Countries satisfied with human rights protection in Thailand

BANGKOK, May 12 (TNA) - Several foreign countries have expressed their satisfaction with more respect of human rights in Thailand. Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee told journalists that the satisfaction was aired on May 11 when a Thai delegation, led by Permanent Secretary for Justice Charnchao Chaiyanukij, presented Thailand’s National Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report for the second cycle to the 25th Session of the UPR Working Group in Geneva, Switzerland. The spokesman said Charnchao reiterated in his opening statement that Thailand has been committed to the promotion and protection of human rights since it accepted various recommendations during the first cycle review in 2011. The spokesman quoted Charnchao as saying that Thailand's concrete outcomes so far include accessions to and withdrawals of several reservations to various international human rights instruments, including those related to transnational organised crimes, child rights, progress in the elimination of discrimination against women and persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to the spokesman, the Thai delegation also listened to recommendations and answered questions posed by 102 countries participating in the meeting. The spokesman stated that the Thai delegation will announce recommendations it accepts at the meeting on May 13 and will take them back to Thailand for consultations with relevant agencies and for the Cabinet’s approval. Besides, Thailand can submit a list of additionaly-accepted recommendations to the United Nations Human Rights Council by September 2016. However, the spokesman stated that some countries have remained expressing their concerns over a limit of freedom of expression, a trial of civilians in the Thai military court, a new Constitution draft and a public referendum for the new Charter draft, set to be held in August 7, 2016. UPR is a mechanism under the United Nations Human Rights Council that encourages each country to make human rights recommendations to other countries in constructive, equal and peer-to-peer manners. The recommendations also include the promotion of technical cooperation on human rights among every part of the society, as well as between countries and international partners. (TNA)