THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	81
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING the World Health Organization to confer "observer status" upon Taiwan in order to permit Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization's programs and activities.

     WHEREAS, the World Health Organization is the United Nations specialized agency for health and is comprised of most members of the United Nations and a few other nations; and

     WHEREAS, the World Health Organization's mission is "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health" by combating disease and promoting general health around the world; and

     WHEREAS, the World Health Organization is an international body through which different nations may engage in cooperative and coordinated efforts to respond to public health crises; and

     WHEREAS, the World Health Organization's mission and activities are especially important in contemporary times because more frequent and rapid international travel has the potential for quickly spreading epidemics and infectious diseases across borders; and

     WHEREAS, the protection of the health and welfare of all peoples of the world depends greatly upon the World Health Organization; and

     WHEREAS, Taiwan, although having a population of twenty-three million people, is not a member of the World Health Organization; and

     WHEREAS, Taiwan has expressed a desire and willingness to participate in the World Health Organization's programs and activities; and

     WHEREAS, before Taiwan lost its membership in the World Health Organization in 1972 because of termination of its membership in the United Nations, Taiwan was a valuable contributing member of the World Health Organization; and

     WHEREAS, if allowed to participate again, there is no doubt that Taiwan will serve as a productive member of the World Health Organization; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that the World Health Organization is requested to confer "observer status" upon Taiwan in order to permit Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization's programs and activities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

World Health Organization; Taiwan; Observer Status