During 25 - 26 August 2011, Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Organizations, Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Director of the Social Division and an official, conducted a seminar on human rights for army personnel and police officers at all levels from unit commanders to rangers in the Southern Border Provinces.
The delegation visited the Ingkayuth Borihan Army Base in Pattani Province and the Police Interviewing Centre in Yala Province to exchange information regarding the treatment of suspects and detainees and the use of forensic science in the investigation of security-related incidents. It was found that security officers were well aware of these basic rights and fundamental freedoms and reaffirmed their commitment to continue to adhere to the principle of human rights in accordance with international standards.
The delegation also gave a presentation on human rights at the Sirindhorn Army Base in Yala Province. The presentation provided security officers on the ground with basic knowledge of human rights, particularly the rights of the child and on the country’s obligations under the U.N. Convention against Torture.
Security personnel participating in the human rights seminar also learned about Thailand’s role in the advancement of human rights at the international level. Particular focus was given to Thailand’s first country report to be considered at the U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC) on 5 October 2011. In this regard, it is incumbent on all Thai authorities to contribute to the strict adherence to Thailand’s international human rights obligations.
The 7th human rights seminar was co-organized by the Royal Thai Army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Such seminars have been conducted periodically to provide human rights education for security personnel in the Southern border provinces and to ensure that those officials strictly adhere to the country’s international human rights obligations while conducting security operations.
Such human rights seminars have proven to be very useful for security personnel as they can gain awareness of the “dos” and “don’ts” regarding human rights when they are on duty.
Human rights education and awareness-raising for law enforcement officers is regarded as a priority in Thailand’s human rights policy. It is part of the attempt to implement the Royal Thai Government’s policy on the promotion and protection of human rights in conformity with Thailand’s national laws and international obligations.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th