Shu-han Lin works for the Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR) as a refugee specialist. TAHR is a comprehensive rights organization founded during the authoritarian era in 1984. Its focus shifted from democratic transition to violations against the universal human rights such as the labor rights of migrant fishers, forced evictions, use of force during assemblies, and rights to seek asylum.

Before joining TAHR, Shu-han was studying for her master's in human rights at the London School of Economics and Political Science and engaging in several projects with human rights groups. She has research and advocacy experience for immigration detainees, human rights defenders in China and rights violations in Xinjiang. Throughout her career, Shu-han has come to realize that the fire will burn us if we see a human rights violation happening to others but remain silent and apathetic about it. A small violation could spread out nationwide and potentially hurt everyone in the world. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Refugee Initiative: School Workshops beyond Educational Framework

This project provided a gateway for 400 high school students, university students and educators to learn about refugees and appropriate national and international policies for adequate protection of  refugees. A series of workshops encouraged conversations and reflections on refugee communities and policies. Sessions focused on the backgrounds and stories of refugees. Students'  awareness was raised about refugees, gendered differences in the refugee experience, and how to act on the plights of refugees in a vigorous civil society.

IVLP Exchange Experience

Shu-han participated in the IVLP Project A Global Moment in Time: Peace and Justice, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City, WorldBoston, Georgia Council for International Visitors, Global Ties Detroit, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, Global Minnesota, San Diego Diplomacy Council, Tulsa Global Alliance, World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana, and World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.

Shu-han's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "IVLP opens up an extraordinary opportunity to connect with people of similar visions worldwide. It provides the in-depth scope into the dynamics and mechanisms of how relevant issues and organizations operate independently or with the American government."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Louisville, KY; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; New York City, NY; Tulsa, OK; Philadelphia, PA

Location: Taiwan

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