On 28 August 2023, Ms. Usana Berananda, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, and Emeritus Professor Dr. Amara Pongsapich, Thai representative to ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), co-chaired the consultation between Thailand’s representatives in AICHR and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at Vie Hotel Bangkok. The event was attended by over 80 representatives from government agencies, CSOs and academia.

During the meeting, representatives brainstormed ideas on ways to enhance the role of the Thai Representative to AICHR, through exchanging views on important human rights developments in Thailand and ASEAN, including linkages with other issues, ranging from environment, mental health, to psychosocial well-being, as well as enhancing protection of rights and freedoms of children, women, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, and other vulnerable groups.

The meeting agreed that upholding human rights is fundamental to achieving economic and sustainable development, and would support to include human rights issues in the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision, which is currently being discussed by ASEAN Member States.

This consultation has been held regularly, aligns with Thailand’s policy to advance the promotion and protection of human rights of all peoples, and echoes Thailand’s commitment to invite all sectors of society to contribute to efforts on this important agenda. In addition, Thailand is seeking election to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2025-2027 as the ASEAN Candidate. The elections are scheduled to take place in 2024.