MRT") by the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation. Residents of Lo-Sheng Sanatorium will allegedly be relocated to the Hui-Long Hospital.The Special Rapporteurs urge the authorities to ensure that the human rights of people affected by leprosy are fully respected. In particular, they remind the authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, especially with regard to the right to health and the right to adequate housing. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has stated that "forced evictions are prima facie incompatible with the provisions of the Covenant and can only be carried out under specific circumstances".The Special Rapporteurs urge the authorities to explore all feasible alternatives in consultation with the residents of Lo-Sheng Sanatorium. If no solution can be found that would allow residents to remain, legal remedies or procedures should be provided to residents that are affected by eviction orders, along with adequate compensation for any property affected, both personal and real. Any evictions that are considered justified should be carried out in strict compliance with the relevant provisions of international human rights law and in accordance with the general principles of reasonableness and proportionality.
Source: http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/63355551F63FFCAAC125704400573FB7?opendocument
UN EXPERTS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER IMMINENTEVICTION OF TAIWANESE RESIDENTS IN LO-SHENGSANATORIUM
xxxxxxxxxx
20 July 2005
Paul Hunt, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health ("the right to health", and Miloon Kothari, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, issued the following statement today:The Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health ("the right to health") and the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living express their profound concern over information received concerning the imminent eviction of residents living in Taiwan's Lo-Sheng Sanatorium for individuals with leprosy.Lo-Sheng Sanatorium, an area of 30-hectares, is located in Sinjhuang, Taipei County and was originally built in 1930. The sanatorium originally served as an isolation hospital for leprosy patients. However, in recent years the 300 residents of Lo-Sheng have benefited from a village-like, community way of life that allows for their independence in a quiet and peaceful environment. Many individuals without limbs have "scooters", providing them access outdoors to enjoy the gardens surrounding the sanatorium.The evictions were reportedly to take place on July 20, 2005 to allow for the creation of a Mass Rapid Transit System ("MRT") by the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation. Residents of Lo-Sheng Sanatorium will allegedly be relocated to the Hui-Long Hospital.The Special Rapporteurs urge the authorities to ensure that the human rights of people affected by leprosy are fully respected. In particular, they remind the authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, especially with regard to the right to health and the right to adequate housing. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has stated that "forced evictions are prima facie incompatible with the provisions of the Covenant and can only be carried out under specific circumstances".The Special Rapporteurs urge the authorities to explore all feasible alternatives in consultation with the residents of Lo-Sheng Sanatorium. If no solution can be found that would allow residents to remain, legal remedies or procedures should be provided to residents that are affected by eviction orders, along with adequate compensation for any property affected, both personal and real. Any evictions that are considered justified should be carried out in strict compliance with the relevant provisions of international human rights law and in accordance with the general principles of reasonableness and proportionality.
Source: http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/63355551F63FFCAAC125704400573FB7?opendocument
Losheng Sanatorium - Wikipedia
Losheng Sanatorium(Traditional Chinese: 樂生療養院; pinyin: lèshēng liáoyǎngyuàn) is a hospital for lepers, which is located in Hsinchuang City, Taipei County. During 1930s, this hospital was the only public sanatorium for leprosy patients in Taiwan and also the first leprosy hospital in Taiwan, designed for the quarantine and treatment of lepers. With the force of sanitary police and medical officers, the investigation, quarantine, and imprisonment of lepers were conducted thoroughly in the period from 1934 till the end of colonial governance of Japan. As a result, Losheng Sanatorium became the institution of compulsory quarantine as well as life-long imprisonment for the leprosy patients.
Losheng, named Rakusei Sanatorium for Lepers of Governor-General of Taiwan (臺灣總督府癩病療養樂生院, Taiwan Sōtokufu Raibyō Rakuseiin?) originally, was built in 1929 during Japanese colonial period and served as an isolation hospital for leprosy patients at that time. The Japanese government forced leprosy patients to live in this hospital. The first 5 buildings can offer more than 100 patients.
In 2001, due to the construction of Taipei Rapid Transit System, the authorities planed of Hsinchuang Line to transform Losheng to a community hospital, thus put an end to its dedicated hospitalization and care for leprosy patients. Many students, urban planners and NGO tried to protect this sanatorium from that time.
Source: Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Losheng_Sanatorium
Losheng, named Rakusei Sanatorium for Lepers of Governor-General of Taiwan (臺灣總督府癩病療養樂生院, Taiwan Sōtokufu Raibyō Rakuseiin?) originally, was built in 1929 during Japanese colonial period and served as an isolation hospital for leprosy patients at that time. The Japanese government forced leprosy patients to live in this hospital. The first 5 buildings can offer more than 100 patients.
In 2001, due to the construction of Taipei Rapid Transit System, the authorities planed of Hsinchuang Line to transform Losheng to a community hospital, thus put an end to its dedicated hospitalization and care for leprosy patients. Many students, urban planners and NGO tried to protect this sanatorium from that time.
Source: Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Losheng_Sanatorium
The China Post's articles archives
- Losheng Sanatorium residents stage protest at Su residence
- 2007/3/12 The China Post staff - Sanatorium residents refuse to move out
- 2007/3/14 TAIPEI, CNA - Protesters arrested at sanatorium
- 2007/3/17 The China Post staff - Shift MRT, save sanatorium
- 2007/3/20 The China Post - Premier apologizes for sanatorium plan
- 2007/3/24 The China Post staff
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