Investigative action initiated by Control Yuan over alleged biased road labels

Investigation Launched into Potentially Discriminatory Road Names in Taiwan

The Control Yuan, Taiwan's government watchdog body, has initiated an investigation into road names that may contain characters historically associated with derogatory connotations towards non-Chinese ethnicities. The investigation was announced by member Upay Radiw Kanasaw, who published a statement on the Control Yuan's website.

The investigation will focus on several urban areas, including Taipei and Hualien, where cities and places with potentially discriminatory street names related to the indigenous population have been identified. Fanjin Road, Fanzi Road, and Fanshe Street in Changhua County's Puyan Township, as well as Fanlu Township in Chiayi County, are under investigation. These road names contain characters that historically carry connotations of "barbarian" or "primitive" in reference to non-Chinese.

Upay Radiw Kanasaw highlighted that Taiwan is home to 16 officially recognized Austronesian-speaking peoples, making up a little more than 2.5 percent of the population. He emphasized the importance of the investigation in ensuring that the naming of public spaces reflects the values of respecting diversity and promoting social harmony.

The investigation will also consider if the naming of public spaces should reflect indigenous historical context and record interethnic interactions. Local governments have begun reviewing and renaming such streets to respect indigenous cultures. Measures taken include establishing consultation committees with indigenous representatives, integrating cultural considerations into naming policies, and holding public forums to ensure indigenous participation in the renaming process.

Upay Radiw Kanasaw stated that a lack of cultural sensitivity in certain names continues to foster discrimination and affects indigenous identity and cultural dignity. He suggested that local governments should establish mechanisms for cultural assessments and ethnic participation when naming or renaming roads. Road names, he argued, should respect ethnic identity and cultural dignity.

The Control Yuan's investigation marks a significant step in addressing the issue of potentially discriminatory road names in Taiwan. The investigation's findings are not specified as being ongoing or completed, and it remains to be seen what decisions, if any, will be made regarding the road names under investigation. However, the initiative underscores the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect for all ethnicities in Taiwan's public spaces.