On 27 February 2012, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered Thailand's statement at the High Level Segment of the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.
In his statement, the Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to democracy and human rights. He noted, in particular, the smooth transition in Thailand’s democratic process, as reflected in last July’s general election, which demonstrated the spirit of Thai democracy.
With the solid mandate of the people, the Government has translated several social and human rights policy into concrete actions in various areas during the past seven months since assuming office. This includes the creation of the National Women’s Development Fund to help women develop their professional potential and their leadership in communities, enhancing the provision of universal healthcare, utilizing technology to support education, improving the quality of life for the elderly and disabled, and supporting the work of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT) in order to achieve reconciliation.
Thailand is also determined to deliver on its pledges made to the international community. Progress has been made on adherence to the core human rights instruments, particularly in regard to withdrawal of reservations. Thailand has also become a signatory to the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. On enhancing engagement with the Special Procedures, Thailand recently received the Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, especially children and women and is arranging for more mandate holders to visit the country over the next few years. On support for the UPR process, Thailand has engaged in the review process with the firm conviction that the UPR can contribute to real change on the ground. Thailand has accepted most of its recommendations and taken home some of them for serious consideration.
In relation to the work of the HRC, the Foreign Minister underscored the need to pursue further efforts to enhance a cooperative approach under a spirit of dialogue and engagement. Such an approach is indeed applicable to the case of Sri Lanka, which has made considerable advances towards national reconciliation and sustainable development after years of strife. Thailand also welcomes the ongoing positive developments in Myanmar towards democratization and reconciliation. Accordingly, a fresh approach should be adopted, and this year’s resolution should be balanced and acknowledge the progress made in Myanmar. While it is incumbent for the Council to strive towards dialogue and engagement, there will be times when the Council is faced with a pressing and urgent situation which requires decisive action. Such is clearly the case with the current situation in Syria. In this regard, the Council must act with unity of purpose to prevent a further worsening of the on-going humanitarian crisis.
The Foreign Minister concluded by stressing that Thailand will do its utmost to promote human rights, democracy and human development at home whilst playing a robust and value-added role at the international level. With its genuine commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, Thailand will stand for election to the Council once again for the term 2015-2017.
Text of full statement available here:-
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=28763
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