TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan marked White Terror Memorial Day on Monday, with officials and victims’ families gathering to honor those persecuted under martial law.

More than 100 people attended the event at the National Human Rights Museum in New Taipei City, including Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei (何志偉), Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠), Museum Director Hong Shih-fang (洪世芳), longtime human rights advocates, and family members of victims, per CNA.

Designated in April last year, White Terror Memorial Day is observed annually on May 19—the same day Taiwan independence martyr Chen I-hua (詹益樺) self-immolated, per RTI. Though not a public holiday, the day aims to deepen public understanding of democracy and human rights.

“When hosting foreign guests, I always guide them from the Presidential Office toward the nearby Monument for the Victims of the White Terror,” Ho said. “It serves as a reminder that history must not be forgotten—it must be preserved and passed down through generations.”

Li said next year will be critical for remembrance efforts, with new naming and memorial installations planned at the Jingmei and Green Island sites. He emphasized his duty as culture minister to “push transitional justice as far as I can.”

“For all Taiwanese, this is a day that cannot be forgotten,” he added. “What I can do is work hard to do a good job with transitional justice during my term.”