Focus Taiwan
Date: 07/09/2020
By: Chen Yun-yu and Emerson Lim

Taipei, July 9 (CNA) Yu Mei-nu (尤美女), a human rights lawyer and a former legislator of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, was conferred the National Order of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite), with the rank of knight, by the government of France on Thursday.

Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave, head of the French Office in Taipei, pinned the medal to Yu at his official residence on behalf French President Emmanuel Macron.

"As a tireless fighter for human rights, you are faithful to your values despite all difficulties you have faced. Your values are in line with those being upheld by France — democracy, freedom, protection of human rights," Casabonne-Masonnave said.

Yu was awarded for dedicating her career to advocating for women and LGBT rights in the past three decades.    [FULL  STORY]