TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Irish President and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson was awarded the sixth Tang Prize in Rule of Law on Friday (June 21).
At a Tang Prize Foundation press conference in Taipei, Chang Wen-chen (張文貞), chair of the Rule of Law prize election committee, confirmed Robinson as recipient of the prestigious award, per CNA.
Chang said Robinson’s passionate and effective solutions combine legal insights with practical approaches. Robinson’s unique approach has transformed and expanded her various roles, enhancing the rule of law, she added.

In a video message, Robinson expressed her surprise about the award but looked forward to the awards ceremony in late September. The former Irish president said this would be her first visit to Taiwan, and she was eager to learn more, especially about its strong democracy and rule of law.
Chang added, “Through her efforts, from Ireland to the global stage, she has consistently advocated for the rights and justice of the most disadvantaged groups.”
“Robinson is a global defender, uniquely combining a lawyer’s legal precision, a legislator’s practical solutions, and a human rights advocate’s passion for justice, with her influence extending far and wide,” she said.
Robinson was the seventh president of Ireland and its first female president.
