During 13-14 March 2017, a Thai delegation led by Mr. Charnchao Chaiyanukij, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice made an oral submission of the report to the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva.

             The Thai delegation received suggestions and responded to questions and requests for clarifications as well as exchanged views and practices with members of the Human Rights Committee. The meeting covered a variety of issues related to human rights including; the amendment and timeframe for the promulgation of the (new) Thai Constitution; the status of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand; freedom of expression and freedom of assembly; gender equality; rights for persons with diverse sexual orientations; violence against women; torture and enforced disappearance; the use of emergency decree in the Southern Border Provinces; protection for human rights defenders; regulations and practices on the use of force and human rights training for law enforcement officials; death penalty; migrants; the issue of stateless persons; human trafficking and child labour; as well as other human rights issues such as the right to vote in elections and the right of various groups to run for elections, land rights, community rights and rights of ethnic groups and indigenous peoples

             The Committee acknowledged and took note of the developments and efforts of the Royal Thai Government to continuously improve Human Rights measures. The Committee expressed their appreciation to the Thai delegation for responding to questions and requests of the Committee in detail. 

             The meeting in Geneva was constructive and was based on academic exchange of views. While the Committee posed several questions and requests, many of which were complex, the Thai delegation was able to respond to the inquiries. Considered a common practice of the Committee, the Thai delegation also provided supplementary information to the Committee after the meeting.

             The Thai delegation’s participation in the oral submission of the report to the Human Rights Committee is a reflection of Thailand’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. Moreover, this is also an opportunity for Thailand to learn and receive constructive suggestions on improving the work on promoting human rights in Thailand, which will enable Thailand to work more efficiently and with greater compliance with the ICCPR. The Ministry of Justice will present the results of the report as well as the concluding observations by the Committee to the Cabinet.