On Wednesday 30 August 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Thai Red Cross Society, organised the 10th Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture on International Humanitarian Law entitled “The Prevention of Arbitrary Displacement and the Protection of the Human Rights of Those Displaced by Armed Conflict” at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously paid a private visit to the Ministry to attend the Lecture.

The Lecture Series “Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on International Humanitarian Law,” is aimed at disseminating knowledge and understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for the officials involved, agencies, and general public. It has been held every two years since 2003. This year marks the 20th year of the Lecture Series, of which has continuously been attended by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn since its inauguration.

The 10th HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture was delivered by Ms. Cecilia Jimenez-Damary (Filipina), international human rights and humanitarian laws lawyer with specialisation in forced displacement and migration, and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons during 2016 – 2022. The Lecture was attended by approximately 300 participants, comprising government representatives, experts in the field of humanitarian assistance, members of the Diplomatic Missions and Consular Representatives, international organisations and non-governmental organizations, academics, and students from different institutions.

The Lecture highlighted the issue of forced displacement due to armed conflicts and generalised violence. At the end of 2022, the number of internally displaced persons worldwide reached an alarming count of 62.5 millions people, which is the highest number ever recorded. Vulnerable groups, especially women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, are often the most affected. Ms. Jimenez-Damary also underscored that being an internally displaced person does not take away the right to seek safety and to be protected under international human rights and humanitarian laws and called on the international community to join forces and use their collective capacities to grant protection to internally displaced persons and find durable solutions.