National Human Rights Museum, Taipei

The National Human Rights Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, is a solemn testament to the island's turbulent past and its commitment to human rights and democracy. Located in the Jing-Mei and Green Island White Terror Memorial Parks, the museum serves as an educational and memorial space dedicated to the victims of political persecution during the White Terror period, a dark era in Taiwan's history that lasted from 1949 to 1987.

The museum complex encompasses former detention centers where political prisoners were held and tried during the martial law period in Taiwan. Through its exhibitions and archives, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look at the stories of those who were imprisoned and the human rights abuses they endured.

The Jing-Mei Human Rights Memorial and Cultural Park, one of the museum's main sites, was once a military court and prison. Today, it has been transformed into a place of reflection and learning, with well-preserved courtrooms, prison cells, and barracks that allow visitors to step back in time and witness the conditions that political detainees faced.

The Green Island White Terror Memorial Park, located on the remote Green Island off the eastern coast of Taiwan, was another site of political imprisonment. The museum here not only preserves the history of the island's penal colony but also serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.

The National Human Rights Museum is a critical institution for Taiwan, providing a space for remembrance and dialogue on human rights issues. It also plays an active role in education, with numerous programs aimed at teaching the younger generation about the importance of democratic values and the protection of human rights.