Bangkok--Dec 12--MFA
Fifty-nine years ago, on 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the international community as “a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”. Today, the efforts of the international community to advance the promotion and protection of human rights are stronger than ever. On this occasion, Thailand joins other nations and peoples in celebrating the International Human Rights Day, while also celebrating our Constitution Day.
The theme for this year’s commemoration, “human dignity and justice for all”, concerns one of the most fundamental principles of human rights. This principle is based on the universal belief that all human beings possess an inherent worth and deserve unconditional respect, regardless of age, sex, social or ethnic origin, political ideas or religion. The Universal Declaration itself stipulates that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Therefore, all human beings, whoever they are, and wherever they are from, possess the same rights and dignity.
Thailand wishes to see human rights, human dignity and justice for all prevail, not only at the international level but also at the national level and in every country. We recognise that no country is perfect in terms of human rights. But by working together constructively, with respect for cultural diversity and tolerance, and by trying to understand one another better, we can together advance the cause of human rights.
Thailand’s unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human dignity and justice for all is reflected in our ongoing efforts to become party to core international human rights instruments. On 2 October 2007, Thailand acceded to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment— the sixth core human rights treaty to which Thailand has become a party. In addition, Thailand has recently ratified the ILO Convention No. 159 concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons. Earlier, on 30 March this year, Thailand signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is now taking steps in accordance with our internal procedures to ratify the Convention.
Our strong commitment to human rights is also reflected in our new Constitution—the first ever to be adopted in a nationwide referendum. At the heart of this new Constitution is the intention to strengthen provisions that will ensure the promotion and protection of basic rights and fundamental freedoms, the enhancement of public participation in political processes, transparency, good governance and the strengthening of the democratic system of checks and balances. The new Constitution has now entered into force and all necessary political and legislative procedures are being undertaken to ensure free and fair general elections on Sunday the 23rd of this month.
Beyond national borders, the adoption of the ASEAN Charter at the ASEAN Summit last month, and the intention to establish an ASEAN human rights body, for which Thailand has been a key supporter and driving force since the very beginning, demonstrate that ASEAN Member Countries consider themselves to be bound not only by their common destiny, but also by their shared values in peace, prosperity, democracy, equality, justice and respect for human rights. Through the ASEAN Charter and the active efforts of ASEAN Member Countries, respect for dignity and justice will become an increasingly important component of the emerging ASEAN Community—a Community that may be nation-driven but is first and foremost people-centred.
Finally, on behalf of the Thai people, I wish to commend the United Nations for its continued efforts to promote and protect human rights. I also wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to the advancement of human rights and democracy in our country as well as to work with other nations in the region and the international community to promote and protect human rights around the world.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-
Fifty-nine years ago, on 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the international community as “a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”. Today, the efforts of the international community to advance the promotion and protection of human rights are stronger than ever. On this occasion, Thailand joins other nations and peoples in celebrating the International Human Rights Day, while also celebrating our Constitution Day.
The theme for this year’s commemoration, “human dignity and justice for all”, concerns one of the most fundamental principles of human rights. This principle is based on the universal belief that all human beings possess an inherent worth and deserve unconditional respect, regardless of age, sex, social or ethnic origin, political ideas or religion. The Universal Declaration itself stipulates that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Therefore, all human beings, whoever they are, and wherever they are from, possess the same rights and dignity.
Thailand wishes to see human rights, human dignity and justice for all prevail, not only at the international level but also at the national level and in every country. We recognise that no country is perfect in terms of human rights. But by working together constructively, with respect for cultural diversity and tolerance, and by trying to understand one another better, we can together advance the cause of human rights.
Thailand’s unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human dignity and justice for all is reflected in our ongoing efforts to become party to core international human rights instruments. On 2 October 2007, Thailand acceded to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment— the sixth core human rights treaty to which Thailand has become a party. In addition, Thailand has recently ratified the ILO Convention No. 159 concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons. Earlier, on 30 March this year, Thailand signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is now taking steps in accordance with our internal procedures to ratify the Convention.
Our strong commitment to human rights is also reflected in our new Constitution—the first ever to be adopted in a nationwide referendum. At the heart of this new Constitution is the intention to strengthen provisions that will ensure the promotion and protection of basic rights and fundamental freedoms, the enhancement of public participation in political processes, transparency, good governance and the strengthening of the democratic system of checks and balances. The new Constitution has now entered into force and all necessary political and legislative procedures are being undertaken to ensure free and fair general elections on Sunday the 23rd of this month.
Beyond national borders, the adoption of the ASEAN Charter at the ASEAN Summit last month, and the intention to establish an ASEAN human rights body, for which Thailand has been a key supporter and driving force since the very beginning, demonstrate that ASEAN Member Countries consider themselves to be bound not only by their common destiny, but also by their shared values in peace, prosperity, democracy, equality, justice and respect for human rights. Through the ASEAN Charter and the active efforts of ASEAN Member Countries, respect for dignity and justice will become an increasingly important component of the emerging ASEAN Community—a Community that may be nation-driven but is first and foremost people-centred.
Finally, on behalf of the Thai people, I wish to commend the United Nations for its continued efforts to promote and protect human rights. I also wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to the advancement of human rights and democracy in our country as well as to work with other nations in the region and the international community to promote and protect human rights around the world.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-