Thailand has become party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OP-CRPD) as the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations deposited the instrument of accession at the United Nations on 2 September 2016. The Optional Protocol will enter into force for Thailand on 2 October 2016 making Thailand the 90th country to become party to the OP-CRPD.

            The accession to the Optional Protocol is in accordance with the Cabinet’s resolution on 19 April 2016, which gave approval to the proposal of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security on this matter. This is a part of this current Government’s endeavors to continue to promote and protect human rights of people in Thailand.

            This Optional Protocol allows for individual complaints to be submitted to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for any violation of the rights as enshrined by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Optional Protocol will also serve as another mechanism that helps strengthen the promotion and protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

             The Royal Thai Government attaches great importance to the protection of the rights and the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Thailand has become party to the CRPD since 28 August 2008.  The Thai delegation has recently appeared before the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to present the initial country report during 30 – 31 March this year in Geneva, Switzerland to report on progress made and to learn about ways and means to address the existing gaps and challenges in the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities in line with Thailand’s international obligations and international standards.