Report by
His Excellency Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
At the Sixth Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture
On International Humanitarian Law
At the Royal Ballroom, Mandarin Oriental Hotel
19 June 2013, 09.00 hrs

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May It Please Your Royal Highness,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is profoundly honoured and most privileged that Your Royal Highness has once again graciously presided over the Sixth Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture on international humanitarian law, co-hosted by the Thai Red Cross Society.

Launched in 2003, the Lecture has been held every two years. The objective is to disseminate knowledge and raise public awareness and understanding of international humanitarian law.

This is important in the context of the persistent human suffering caused by armed conflicts around the world. Effective implementation of international humanitarian law can help provide safety and security of innocent civilians and unarmed personnel from the devastating impacts of armed conflict both at the international and non-international levels. 

We are particularly concerned with the rise of non-international armed conflicts, within States, that have escalated in many parts of the globe. These conflicts often stem from political instability, social and economic disparities and religious intolerance.

Especially when we are confronted with gross and systematic violations of humanitarian law and fundamental human rights, the international community needs to respond and do so in a timely manner. 

We cannot turn a blind eye to situations where there are allegations of war crimes, whether committed by Government or Anti-Government forces, particularly where innocent civilians are targeted.

For instance, incidents of indiscriminate aerial bombardment, attacks on hospitals and medical personnel all constitute blatant violation of the principles laid down in the four Geneva Conventions of 1949.            

As a party to these legal instruments, Thailand wishes to see those who have committed such crimes held accountable for their actions.

A culture of impunity should no longer be tolerated.   

In this regard, we support the establishment of United Nations-mandated commissions which help to ensure accountability and responsibility of all perpetrators who violate internationally accepted norms.

Your Royal Highness,

Today, it is therefore fitting that we will be hearing from a distinguished speaker with a huge wealth of experience in international human rights protection and promotion.

An outstanding Professor of Law at Chulalongkorn University, Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn has received numerous accolades in human rights teaching and dissemination. His contributions in the fields of human rights and international humanitarian law under the UN are well known.

He was Chairman of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the Ivory Coast in 2011. He is currently a Commissioner of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. Professor Vitit will deliver his lecture entitled “International Commissions of Inquiry, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law: the United Nations, Syria and Beyond”.

I am confident that, with his extensive experience and knowledge as both a practitioner and academic, Professor Vitit will provide us with his valuable insights on the role of Commissions of Inquiry in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Thai Red Cross Society for co-hosting this event. I commend the Society for its untiring efforts and the important role it plays in the promotion of humanitarian principles in Thailand.

In this connection, I wish to also express my deep appreciation to the invaluable contribution of the International Committee of the Red Cross in developing and strengthening international humanitarian law over the past 150 years.

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, may I once again humbly express my profound gratitude to Your Royal Highness for graciously presiding over this Lecture.