Welcome to the conference on caring for human rights and Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees. The conference is about to begin. The International Human Rights Conference begins. All the guests, please rise.

Three Principles of The People) Our aim shall be: To found a free land, World peace be our stand. Lead on, friends, Vanguards you are. Hold fast your aim, By sun and star. Be earnest and brave, Your country to save, One heart, one soul, One mind, one goal.



*Please be seated. Address by the chairpersons. Let us welcome Mrs. Barbara Finch, Director of the International Federation of Human Rights, Secretary of State Affairs in Iowa, and the organizer of the conference, to give a speech. The International Federation of Human Rights is established by the governors and secretaries of seven US states. Its current honorary president is Terry Brandstad, Governor of the state of Iowa. Please welcome Mrs. Barbara Finch. Thank you. Mrs. Finch arrived in Formosa (Taiwan) on May 21. She is very willing to promote peace in Formosa (Taiwan) and the whole world. Let's also welcome Mr. Chen Hung-Kwang, General Secretary of the World Cultural Communication Association.



*On Monday, the Master spoke to you and used a quote from the Bible, where God told his people, God said, “I was a stranger and you did not invite me in; I needed clothes, and you did not clothe me; I was sick and in prison, and you did not look after me." And they also will answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and did not help you?" And He replied, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” There are many problems which can easily be resolved if we can communicate with a loving heart, and in so doing, we are all aware of the fact that world peace and harmony are yet to be reached among the citizens of the world, due to reasons such as political structure, economic competence, and religious prejudice and cultural difference.



*As we know, the disharmony among humanity today is attributable to many factors: political standpoints, economic competition, religious prejudices, and cultural differences. In addition, our own self interest and viewpoints have caused wars in some parts of the world. Hatred from wars has led to escalating tension in the world, causing more and more tragedies. The number of refugees has been increasing since World War II.



*Unfortunately, the number of broken families due to the ongoing battles in this world has increased a great deal, especially after the Second World War, in which the number of refugees has reached up to 30 million people.



* Hatred from war has brought tension in the world, causing tragedies. Since World War II, the number of refugees has reached over 30 million. They are victims of devastating battles, and continuously strive for the basic human ideals of democracy and freedom.



*Being victims of wars, they have pursued a life of freedom and human dignity.



*As we are all from the same origin, we should not forget that if we experience this world with love, and use love as our principle, then it will be much easier to solve all the problems in the world, and there will be no more wars or disasters.



*While the rest of the world praises their bravery for just cause, little has been done to help these homeless wanderers. Some of the democratic nations have abandoned them, forcing them to sacrifice their bodies and souls under the inhumane and cruel living conditions of camps. Their circumstances remind me of how the Jews were treated by the Nazis during World War II.

*Our goal is to have no more wars, violence or repression. The purpose of today's conference is to make known our International Human Rights Proclamation, the purpose of which is to solve the world's refugee problems. We want no refugees in this world.



*Thank you for inviting me and allowing me to speak to you on this issue.



*We are both honored to host this conference today. We have two great leaders here in Formosa (Taiwan). One is our President, Mr. Lee Teng-Hui, who has worked hard to gain UN membership for our country. Another is our world spiritual leader, Supreme Master Ching Hai. President Lee has paid great attention to this International Conference on Human Rights. Since our schedule is in conflict with his parliamentary meetings and other important matters which require his attention, he will probably receive us and the delegates from both international organizations at another appropriate time. He offers his commendation to our highly respected and beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai. We are honored to have this opportunity to report to you on these developments. Thank you very much.



*Let us now introduce our distinguished guests.



*Thank you very much. We'd now like to introduce some of our honored guests.



* From Canada, we have Mr. Stephen James Godden, editor and columnist of SCENE, CKSL-1410 AM radio.

*From Canada, we have Mr. Stephen James Godden, editor of CKSL-1410 AM radio and columnist of SCENE. CKSL-1410 Radio mainly covers news and sports in the London area of Canada.



*From France, M. Vincent Dupont, reporter for Figaro News.



*From France, M. Vincent Dupont, reporter for Figaro News, which is noted for its support of humanitarian work.



*From France again, Mr. Jean-Claude Carton, General Secretary of the Now & Here radio station.



*Mr. Jean-Claude Carton, General Secretary of the Now & Here radio station in France. The station specializes in religious and spiritual programs, with the focus on promoting mutual help and love among humans.



*From France again, Mr. Lê Trung Cang, former Chairman of the Committee for Protecting the Boat People.



*From France, Mr. Lê Trung Cang, former chairman of the Committee for Protecting the Boat People. This committee has approached the UNHCR concerning the policy on Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees.



*From Korea, Mr. Song Chung Mu, President and publisher of Inside the World magazine.



*Mr. Son Chung Mu, President and publisher of the Inside the World magazine in Korea. This magazine focuses on political issues and a variety of news coverage.



*From Indonesia, Ms. Rindang Herawati, military reporter of the Java Post newspaper.



*From Indonesia, Ms. Rindang Herawati, military reporter of the Java Post, the largest newspaper in East Java.



*From Indonesia, Mr. Suprihadi, foreign reporter and editor of the Harian Surya. And we also have Mr. Basuki Vermart of Surabaya, Indonesia; Benny Chris, cameraman of REPISETB, Jakarta, Indonesia.



* Mr. Suprihadi, foreign reporter and editor of the Indonesian Harian Surya News, which has quickly achieved a wide circulation in East Indonesia.



*From Indonesia again, Mr. Moxa Nadeak, reporter for the Suara Pembaruan.



*Mr. Moxa Nadeak, reporter of the Indonesian Suara Pembaruan News, the second largest local language newspaper in Jakarta.



*Again, from Indonesia, Mr. FA Prasetyo, reporter and director of PT Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI).



*From Indonesia, Mr. FA Prasetyo, reporter and broadcasting director of RCTI Television, and cameraman, Mr. Groda. RCTI is the only private television station in Indonesia and is highly influential in the country.



*From the Philippines, Mr. Joe Lad Santos, Editor-in-Chief of the Filipino Reporter Magazine.



*Mr. Joe Lad Santos, Chief editor of the Filipino Reporter Magazine, which is known for its fair coverage and support and sympathy for victims both at home and abroad.



*Again, from the Philippines, Dr. and Mrs. Rene G. Santos of the Asian Pacific Youth Freedom League, Philippine Center.



*From the Philippines, Dr. Rene G. Santos, Chairman of the Asian Pacific Youth Freedom League (Philippine Chapter) and his wife, Mrs. Amy Santos. This organization has offered immense help to victims of the Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruptions and has shown great support and sympathy to Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees abroad.



*From California, USA, Mr. Hồ Kỳ, President of the Hải Ninh Community Association.



*Mr. Hồ Kỳ, President of the Hải Ninh Community Association in California, USA. Over the past three years, this association has saved countless numbers of Aulacese (Vietnamese)

refugees from Hong Kong through various means.



*From the USA, New York, Paz Huneeus of the United Nations.



*Ms. Paz Huneeus of the United Nations in New York.



*From Oregon, Dr. Richard Schneider, University of Global Education and Peace International Radio.



*Dr. Richard Schneider, Director of the Radio for Peace International and Dean of the University of Global Education in Oregon, USA. He is accompanied by photographer Mr. Raymond Dukes. Peace International Radio reaches audiences in over 60 countries globally. Its purpose is to promote peace and social justice, protect the environment and ecology, and foster cultural exchanges.



*From Arizona, the Reverend Jim Proper, Vice President of the Lutheran Social Ministry, and Mr. John Navin, also of the Lutheran Social Ministry.



*Mr. Jim Proper and Mr. John Navin, Vice President and staff of the Arizona Lutheran Social Ministry.



*From Arizona, Ms. Mary Hoppin, Circulation Director of the Current Media newspaper.



*Ms. Mary Hoppin, Circulation Director of the “Current” monthly newspaper in Arizona.



*From Houston, Texas, Mr. Vũ Thu, Intake Technician of the Refugee Program at the Houston Community College System.



*Mr. Vũ Trọng Thu, Intake Technician for the refugee program of the Houston Community College System, Texas. He is working to help refugees find jobs and receive an education.



*From Sydney, Australia, Ms. Candace Sutton, reporter for the Sun Herald newspaper.



*Ms. Candace Sutton, reporter of the Sun Herald newspaper in Sydney, Australia.



*From Australia, again, we have Mr. David Giang, publisher for the Morning Sun (Chiều Dương) news.



*Mr. David Giang, publisher of the Morning Sun newspaper in Australia.



*From the International Red Cross, the United States, we have Mr. King-Bo, Cheong King-Bo.



*Mr. Cheong King-Bo of the International Red Cross, USA.



*From Hawaii, representing the United Chinese Press, Mr. Leow Chi-Quon.



*Mr. Leow Chi-Quon of the United Chinese Press in Hawaii.



*Also from the US, representing the Vietnam-Chinese newspaper, Mr. Kwang Shao-Zhen.



*Mr. Kwang Shao-Zhen, reporter of the Vietnam-Chinese newspaper in the US.



*From the US, representing the Read-over Newspaper, Mr.Chen Shu-Chuan.



*Mr. Chen Shu-Chuan, reporter of the Chung Hsing Newspaper in the US.



*From California, Editor-in-Chief of the Ngày Mai magazine in California, Mr. Vũ Khôi.



*Mr. Vũ Khôi, Editor-in-Chief of the Ngày Mai magazine in California.



*From the Philippines, Editor of the Foreign News of the Manila Bulletin, noted journalist, Mr. Alfredo Gabot.



*Mr. Alfredo Gabot, journalist and Foreign News Editor of the Manila Bulletin in the Philippines. [



*From the Ananda Marga Group of spiritual practitioners, we're happy to have Bigi Nana.



*Ms. Xiao Ming-Hua, co-chairperson of the US National Republican Party, Asian Chapter.



*From the World League for Freedom & Democracy, Mr. T. T. Liu.



*Mr. Lin Cheng-Chieh, Legislator; Mr. Chang Fu-Hsing, Chairman of the National Congress Chairpersons' Assembly. These two gentlemen have extended great support to the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees. Let's give them a round of applause. Mr. Lin Kuo-Hsien, Deputy General-Secretary of the Judicial Yuan; Mr. Lin Jui-Ching, Yunlin County Legislator; Mr. Lin Shou-Shan, Kaohsiung County Legislator;

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Chen, Director of the State of Florida, USA, Office in Taipei; Mr. Jung Tzu-Hao, Chairman of Life Line International in Formosa (Taiwan); Mr. Chen Jun-Hwa, Hualien County Councilor; Mr. Liu Pei-Xun, Director of the Ta Min News; Mr. Wang Lin-Jiu, commissioner of Data Management of the Directorate General of Customs; Mr. Carlos James, Deputy Commissioner of the St. Vincent Internal Revenue Department; Mr. Alpheus T. Mdluli, Deputy Commissioner of the Swaziland Inland Revenue Department; Mr. Hong Wen-Ching, Director of the National Elderly Association; Mr. Satoshi Saeki, special reporter of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper of Japan. There are many more representatives from different walks of life and friends from major local TV stations, newspapers, magazines, and radio stations, who are present. We apologize for not being able to introduce every one of our honored guests. Please allow us to extend to each one of you our heartfelt respect and best wishes. Thank you very much for your interest in this conference.



* We forget to use love to deal with things, which cause us troubles and burdens. Now, we must utilize our wisdom and compassion to solve the serious issue of the refugees. It is the responsibility of all the people in the world to provide relief for the refugees. If we ignore this responsibility, we might cause further complications and hence start even worse problems for ourselves. We have to face this problem and think about what God's will is. They are our siblings. Let's treat each individual as a citizen of the world, where there are no distressed brothers and sisters. Let's build a common trusted civilization and move forward into the new era of the universe.



* We have forgotten what justice is, and that we all come from one family, the House of God. And we have forgotten about our brothers and sisters. There are many problems which can be easily resolved if we would communicate with a loving heart. We might not even have any wars, disasters, conflicts, or unnecessary problems, but the most important issue here is how to utilize our wisdom and compassion to solve the severe issue of refugees.



* That's why we proposed this Human Rights Declaration. Today, under the witness of the international media, we gather people from around the world to express our support for them. We explained how we got contact with them and our personal background. We all know that even young people are caring about the suffering of the people in the world.



* As long as there are refugees, it is a responsibility of the world to provide relief. Our ignoring of this responsibility might just cause further complications and hence trigger an even worse problem upon us. We have to regard this from God's point of view that they are our siblings. Let's all be the citizens of the universe where everyone lives in harmony. Therefore, the purpose of this conference is to reclaim the world human rights proclamation under the witness of God and mass media all over the world. We pray to God that He will have mercy on us - no more wars and no more refugees.

Ms. Hsieh Chi-Da, Legislator; Mr. Lin Hsi-Hou, National Assembly Deputy; Mr. Su Fang-Chang, National Assembly Deputy; Mr. Lin Hung-Chih, National Assembly Deputy; Mr. Hua Chia-Chih, Kao Pin Legislator; Mr. Lee Cheng-Ran, Section Chief of the International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Oung Yien-Xiang, Director of Market Events, RPTI International Ltd; Mr. Kao Chen-Yi, Advisor of the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Ms. Lin Mei-Zhen, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs;

Mr. Yu Yu-Chao, Director of Bureau of International Culture & Education Relations, Ministry of Education; Mr. Ko Si-Hsien, Taipei City Department of Transportation; Mr. Hu Mu-Lan, Section Chief of Social Affairs of the Formosan Provincial Government; Mr. Yang Guo-Fu, Mayor of MaGong City; Ms. Wu Si-Huei, Director of the China Women Democratic Party; Mr.Chen Fa-Huei, Vice Commissioner of the Central Office of the China Women Democratic Party; Mr. Yuei Jin, Secretary of the Civil Aeronautics Administration; Mr. Tang He-Lin, Former Confidential Secretary of the President's Office; Mr. Lin Gou-Hsiou, Mr. Hwang Lo-Bin and Mr. Wu Chuan-Sheng of World Cultural Communication Association; Mr. Ding Wei-Tzi, General Secretary of Sino-Arab Cultural and Economic Association; Mr. Chao Tze-Chi, Senior Consultant of the President's Office and Director of the World League for Freedom and Democracy; Mr. Liou Chi-Tong, Consultant of the World League for Freedom and Democracy; Mr. Tsao Kang-Fu, Representative from Secretary Office of the Asian Pacific League for Freedom and Democracy;

Subsidies for vegetable organic farming.

*Now, let's welcome Mr. Sun Chung Mu, president and publisher of Inside the World magazine in Korea. Mr. Sun Chung Mu was winner of the 1993 International Human Rights Award. Only three people have received this award so far. One is President Mandela of South Africa, the second is multi Nobel Prize nominee, Mr. Kim Dae-Jung, and the third is Mr. Sun Chung Mu, who will now give us a speech.

Let us now welcome Mr. Sun Chung Mu.



*I wholeheartedly welcome Chairwoman Barbara, from the International Federation of Human Rights, Supreme Master Ching Hai, and journalists from all over the world, as well as students who are studying Supreme Master Ching Hai's philosophy, and their family members. I am very honored to be invited to this occasion. I think you invited me on this occasion because I am the recipient of the International Human Rights Award and journalist from South Korea, and I was also a journalist who covered the Vietnam War. Today, I think that both Formosa (Taiwan) and Âu Lạc (Vietnam) are very blessed countries. Following the Vietnam War, there were a large number of helpless Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees around the world. When I think of the fact that we have a saintly woman such as Supreme Master Ching Hai, who guides them and leads them to righteous ways of living, and the fact that this lady is working with her world headquarters in Formosa (Taiwan), I feel these two countries are very blessed countries. We thought we would have world peace when the old Soviet Union was demolished and the Cold War ended, but we still have many wars around the world and many people die, and we have tens of thousands of helpless people such as the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees. I think it reflects the fact that we humans are still not awakened by God's words, the Creator's words, and the Truth that we have inside us. Please, give a very big applause to Madam Supreme Master Ching Hai, who has toured around the world and has spread the Truth and God's good intention, and has awakened the Truth.

During the Vietnam War, I worked as a war correspondent and I witnessed the horrible scenes of war. As a participant of the war, I sincerely apologize to you that the South Korean government and citizens have not taken a lot of responsibility in helping the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees. However, the more than 200 representatives and leaders who came here from South Korea have a mission now. When you go back to South Korea, please inform our government and our citizens to actively participate in activities that help the unfortunate Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees scattered around in Asian countries. In addition, the more than 5,000 family members who came here, especially Supreme Master Ching Hai's family members, when you go back to your country, when you go back to the country that you live, you have to start a campaign directed to your governments, parliaments, and religious circles and journalist circles to spread the noble cause of Supreme Master Ching Hai, and to give your loving hand to help the numerous Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees who are suffering in Asian countries. The purpose of the campaign is to spread Supreme Master Ching Hai's noble cause to the people who are not awakened to the Truth and to deliver with sincerity what you learned from her to them. Please, write what you think and send letters to governments, politicians, and conglomerates. Ladies and gentlemen, when you go back to your countries, please complain vigorously to England's government, Hong Kong's government,

Formosan (Taiwan) government, Aulacese (Vietnamese) government and the Chinese government - who will take over Hong Kong in the near future - and write letters, pleading letters, to them. I urge all of you to participate in this (human rights) return effort by sharing our values as human beings and our inborn dignity with all of them, so that they can keep their values and truth that God has given to us forever, so that their life may become better and they may fulfill their potential in this lifetime in a comfortable environment. Thank you.



*Being an international human rights activist as well, Mr. Sun has spoken with great respect for and expressed affirmation in Supreme Master Ching Hai. Let us now present the awards. Mrs. Barbara Finch, Director of the International Federation for Human Rights, and Mr. Chen Hung-Kwang, General-Secretary of the World Cultural Communication Association, will now present to Supreme Master Ching Hai the World Humanitarian Leadership Award and the certificate of the Honorable Advisor-in-Chief of the International Federation for Human Rights, in recognition of Master's humanitarian contributions. We respectfully invite Supreme Master Ching Hai to the stage to receive this honor. This is the plaque of the World Humanitarian Leadership Award.



*And I have a certificate for the Master from the International Federation of Human Rights: “We extend an invitation to the Supreme Master Ching Hai who has rendered assistance as well as demonstrated such deep and wide concern for international Human Rights and worldwide refugees. Our federation is in great need of your divine wisdom and experienced guidance. We therefore wish to hereby invite your grace to be our honorable adviser in chief. President Barbara J. Finch and Hung-Kwang Chen.”



* This is the certificate of the Honorable Advisor-in-Chief of the International Federation for Human Rights.



* The International Federation for Human Rights and the World Cultural Communication Association from the United States are presenting the World Humanitarian Leadership Award to our great Supreme Master Ching Hai. This carries a profound significance because it is the first time in 12 years for both organizations to present this award to an outstanding humanitarian leader. This award was initiated by the state of Iowa with the concurrence of the states of Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, and Hawaii, as well as the city of Honolulu. The governors of these seven states and the mayor of Honolulu had arranged to fly in for this grand occasion but were eventually unable to make the trip.

Therefore, Mrs. Finch, Iowa Secretary of State, and I, General-Secretary of the World Cultural Communication Association, are here to present the award on their behalf. This time they are honoring two of the most compassionate leaders in the world. One is Supreme Master Ching Hai. Her tremendous contributions in offering aid to Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees, the flood victims of six US states in the Midwest, the fire victims of LA, the homeless in California, the lepers in Hawaii, and the flood victims in France, and many more, have proved her worthy of recognition as an unprecedented world peace leader and world spiritual leader. We will also present the World Distinguished Leadership Award to the President of Formosa (Taiwan), Mr. Lee Teng-hui. Supreme Master Ching Hai has the qualifications for the World Human Rights Leadership Award. Here, as I stand in front of this great humanitarian leader, in this moment of magnificence, we realize how great her actions in rescuing the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees are. This is such a moving evening! The love of Supreme Master Ching Hai, the world leader and the recipient of the World Human Rights Leadership Award, encompasses the whole world.



*Dr. Richard Schneider of the International Peace Radio Station, also President of the Global Education University, will now present the World Citizen Humanitarian Award to Supreme Master Ching Hai. Supreme Master Ching Hai has spread the message of

universal love and peace throughout the world. For a long time, she has devoted tremendous manpower and material assistance to disaster victims in countries such as Thailand, Âu Lạc (Vietnam), China, the Philippines, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Formosa (Taiwan), etc. During her ten-year stay in Formosa (Taiwan), not only did she have her disciples visit the destitute, she herself also visited prisons, giving spiritual comfort to those incarcerated. Her Formosan (Taiwanese) disciples have also participated in a wide range of social activities and organized a series of activities called “Compassionate Heaven, Loving World” to help homeless people, clean up the environment, and fund the purchase of garbage trucks. When heavy floods struck the American Midwest and wild fires broke out in Los Angeles last year, Supreme Master Ching Hai requested volunteers from her worldwide meditation centers to offer emergency relief to the victims. She also donated US$1 million to lepers, veterans, and cancer and AIDS research programs in the US. Now let us invite Mr. Richard Schneider to present the World Citizen Humanitarian Award to Supreme Master Ching Hai.



*God in His mercy and compassion from time to time sends an enlightened person to the Earth to personify compassion, and tonight we honor such a person. The two million listeners of Radio for Peace International and the University of Global Education is proud and pleased and honored to recognize the enormity of the humanitarian effort, the personification of thoughts and feelings and spirit in action in real work, unselfishly, around the world. And for this tremendous effort and this tremendous demonstration of compassion and caring for all of humanity, regardless of their state or condition, we are proud to present our highest award, the World Citizen Humanitarian Award to Supreme Master Ching Hai.



*Chairman of the Asian Pacific Youth Freedom League in the Philippines, Dr. Rene Santos, and his wife, Mrs. Amy Santos, will now present the Humanitarian Paragon Medal to Supreme Master Ching Hai.



* Good evening. Supreme Master Ching Hai, distinguished guests from abroad, friends: “On behalf of the Filipino people and on behalf of the Asian Pacific Youth for Freedom League and the Rotary Club of Biak-na-Bato Silangan, Rotary International district 3780 Quezon City, Philippines, humbly presents this plaque of recognition to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her humanitarian concern and effort to help the countless refugees of the world - those in Palawan and Bataan centers in the Philippines; also for her immeasurable contributions to the victims of Mt. Pinatubo volcano eruptions. Approved by the board this 23rd day of May 1994, and this to be presented during the International Human Rights Conference in Taipei, Formosa (Taiwan), on May 25th, 1994. Signed, Ameurfina Amy G. Santos, President 1993-1994, Rosario Biologlovski, Secretary, and Yours sincerely, Reynaldo Rene G. Santos, Charter President.” And this is our motto for the year 1993-94. "Believe in what you do, do what you believe in."



*Director of the International Federation of Human Rights, Mrs. Barbara Finch, will present a painting to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Honored guests and Supreme Master Ching Hai, I just want to say, “Iowa loves you.” And on behalf of Iowans, we present you with this painting. Thank you.



*On behalf of the government of Iowa state, Mrs. Barbara presents this painting to Supreme Master Ching Hai. We now cordially invite Supreme Master Ching Hai to deliver a speech.



Thank you, Barbara. Thank you, Mr. Chen, and thank you all the honored guests who have come from very faraway places like America, Canada, France, Korea, Africa, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, etc., also even Switzerland.

Thank you, Barbara. Thank you, Mr. Chen Hung-Kwang. Thank you, honorable guests, for coming from faraway places such as France, England, America, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Thank you, Formosan (Taiwanese) dignitaries. Thank you for your generosity and magnanimous love. I think this world is wonderful because of you. Yes. I feel undeserving to receive an award, because %%%personal glory can never replace the world's suffering. %%% If I could die today for those suffering sentient beings, I would do so immediately. All we can do is to live on for them, and together we'll think of ways to help them. We have been meditating and praying this week for world peace and for disaster-stricken people in countries such as Rwanda and Bosnia, and for the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees as well. We have helped refugees around the world with material and physical assistance. The problem of the refugees in other countries could be solved quickly because they are new refugees. But the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugee issue has remained unsolved for nearly 20 years. The international community is concerned about it. Even the United Nations has been unable to find a solution for it. That's why I have approached world political leaders with feasible proposals to solve the refugee issue. We are prepared to donate all our money to any country willing to accept the refugees. We are ready to make monthly donations of hundreds of thousands of US dollars to help them until they can support themselves. We are not begging for compassion from the nations around the world; we believe that every nation is compassionate. Every nation must have suffered, or will one day suffer the turmoil of war or other disasters. Most nations have, more or less, gone through the refugee situation. Decades ago, war and other catastrophes sent tens of thousands of Chinese people fleeing to Âu Lạc (Vietnam), which was peaceful at that time. Âu Lạc (Vietnam) opened its door and offered a vast piece of land near its capital of Saigon to the Chinese refugees. The refugees developed that land into a flourishing Chinatown. Some of the Hong Kong people are descendants of these refugees. When the Chinese fled to Âu Lạc (Vietnam), we offered them land and citizenship. They could either become Aulacese (Vietnamese) citizens or retain their national status as overseas Chinese. They had absolute freedom to establish a business, work, go to school, and build a home. They have developed a business hub known as the "Big Market" today, because Chinese people are good businesspeople. When they first arrived, they began doing business and grew prosperous. We Aulacese (Vietnamese) welcomed the Chinese very much, because the Chinese had superb skills, and they opened the best and cleanest hotels, and they had the best service. We welcomed and respected the Chinese people. We called them "third elder brother" or "third elder sister" instead of overseas Chinese. We regarded them as our own brothers. We did not call them "big brother" because that refers to our own native brothers. We call them “third elder brother” to demonstrate our hospitality and magnanimity. I hope that this can serve as an example for all nations. %%%When refugees come to our country, we should treat them as our brothers and sisters, %%% because we ourselves might become victims of disasters someday as well. Up to now, no country can be exempt from the suffering of war or of becoming refugees. That's why we should help one another. It would be strange if we refused to do so.

Yes, please.



*Excuse me. Can we arrange with the countries where they have the refugees there and join together, submit the proposal to the United Nations? ( : Yes.) Ask the United Nations to arrange with all the member countries. “How many people you can accept? You can accept 7, 10, 20, and what kind of people you can accept?” Because United Nations, they are in the position to do that, and also they have the power to do that. ( Yes.) Because according to the regulations of the human rights, they should do it. (I know.)


Definitely they have to do it. ( I know.) In that case… I suppose that's a right way because the United Nations, they arrange with ( Right.) all their member countries. It is very easy, much better than we can privately do.



Right. We asked the United Nations, “Please bless us with your support. Find a country for us and then we finance everything.” No answer.



*No, what I mean is, join a set of countries to send them an official proposal.



Fine, you go and talk to all these government heads because I don't have that many connections. Yes. Many human rights organizations have already requested the United Nations a similar suggestion as you have proposed.



*They send an official proposal to the United Nations?



I do, I do. I sent many times.



* But not privately join a set of countries, join together?



Well, if I know them, I will. These people who come from different countries today are mostly not governmental personnel. They came from their goodwill, from their own ideal, that they try to help, you see? To try to talk to 74 countries of the United Nations is a great task, and you will find that many doors are closed.



But in case United Nations, they don't take this job, it's all the members…



We can only try. I know. We can only try and try and try. And now there are many countries who don't belong to the United Nations. They have no obligation to United Nations, they have no obligation to the CPA program, so we hope that these countries just help the refugees. And I hope they do it with the heroic spirit - to do things that other people cannot do. But still it is a hope, you know? I think Formosa (Taiwan) accepting the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees is the most convenient and appropriate because the Formosan (Taiwanese) people need a lot of workers also. And also, as you have heard that, from Legislator Ling, many Formosan (Taiwanese) emigrate to other countries. So if we accept refugees inside, it's a kind of balance.


There's no problem about that. Our land is not that small. There are so many places the people don't live there; so many islands also. We can give the Aulacese (Vietnamese) people the land that the Formosan (Taiwanese) do not want, something, and then they can develop that land into a useful place. They don't have to stay in Taipei and camp next to the presidential palace. They can go anywhere in Formosa (Taiwan).



*Thank you, Master. I don't know if this is a question, but I also feel very frustrated especially because I work at the United Nations and I see that instead of really helping world peace, which it was meant to, ( Yes.) people are caught up in the bureaucracy of paperwork, ( Right.) and internal rivalries and especially the High Commissioner is set up… Her purpose in just repatriating the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees and they're set up in that and they are not really open to any suggestion ( Right.) coming from you or from any… And so…



Even self-funded, even self-funded. Yes.



*Right. So what is on our part to do? I mean, is it so bad for the Aulacese (Vietnamese) to return to Âu Lạc (Vietnam)? There is no chance in there? Because I see that they're set up and they will not… (   Turn around. Yes. Yes.)



*turn around and listen to your offers that are… You are not asking… You are not even asking for money. I mean, ( Right.) you are taking care of the whole situation. ( Yes.)


How is it that we can come about and surpass the bureaucracy of the United Nations? It's sort of stuck and enables us… So it's really not a question, but it's like, I just want to share my frustration, and I am deeply moved by the conference and the movie and all that, and you brought me to tears also, and so I just wanted you to know how I feel.


I understand that as a good human being you must feel very frustrated working in there, but you stay there. Better that there are some good person like you in the UN. Just stay there. Maybe your voice adds one more voice to the minimum voice, and maybe it works. Maybe some ears will listen one day.



* What I wanted to see is maybe if you have like an NGO organization - there's the world culture or something - that if they could come to the NGOs or… because at least my department, the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, twice a week invites NGOs to propose, and I would like to see if that could happen, you know.



Fine, fine. If you think it works, I consider to go there again. ( *Okay.) You see, your view is shared by many of the good United Nations personnel. Last month, within one week, some, like 10 UN personnel in Hong Kong resigned, because they do not agree with the policy of the UN in Hong Kong. Also they cannot stand by and watch the suffering of the refugees whom they are supposed to protect and whom they are paid by the whole world to protect. They're not working there for free.


They're paid to do their job, and they don't do it. So nearly 10 of them resigned within one week, after the bloody raid of the 7th of April, 1994. So you are not the only one that feels frustrated about your boss' policy. Nevertheless, you don't need to resign. You stay there and do what you can to awaken the conscience of the supposed-to-be very good organization. It's meant to be good, it's originated to be good.


As any organization, if it's going too long, people forget about their humanity, forget about their noble purpose. They just remember bureaucracy, they just remember power, and that is what's bad about any organization. That's why the United States have the president only four years.


After an organization is formed, and a lot of finance flows into it, and the people, who have only power and no wisdom, try to decide the fate of other human beings, things are about to go wrong. Therefore, the only solution for the United Nations is to practice meditation, to vow to help mankind, to eat vegetarian, to be a good person, etc., etc. Maybe then they will be wise and they can serve the world the way they would like to serve, the way they're meant to serve, okay? But as I'm saying it, I don't know if it will come true. It's very difficult to tell the highly positioned people.



*Yes. Master Ching Hai, as you know, we have you on our Radio for Peace International and have done some live interviews with you, (  Yes.) and we are working on a plan now to do something at least once a week which you will hear about. We're going to try to design a plan to have the program once a week, but not trying to create more work for you. My point, however, is in relationship to what this lady saying is, one of the things I don't think has been done enough of, if the story is getting out and repeating it over and over, I think, quite frankly, that some of these people can be embarrassed into action, if necessary, and that may be what we have to do.


We present them the facts over and over to the point where they cannot any longer deny it, and I think this is one tack that we may have to take. But to do this, we need the cooperation of every person in this room and the press to make sure the whole world hears and understands the problem, and what individual people can do about it. What do you think of this kind of thinking?



Yes. It's one of the important points. We could try that, of course, the mass media is very, very important, very important. They have helped to create kings and they have helped to drag down many lousy government heads. So I think they could help to remind those organizations and governments like United Nations to remember their foremost duty, what they are paid for, what they are expected to do. You can broadcast my tape without me having to run every day to Costa Rica, you know.



*We'd love for you to come to Costa Rica more often, but… ( I will come, one day.) The point is that, with mass communication, it's we either use it for our good or it's used against us. And I think that's a challenge to all of us. One of the things that occurs to me, with United Nations radio for example, since we, at Radio for Peace International, have the United Nations' news, we in fact can put programs on the United Nations' news ( Oh, really?) about this very subject from within, and the United Nations radio in New York will hear United Nations' news about this very subject. I think there may be little back doors that we have to search for, ( Doesn't matter what door.) and we need to be clever ( Yes.) and intuitive, I think.



As long as there's a door, open it, yes. Fine, thank you very much. It's very, very practical. Thank you. So we have so many radio chiefs, managers, you know, radio chief programmers here in this room, so I hope they will listen to your wise advice and do it - all right? - including your own. And any material you need from us, we can record it for you, from my own residence, and then send it to you, because I could not be anywhere at the same time - or my disciples say I could, but, I don't know about that. Yes, please, yes.



You.



* Supreme Master, you have the three propositions, which are so generous, which are so humanitarian and, in a way, very vast because they encompass all the problems of the remaining 60,000 refugees. But, Master, you know better than anyone that when you ask for the departure or the establishment of those 60,000 refugees, when they easily have the status of refugees, but up until now, according to the CPA, the Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed by 72 nations, only those who have already received the status of refugee could…



I know, I know. I know well.



* Secondly, you see well how the UNHCR, with its 72 national signatories, already has legitimacy. Since its authority could not be damaged, if by chance, it denies, it refuses, what it has done to this day, then it would be hard, very hard on the prestige of the UNHCR and, at the same time, of the United Nations. It is in this context and with this thought, I believe that I would like to present to you a small solution that is the first step and that will, that is to say, support your propositions, and maybe soon it could complete your propositions.



*Master, when I had Mr. Flater on the phone, we can say that your action, your protest, in Hong Kong, that is to say, affected them a lot. He was very, very shaken by your protest.



Really?



*Except, before this assembly of 72 nations, he could not back away. That is the problem, Madame. It is in this context now that we should try to do something in Bangkok. That is to say, that the technical meeting in Bangkok should recognize that the selection is unfair and arbitrary. That's the first step. The second step, if injustice is recognized in the selection, well then, we have to re-examine the cases.


That's the second case, the second step. The third step, the last step, we would like to ask them either to re-examine all the cases of the remaining 60,000; but in this case, I think it's a little too difficult for them and it's a little unfeasible, Master, because they only have six months ahead of them.



But if it is asked for 300 people, it's unfair for the others, for the remaining Aulacese (Vietnamese).



*Yes, Supreme Master, you know...



We must ask for a lot and maybe they will give a little, that's it.



*Well, we had asked that, according to your advice, we asked just like you, Master, February 14th. Now they've granted us to come into the camps and choose a few victims. So they are going to reexamine in a way, that is, on behalf of the UNHCR only, with its discretionary power. And as long as there is the agreement on the recognition of injustice, we should re-examine the unfair cases.



That's good. You write all that you have told me and later I will reconsider what we will do.



*Here, Supreme Master, I already wrote this letter ( Good, good, good.) and I sent it to all the 28 members of the Directors Committee. And tonight, I ask you again, Master...



That's good, that's good, thank you.



*… to involve our mass media.



Thank you. I thank you.



Sorry, I cannot translate all this. He was telling me what approach to take in order to help the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees more actively, with the United Nations. We have to influence the United Nations extra, because on the second of June, they will have a meeting again in Bangkok, and he believes that more violence will be used against the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees who are not voluntarily repatriating to Âu Lạc (Vietnam). So I said to him I do not believe this will happen after we have voiced international opinion over the violence.


But he said… Because I heard that the 2nd June meeting in Bangkok was only to reconsider whether the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees could be allowed to stay in Formosa (Taiwan) or not, therefore, we did not plan to protest; we planned to support, and I planned to go to Thailand to talk to the government if I can. I'm supposed to go and now I heard that their government has some little problem, so it's cancelled. It's always something, it's always something. I'm supposed to have an appointment with the Prime Minister of Thailand this week.


And then now I cannot because they have some problem, political problem. It's unsafe or something, so it's cancelled, you see? But nevertheless, I thought they'd reconsider the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees' problem. Well, at least I think they will consider the children. He said the children, the minors, children who have parents abroad already, or the separated couples; things like that. So I had said it's better than nothing; they've already improved in their humanitarian standard, and maybe they can improve further.



*My question is, suppose we have a country in the world, they welcome the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees to come over to develop their country, and you have the financial ability to do that, and if the United Nations, they do not allow them go over there, ( Right.)


so what do we have to do? And do you think that all of us who have come here today, we can do something for that problem? And I want, I really want, to bring up this subject today because we come from different countries, different from the organization, and I think that is the main problem, because the place to go and the financial ability, I think you can do it. But another problem we have to face to is, in United Nations, they do not allow them go to over there. ( Yes.)  So what do we have to do?



Hong Kong already has written to me in a letter saying that my program, trying to take the refugees out of Hong Kong, you know, the so-called “non-refugee immigrants”- they labeled them “economic,” but as you know already, 5,000 years nobody ran away from the country because of poverty. So now, I have written to the government. Many times they refused. For example, one time Bahamas wanted to accept the refugees - there is a letter from the Prime Minister of Bahamas - and then Hong Kong asked, at that time they, of course the bureaucracy takes a long time, and until Hong Kong considered it, that Prime Minister is out. So Hong Kong told us we have to go to the Bahamas, talk to the new Prime Minister and get a new letter.


Well, you know how difficult it is for us to have an interview with any prime minister at all as a private citizen and a small group, but nevertheless we did; we ran back again to the Bahamas, tried to find connection and so and so and so and so, and then found the Prime Minister. But then the Prime Minister at that time was pressured.


So, of course, the negotiation failed. That is one thing. And last month, I have written to Hong Kong government. I said, “Now I found a country…” I did not name it, “that wants to accept the refugees, so can you tell us how to proceed in order to take the refugees out of Hong Kong?” They wrote to me, they said, “This is out of the question. You cannot do it; it's against the CPA.” That means I cannot do it, whether there is a country or not, Hong Kong will not let people go.


So in these last few weeks I am thinking hard: what is the next step to do? Now that you ask me… I haven't found an answer yet, except raising international attention, asking for their signature to support the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees, so that if a country accepts them, Hong Kong will let them go. That's the only thing I can do at the moment. Next step, I do not know yet. Besides, we can only do our best, you know what I mean?


I can only do my best according to my ability, my time, and my physical fitness. And whatever happens, well, this is up to our world people. They have to decide how to live with each other. They have to decide how to face their own conscience; the rest is not up to me, all right?

Please.



* You know, when we were in Paris, demonstrating, we have found out that the people, common people, are very responsive, ( Yes.) and they understand the situation; ( Right.) they feel touched. ( Yes.)


And we were very surprised, as a matter of fact, because when we talked to the media, many big medias, politicians, people in the ministries and so on, and including NGO, including people who are supposed to take care of this problem. We found out that these people are helpless. I mean, it's not possible to go ahead.



Right.



*So I think that maybe one positive thing also is that, in Europe, due to the war in Yugoslavia, and the way the United Nations, of dealing with this problem, and also in Rwanda also, it was a kind of wave of discontentment regarding the United Nations, and it becomes clear that they are not able to face their responsibilities. So maybe if we succeed in doing more demonstrations, more people in the streets on a regular basis, maybe we can change things a little bit.


But for that, we need coordination and we need a strong instruction from you, to coordinate, to get in touch with NGOs systematically; not only NGOs, but also associations, common associations, who are willing to support this cause. ( Yes.) What do you think?



Yes, yes, yes, we will get in touch and work with each other continuously, not only tonight, and whatever information we have, we will fax to you. And we always need your support, for sure. Thanks very much for coming such a long way, being not even my friends or my disciples or anything in the near. Thank you, the French people. All right. If you're all satisfied with our program and our answers, then you are free. You are liberated. ( *Thank you.) And please stay in touch, and support us in your spirit, until these unfortunate people find a home. Just pray for us, even, will do. Thank you.



Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you, Honorable Congressman and National Assembly Member. I'm very grateful that you can stay until now. Today I'll pray to God in my meditation to help you two. Thank you! Thank you!



*I have no questions to ask you.

* We both come from Paris.

Paris is...

(It's freedom.)

*…the city of human rights and freedom.

(It's true.)

*First, I would like to thank you because during the few days that we stayed with you, you've taught us that God is not in Heaven, but on Earth.

(It's true.)

* God is us, is...

(Inside.)




*…you, it is each one of us. Each of us has a divine particle inside. I have no questions to ask you, Master. Here is what I propose: in 5 hours, live from Taipei, we will do a radio show on “Ici et Maintenant !” [ and if you'd like to come with us to talk to France, we will offer you 800,000 listeners.


But, of course.


*Thank you.

But, of course. I also thank you; I thank you for your presence here and I thank you for your help all this time. You're very kind,  like all the French people.