CAP LC submitted this written statement during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (15 June – 10 July 2026) under Agenda Item 3, drawing the Council’s attention to a global pattern of misuse of taxation as a tool to target, stigmatize, or weaken spiritual and religious minorities.
During the 61st Human Rights Council session, CAP LC presented a written statement on the weaponization of tax law against spiritual minorities in Taiwan. It examines the Tai Ji Men case, involving perpetual tax bills despite judicial acquittals, resulting in sacred land seizure. The statement identifies structural tax administration flaws violating international human rights covenants, undermining religious freedom and due process. CAP LC urges resolution of the Tai Ji Men case and reforms ensuring taxation isn’t used discriminatorily against religious groups.
The 228 Incident warns against unchecked authority. Taiwan’s Tai Ji Men case reflects similar concerns: administrative actions contradicting court rulings undermine rule of law and religious freedom protections under international human rights standards
The 228 Incident is not just a historical event; it is the representation of the fundamental human need for dignity, justice, and self-determination. When the peaceful protesters were killed, their spirit would have been killed as well, had they not rise up and fight for what they believed in. In this spirit of resistance, there are a number of similarities to the current struggle of the Tai Ji Men, a group that has for decades fought against systemic injustice and arbitrariness of the system.
We urges global vigilance, arguing that taxes should never be weaponized to target innocent citizens or suppress religious and cultural practices. The Tai Ji Men case exemplifies how bureaucratic mécanismes can be manipulated to marginalize and harass spiritual communities that do not align with prevailing political narratives.
