Taiwan’s Representative to the United States Commended by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad and Senior U.S. Officials for Taiwan’s support of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and Donation towards Humanitarian Assistance
Taiwan’s Representative to the United States, Ambassador Stanley Kao, joined by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, State Department officials Ambassador Kelley Currie (Office of Global Criminal Justice) and Special Advisor Knox Thames (Office of International Religious Freedom), attended a public ceremony held at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on June 28th, 2019, to highlight Taiwan’s contribution towards the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS’ humanitarian assistance and stabilization efforts by donating to “Nadia’s Initiative” to support humanitarian work in Iraq.
Ambassador Kao quoted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, stating that “Taiwan is a democratic success story, a reliable partner, and a force for good in the world,” and pointed out the enduring partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. grows even stronger as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act this year. He reaffirmed that Taiwan will continue its close cooperation with the U.S. and other like-minded countries, partners and NGOs to address a broad range of issues such as women’s empowerment, religious freedom, and humanitarian assistance. He recalled being deeply inspired and touched by Ms. Murad’s courage and advocacy, and Taiwan was the first to answer Secretary Pompeo’s call during the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ministerial in February and announced a donation of $500,000 to support “Nadia’s Initiative.” He noted half-million dollars may be a small amount, but shows Taiwanese people’s “big heart.”
Ms. Murad expressed her pleasure in seeing so many people present to support the cause of the Yazidi people, and stressed that the Yazidis still face many difficulties and challenges, which requires continued support from the international community. She repeatedly thanked the government of Taiwan for its generous donation, and presented a certificate of appreciation to Ambassador Kao.
Ambassador Currie said that she was deeply impressed by Nadia’s ability to turn her suffering into an amazing initiative advocating for all victims of atrocities, and expressed her appreciation for Taiwan’s donation to “Nadia’s Initiative”.
Special Advisor Knox Thames reiterated that no one should suffer violence because of their religious belief, and that the U.S. is committed to providing humanitarian assistance. He also expressed gratitude for the contributions made by partners like Taiwan.
USIP Vice President for Middle East and Africa Michael Yaffe made welcoming remarks in the event. USAID Special Representative for Minority Assistance Programs in Iraq Max Primorac, U.S. Department of State Office of the Global Coalition to Deafeat ISIS Director Jonas Wechsler, American Institute in Taiwan Managing Director John Norris, and over 300 members of the public and media were in attendance.
Taiwan has been a member of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS since October, 2014. The Coalition currently has 80 members. As a member of the Coalition and a reliable partner of the international community, Taiwan’s government and NGOs have provided over $33 million in cash and in-kind humanitarian assistance to ISIS refugees in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Turkey in recent years. For example, Taiwan donated 350 temporary housing units and a mobile hospital, as well as funds and equipment for de-mining operations, which helped stabilize the local environment, alleviate a looming refugee crisis, and lower the risk of ISIS reemerging.
