▲2005.05.17
President Chen visited an exhibition hall in Green Island featuring the personal artifacts of political prisoners, and also attended the Green Island Human Rights Memorial Concert. Accompanied by beautiful music and songs, he paid his respects to the courageous individuals who had suffered in the White Terror period; and through the peaceful tunes, he prayed to the boundless ocean for the protection of democracy, freedom, and human rights in Taiwan.
參觀綠島政治犯文物展示館及出席「綠島人權音樂祭」，希望用優美的音樂與歌聲，向所有渡過苦難歲月的勇士致意，以最和平的樂章向無際的海洋祈福、為台灣的民主、人權與自由之路祈禱。
▲2003.11.01
President Chen receives the 2003 Human Rights Award from the International League for Human Rights in New York. The award is representative of the international validation that the people of Taiwan have received for decades of effort in the pursuit of democracy, freedom and human rights. It is also a reminder that we have assumed by destiny the duty of protecting human rights and of upholding international human rights principles.
總統在美國紐約接受國際人權聯盟頒發「2003人權獎」。象徵台灣人民過去幾十年來追求民主、自由與人權的努力，獲得國際社會的肯定，也賦予台灣擁護國際人權規範，以及捍衛人權自由的神聖責任。
▲2006.12.20
During a campaign dubbed “Our Daughters- and Sons-in-Law”, organized by the Ministry of the Interior, President Chen remarked that “foreign spouses become a part of Taiwanese society when they marry into local families, and it is the government’s unavoidable duty to protect their human rights.” He also expressed his hope that “all new immigrants can enjoy their lives in Taiwan and become ‘Taiwan’s daughters- and sons-in-law.’”
出席由內政部主辦的「咱的媳婦、咱的子」指出外籍配偶來到台灣就是台灣的一份子，外籍配偶人權的保障是政府責無旁貸的責任。希望每位來到台灣的新移民，都能夠享受台灣生活，當個「台灣的媳婦、台灣的女婿」。
▲2000.10.24
While attending the inaugural ceremony of the Presidential Advisory Group on Human Rights, President Chen emphasized that “human rights, rule of law, and democracy are the three pillars of a modern country, and the protection of human rights is a measurement of the legitimacy of a constitutional democracy.”
出席「總統府人權諮詢小組」成立大會， 特別強調，人權、法治與民主，是現代國家缺一不可的三大支柱，而人權的維護，尤其是民主法治是否具有實質正當性的判準。
▲2002.05.19
While attending the unveiling ceremony for the preparatory office of the National Human Rights Memorial Museum, President Chen pointed out that during the White Terror period, freedom and human rights—the pillars of any democratic constitution—were not only disregarded but brutally crushed. He added that founding the museum was one measure taken by the government in implementing the “educational aspect” of establishing Taiwan as “a nation founded on human rights principles.” Only when people fully understand how their predecessors struggled for human rights and for a democratic constitution can they protect their own human rights effectively.
總統參加「國家人權紀念館籌備處」成立典禮。過去威權統治時期，民主憲政核心的自由與人權不只被凍結，而且還受到嚴重、甚至大規模的侵犯。國家人權紀念館的籌設是落實人權立國「知識面」的一項措施。只有熟知過去的人權史和憲政史，才能有效地衛護自己的人權。
▲2001.12.07
President Chen attended a press conference at the opening of an exhibition entitled “Human Rights in Taiwan—A Retrospective” at the Office of the President. People from home and abroad, from all strata of society and different ethnic backgrounds, joined together in remembrance as they celebrated International Human Rights Day. Local victims and overseas aid workers were among those attending.
出席總統府「人權之路－台灣民主人權回顧展」揭幕記者會。不分國籍、不分疆界、不分階級族群的一群人，包括很多國內的受難者和國際的救援者，一起回顧、一起慶祝國際人權日。
▲2007.02.26
At an international conference on the themes of human rights and transitional justice in remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the February 28 Incident, President Chen described the incident as resulting “from an immigrant dictatorial regime’s (that of Chiang Kai-shek) complete rejection of freedom and democracy, and the grave harm an authoritarian party-state system caused to basic human rights.”
參加以人權與轉型正義為主題的二二八事件六十週年國際學術研討會，強調「二二八事件」真正的意義是外來的獨裁政權對自由民主全面的否定，以及一個黨國威權體制對基本人權徹底的戕害。
▲2003.02.28
President Chen attended the opening ceremony of the Kaohsiung Incident Archive Exhibition. Here he can be seen carefully examining the various files. By displaying original files, the exhibition was a candid and faithful portrayal of history, providing the public with vivid and concrete insights into Taiwan’s democracy movements.
參加「美麗島事件檔案展」開幕儀式，隨後仔細參觀展覽中的各項檔案。這次透過原始檔案直接呈現，還原歷史真相，為國人提供最生動而具體的民主運動事例教材。
▲2006.12.10
At the opening ceremony of a forum on decrypting official confidential files and uncovering historical facts, President Chen said, “It is a crucial task of the government to uncover historical truths and deal with the impact of the authoritarian period which continues to affect people to this day.” He went on to say, “It is important that the government speeds up the collection of relevant historical materials, and decrypts, de-classifies, and makes public confidential files on major political cases.”
出席「檔案解密與歷史真相座談會」開幕典禮表示，如何釐清歷史真相，並處理威權時期遺留至今的影響，是當前一件重要的工作。政府應更進一步加速相關史料的徵集，進行重大政治案件機密檔案的解密、整理與公開。
▲2002.08
On pages 331 and 332 of Documentary Collection on the Lei Chen Case in Selective Archives of the Ministry of National Defense, published by Adacemia Historica, it is clearly recorded that during a meeting to discuss the Lei Chen case at the Office of the President on October 8, 1960, President Chiang Kai-shek ordered that “Lei Chen’s prison term must be no shorter than ten years” and that “a renewed sentence must not overturn the initial verdict.” Clearly, Chiang Kai-shek interfered with the judiciary and the verdict was meted out without a fair trial.
由國史館發行之「雷震案史料彙編 國防部檔案選輯」第331、332頁，明文記載著四十九年十月八日在總統府集會商討雷震案由，蔣介石總統指示，雷之刑期不得少於十年及覆判不能變更初審判決。明顯介入司法，未審先判。
▲2001.05.18
President Chen at the Ministry of National Defense’s briefing on findings from its investigation of existing materials on Lei Chen (1897-1979), a pioneer of democracy in Taiwan. In his address, the President said that our history comes to us through documentary files, personal accounts from individuals, and the observations and critiques of past thinkers. It follows that by investigating the existing materials on Lei Chen, our nation has documented history for future readers.
參加國防部清查故雷震先生現存資料結果說明會時表示，國家的歷史記憶，有來自於文書檔案、當事人的體驗敘述，以及旁觀者的評論觀察，一如清查雷震先生現存資料的當下，我們的國家也正在創造相對於未來的歷史。
▲2004.07.14
President Chen attended the first concert organized by the government to commemorate the political victims during the era of martial law and to mark the second presentation of “reputation-restoring” certificates to their family members. This event not only demonstrated the government’s courage in facing history but also its realization of “a nation built upon human rights principles.”
參加第一次由政府舉辦的「戒嚴時期政治受難者紀念音樂會」暨第二次「回復名譽證書頒發典禮」，代表政府勇於面對歷史的承擔，更是「人權立國」的具體實現。
▲2007.07.14
President Chen joined an activity called “A Return to the Longshan Temple to Pay Tribute to the Taiwan People” on the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law. The president said, “Lifting martial law rectified the government’s historical mistake lasting for 38 years and was not any previous government leaders’ magnanimous gesture or gift; instead, it was the people that called for the end of martial law because they had a right to it.”
參加「向台灣人民致敬──解嚴20週年重返龍山寺」活動表示，解除戒嚴是改正過去38年的歷史錯誤，這是人民的要求、也是人民的權利，絕對不是任何人的「德政」和「恩賜」。
▲2007.07.15
President Chen joined an activity called “Singing Freely” that featured songs banned during the martial law period in Kaohsiung on the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law. He sang “Mama, Please Take Care of Yourself,” a banned song during the martial law period, with Vice President Lu, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung, and former premier Frank Hsieh. The activity reminds people of the absurd period under martial law, during which the authoritarian government would ban anything that it felt unhappy with.
於高雄參加「自由歌唱 歌唱自由──解嚴20週年系列活動 禁歌禁曲演唱會」，並與呂副總統、陳菊市長、張俊雄院長、謝長廷前院長合唱戒嚴時期的禁歌「媽媽請你也保重」，凸顯過去威權政府「不爽就禁」的荒謬歷史。
▲2007.07.15
Taiwan Post issued stamps to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law. The stamps will carry the history of Taiwan people’s fight for freedom and democracy to every corner of the globe, sharing the people’s pride in Taiwan’s democracy and the spirit of freedom with the world.
台灣郵政首度發行解嚴20週年紀念郵票。透過郵票的發行，將台灣人民爭取自由、民主的重要歷史，送到世界的每一個角落，分享台灣民主的驕傲，並傳達自由的精神。
▲2007.07.15
President Chen attended the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition and a joint stamp issue ceremony at the Presidential Office marking the country’s democratic movements on the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law. The president said, “On this day 20 years ago, Taiwan’s martial law period, which lasted 38 years and is the longest in the world, was brought to an end. Taiwan’s forerunners of democratic movements had feared neither shedding their blood nor imprisonment in their persistent pursuit for freedom. The lifting of martial law is one of the Taiwan people’s hard-won democratic assets.”
出席總統府「解嚴20週年民主運動影像展暨郵票發行揭幕典禮」表示，20年前的今天，我們解除全世界最久、長達38年的戒嚴，這是台灣民主運動前輩不畏流血與坐牢，一路堅持，得之不易的珍貴民主資產。
▲2007.07.14
An exhibition of publications banned during the martial law period in the National Central Library displayed a document issued by the Taiwan Garrison Command to ban Chen Shui-bian’s book The Journey of Tangwai in 1985. The excuses to ban the book were that it “confused public opinions to the extent that it had affected people’s morale” and that it “attempted to damage the government and people’s mutual affection.”
*“Tangwai,” which originally means “outside KMT” or “non-party, non-faction,” refers to people participating in opposition movements.
國家圖書館在「戒嚴時期查禁書刊展」中，展示1985年警備總部以「淆亂視聽足以影響民心士氣」及「挑撥政府與人民情感」為由，查禁總統的著作「黨外之路」一書。（國家圖書館 提供）
▲2007.07.14
During a visit to an exhibition of publications banned during the martial law period in the National Central Library, President Chen and Vice President Lu watched closely the document issued by the Taiwan Garrison Command to ban Chen Shui-bian’s book The Journey of Tangwai.
參觀在國家圖書館舉行的戒嚴時期查禁書刊展，總統與呂副總統一同仔細觀看當年總統的著作「黨外之路」，被警備總部查禁的歷史文件。
▲2006.02.19
At a symposium on the publication of the Report on the Responsibility for the 228 Incident, President Chen stressed that “it is only by uncovering historical facts that we can learn from our past and come to identify with our land and nation.”
參加「228事件責任歸屬研究報告」新書發表暨座談會，強調唯有將歷史還原，才能從中學習教訓，並進而建立土地與國家的認同。
▲2006.01
The publishing of the Report on the Responsibility for the 228 Incident by the Memorial Foundation of the February 28th Incident not only reveals those responsible for the massacre, but also marks another step forward in Taiwan’s pursuit of justice.
財團法人二二八事件紀念基金會出版「二二八事件責任歸屬研究報告」，釐清二二八事件責任歸屬，這本書的發表，代表台灣的民主社會又邁出另一個「公義」的腳步。
▲2006.01
As indicated on page 168, Chapter 3, of the Report on the Responsibility for the 228 Incident published by the Memorial Foundation of the February 28th Incident, Chiang Kai-shek was the perpetrator behind the massacre.
「二二八事件責任歸屬研究報告」第3章第168頁指出，蔣介石確是二二八慘案的元兇。
▲2007.02.28
The Chinese characters on the tower of the Office of the President read, “All our people commemorate the February 28 Incident,” reminding the nation on the 60th anniversary of the incident to learn the lessons of the past and ensure such tragedies will never happen again.
二二八事件今年屆滿60週年，總統府也首度特別在塔樓上寫上「全民紀念二二八」，提醒國人同胞記取教訓，避免歷史重演。（中國時報／黃國書 提供）
▲2007.02.28
President Chen has been unwavering in his belief in fairness and justice, and has vowed to fulfill the historical mission of pursuing transitional justice. Here he signs a proclamation of transitional justice, bearing witness to the 60th anniversary of the February 28 Incident along with tens of thousands of participants of all ages and from around the world. All those signatories shared the wishes of ethnic reconciliation, co-prosperity, and peaceful co-existence.
公平與正義是總統始終不變的堅持，而對轉型正義的追求，更是矢志要完成的歷史使命。
圖為總統簽署由藝文界人士所發起的「轉型正義」宣言，與上萬名不分國籍、年齡、省籍的民眾，共同見證228事件六十週年的特殊時刻，希望族群和解，共存共榮。
▲2004.02.28
President Chen joined hands with members of the public in the “228 Hand-in-Hand Across Taiwan” Rally. Together they formed a circle in symbolic protection of democracy. With this simple yet warm gesture, the message that “we love Taiwan and desire peace” was sent to all our friends who care for Taiwan’s future. Million of people joined hand-in-hand from northernmost to southernmost of the island.
參加「228牽手護台灣」活動，總統與百萬民眾一起手牽手，從台灣頭到台灣尾，用「牽手」這個簡單而充滿溫暖的動作，圍成民主的長城，告訴所有關心台灣前途的朋友：我們愛台灣，我們要和平。
▲2007.02.28
At this ceremony, President Chen observes a moment of silence with the other participants, remembering the democracy activists who sacrificed their precious lives for their ideals. He noted that eventually, fairness and justice will prevail, and that the sacrifices these victims made will never be forgotten.
總統帶領在場人員默哀。稍後並致詞強調，民主的前輩為了理想犧牲了他們的寶貴生命，但是公理和正義永遠不會消失，所有受難者的精神永遠留在我們每個人的心中。
▲2007.02.28
President Chen stands by a plaque inscribed with the words, “Restoring the truth about the February 28 Incident” at a ceremony held by the central government commemorating the 60th anniversary of the tragedy. The President stated that the ceremony marked the beginning of a new phase. He emphasized that only when the truth is known can justice be served, and that future work will focus on finding out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
總統主持「228事件六十週年中樞紀念儀式」表示，六十週年紀念是一個新的階段的開始，只有還原真相，正義才能實現，因此，未來的重點在責任的釐清與追究。
▲2007.02.27
Chiayi City was among the cities that suffered the heaviest casualties during the February 28 Incident. President Chen laid wreaths in front of the city’s monuments commemorating the incident. Here, he pays his respects to the victims and their family members.
嘉義市是二二八事件死傷民眾最多的城市之一。圖為總統到嘉義市「228紀念碑」前獻花並向受難者家屬致意。
▲2007.02.28
President Chen attended the plaque unveiling ceremony of the National 228 Memorial Museum. The President’s initiative helped bring about its construction, which represents an important milestone in Taiwan’s pursuit of “transitional justice.”
出席「228國家紀念館揭牌暨60週年特展」活動，國家級的「二二八國家紀念館」誕生，堪稱轉型正義的重要里程碑。
▲2007.02.28
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the February 28 Incident, the government issued the first batch of stamps bearing the name “Taiwan,” on the theme of the National 228 Memorial Musuem.
2007年「二二八事件」60週年紀念日，政府以「二二八國家紀念館」為主題發行第一張台灣郵票。
▲2007.02.28
The writing outside the National 228 Memorial Museum reads “Division and Rebirth,” signifying that the people of Taiwan have transcended the pain and sorrow of the past and risen once more.
樹立在「二二八國家紀念館」前的「斷裂與再生」標語，象徵著台灣人民揮別傷痛與悲情，重新站起來。（財團法人二二八事件紀念基金會 提供）
▲2007.02.28
The first batch of stamps bearing the name “Taiwan” was issued to make people around the world more aware of this beautiful country. People formed long queues to purchase the stamps, which were sold out within hours.
第一張「台灣郵票」的發行，讓全世界的人，有機會進一步認識和瞭解最美麗、也最偉大的國家台灣。民眾爭相排隊購買這張郵票珍藏，發行當日不到幾個小時就已售完。
▲2007.02.26
During a visit to the Kaohsiung Museum of History to attend an art exhibition on the February 28 Incident, President Chen listened attentively as victims’ family members explain the concepts behind their creations.
南下高雄市立歷史博物館參觀「228藝術創作展」，聆聽二二八受難者家屬解說藝術創作的理念。
▲2007.02.27
At an archive exhibition on the February 28 Incident held in Chiayi City, President Chen inspected the works of the Taiwanese artist Chen Cheng-po, who became famous during the Japanese occupation and died in the February 28 Incident.
前往嘉義市「228影像文物展」參觀日據時代台灣著名畫家陳澄波畫作，陳澄波在二二八事件時罹難。
▲2007.02.28
Bringing the atmosphere to a climax at the “10,000 People Sing in Chorus” event commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the February 28 Incident, President Chen led the song entitled “Taiwan,” singing “ Taiwan is the motherland that gave birth to us; we deeply feel grateful to her. Devoting our love and passion to her, we must keep the flowers here blossoming in future generations….”
出席紀念二二八事件六十週年「228萬人大合唱」活動 。帶領現場民眾一起大合唱「台灣」這首歌，氣氛high到最高點。前四句歌詞是，「台灣是生咱的所在，感念感恩在阮心內，付出情意付出愛，代代花蕊代代栽……」。
▲2000.03.17
On the eve of the election for the tenth-term president and vice president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the cheers of hundreds of thousands of passionate supporters shook the Jhongshan Football Stadium [in Taipei] during the campaign rally, as everyone concentrated their efforts on winning the electoral battle that would lay the foundations for democracy. On the following day, Chen Shui-bian and Lu Hsiu-lien made history when they were successfully elected, resulting in the first transfer of power between political parties in Taiwan.
中華民國第十任總統、副總統大選前夕，民進黨造勢晚會中，數十萬熱情民眾的吶喊聲震動了整個中山足球場，大家為打贏這場為台灣民主奠基的選戰而努力。隔天，陳、呂二人果然順利當選，為中華民國首次的政黨輪替寫下歷史。（行政院新聞局、廖泰基 提供）
▲2000.03.18
The moment the good news was announced that Chen Shui-bian and Lu Hsiu-lien had, respectively, been elected as the tenth-term president and vice president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the masses gathering outside the campaign headquarters began their rejoicing.
當造勢活動現場宣佈陳水扁先生及呂秀蓮女士當選中華民國第十任總統、副總統的消息時，聚集於競選總部前的群眾歡欣鼓舞，相互擁抱。（行政院新聞局、廖泰基 提供）
▲2003.12.12
President Chen wrote this letter to Premier Yu Shyi-kun of the Executive Yuan, regarding the provisions of the Referendum Act that he had approved for reconsideration by the Legislative Yuan.
經總統同意移請立法院覆議的「公民投票法」部分條文，總統並於當天親自致函行政院游院長。
▲2003.11.27
The Legislative Yuan passed the Referendum Act on March 27, 2003. However, some provisions of the act, forcibly passed by opposition parties, are in clear violation of the Constitution. The Executive Yuan deemed it difficult of execution and submitted a request (pictured) to the President for a reconsideration of provisions in accordance with constitutional regulations. On December 12, 2003, the President signed the request with “approved.”
立法院於2003年3月27日三讀通過之「公民投票法」，由於部分在野黨強行表決通過的條文明顯違憲，窒礙難行，因此行政院依憲法規定提出覆議，呈請總統核可，總統於2003月12月12日批示：「同意」。
▲2004.02.03
President Chen signed a letter to be handed to the Premier, regarding a national referendum to be held on March 20, 2004. Attached to the letter was a document stating the rationale for a referendum under the heading, “Writing history with democracy and protecting Taiwan through referendums.” It stated: “A referendum is an embodiment of the universality of democracy, allowing people their basic rights to be master of their destiny and decide the future development of their nation.”
總統簽署致行政院院長將於當年三月二十日舉辦公民投票之箋函。箋函並檢附以「民主寫歷史．公投護台灣」為標題的公投理由書。公民投票體現普世的民主價值。透過公民投票，人民可實現當家做主的基本權利，決定國家未來的發展方向。
▲2003.10.25
President Chen attending a mass rally in Kaohsiung on October 25, 2003, with the theme, “1025 Rally for National Referendum and Hastening the Birth of a New Constitution.” Countless men and women, and people of all ages joined in the rally, demonstrating their support for democratic reforms through their action.
總統簽署致行政院院長將於當年三月二十日舉辦公民投票之箋函。箋函並檢附以「民主寫歷史．公投護台灣」為標題的公投理由書。公民投票體現普世的民主價值。透過公民投票，人民可實現當家做主的基本權利，決定國家未來的發展方向。