There’s less than a week to go before the World Health Assembly convenes in Geneva. Ahead of opening day, Taiwan expats around the world are rallying on the streets, to fight for their country’s right to participate. There’s also been support from 13 members of the World Health Organization, who have proposed that Taiwan be invited to join the summit as an observer. The WHO says their proposal will be reviewed on May 23.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, more than 100 people took to the streets. Holding up the national flag of Taiwan, demonstrators urged the international community to let Taiwan take part in the World Health Organization.

Fong Kuang-jong
Taiwanese envoy to Brazil
The goal of this parade today is to fight for Taiwan’s basic human right to health.

The 75th World Health Assembly will start on May 22 in Geneva, Switzerland. Ahead of its opening, local Taiwanese residents gathered at a park and held up signs that read “Taiwan can Help.” They’re planning a larger-scale street demonstration.

Jin Kruse Hsieh
Taiwanese Association in Switzerland
Just to lift up our need to WHO.

Over in the U.S., a small plane flies a banner high in the sky. Residents of northern California held a car parade with flags and lion dances to promote Taiwan’s bid. In Washington, D.C., Taiwan expats braved the elements to stage an outdoor demonstration.

Over in Europe, Taiwan’s representative offices in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland produced a video with local politicians, calling on the WHO to include Taiwan.

Peter Osusky
Slovakia-Taiwan Parliamentary Group chairman
Let Taiwan’s voice be heard. Give Taiwan a seat in the World Health Assembly.

Arkadiusz Mularczyk
Polish House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee
With deep commitments to improving world health and maintaining world order.

Countries around the world are speaking up for Taiwan. According to the WHO, 13 member states have submitted a proposal that Taiwan be invited to the WHA. Their motion will be reviewed on May 23. In a Facebook post, President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan should not be left out of the global health system. She wrote that as the clock ticks down to the WHA, Taiwan will waste no opportunity to make itself heard.