On 24-25 January 2012, Thailand presented its national reports on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography and on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict to the 59th Session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, Switzerland. The Thai delegation was led by Mr. Santi Promphat, Minister for Social Development and Human Security, and comprised representatives from relevant Government agencies, child rights experts and youth representatives from Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya and Narathiwat provinces.
In general, the dialogue between the Committee and the Thai delegation was candid and constructive. The Committee expressed its sympathy for the recent massive flood situation in Thailand in late 2011, and praised the Thai Government’s efforts to assist all children affected by the disaster. The Committee also commended Thailand’s efforts to reduce the infant mortality rate and child malnutrition, as well as the country’s advancement in the protection of children with HIV/AIDS. In addition, the Committee welcomed Thailand’s withdrawal of its reservation to Article 7 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which means that all children born in Thailand, regardless of their ethnicity or status, now have the right to be registered immediately after birth.
Despite the progress made, the Committee had concerns on various matters, including: discrimination, abuse and exploitation of children, especially those belonging to marginalized groups such as poor children, street children, children with disabilities, children of migrants, displaced children and children in the Southern Border Provinces; and the weak implementation of existing laws concerning children. The Committee also had strong concerns regarding the problems of child sex tourism and child pornography, especially child pornography on the Internet, which were issues that needed to be addressed urgently.
The Committee emphasized the importance of promoting early childhood development in a comprehensive manner, including physical, mental as well as intellectual development. Concern was expressed at the low breastfeeding rate in the country, particularly in big cities.
The Thai delegation responded to questions in a candid and constructive manner, stressing its determination to address all the remaining challenges, including those that were raised by the Committee in order to improve the situation for all children in the country.
The presentation of Thailand’s national reports on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its two Optional Protocols is part of Thailand’s legal obligation under the said instruments which Thailand ratified in 1992 and 2006, respectively. After Thailand’s presentation, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child will issue its Concluding Observations in regard to Thailand, which the Royal Thai Government will use to guide its work to further improve the situation and enhance children’s rights in the country. Thailand’s next report to the Committee will be in five years’ time.
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