During 17-18 May 2010, Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Director, and officials of the Social Division, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Col. Krisna Bovornratanaraks, Director of Military Legislation and Foreign Affairs Division, Ministry of Defence 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.
On the first day, security officers who had attended previous human rights seminars shared their experiences and suggestions with the panelists, with a view to improving human rights in the Southern Border Provinces. Special attention was given to vulnerable groups such as women, children and persons with disabilities. All the security officers expressed a strong commitment to promote and protect human rights for all in the Southern Border Provinces amidst some challenging circumstances.
On the second day, the panelists from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave a presentation on “Human Rights, International Organizations and the Southern Border Provinces” and joined in providing basic knowledge on international human rights obligations to the security officers on the ground. The panelists stressed that not only must government officials exercise utmost restraint and patience in conducting their operations, but it is also their duty to provide for the safety and protection of the rights and wellbeing of all civilians.
Participants to the human rights seminar also learned about the latest developments in the role played by Thailand on human rights at the international level. This includes Thailand’s success in being elected to the Human Rights Council (HRC) in early May 2010 as well as Thailand’s preparations towards drafting a national report on human rights to be submitted next year to the Human Rights Council under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Therefore, it is incumbent on all government agencies to enhance their human rights awareness since there are expectations within the international community that Thailand as a HRC Member would uphold the human rights standards within its capacity.
This event is the 5th human rights training seminar that has been co-organized by the Royal Thai Army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Such seminar is conducted periodically to provide human rights education for security personnel in the SBPs and ensure that those officials will understand their duties in the promotion and protection of human rights, and 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 an 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 are 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 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