On 27 February 2023, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a pre-recorded statement at the high-level segment of the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Leaders and ministers from more than 150 countries participated in this year’s high-level segment of the HRC.

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, DPM/FM reiterated Thailand’s commitment in the promotion and protection of human rights. He also shared some of Thailand’s good practices, including the promotion of the right to health, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG), the strengthening of national human rights infrastructure, as well as open and constructive dialogues and engagement with Special Procedures of the HRC, OHCHR and other human-rights-related mechanism. Other highlights included the participation of Thailand in the 3rd Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and progress in its implementation of the accepted recommendations and voluntary pledges.

DPM/FM highlighted the 3 foes to human rights, namely wars, internal political and economic strife and the triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss), which require the international community to think more progressively and innovatively to address the challenges.

In addition, DPM/FM also announced the candidature of Thailand to the HRC for the term 2025-2027, which has been endorsed as the candidate of ASEAN. Such candidature reflects Thailand’s unwavering commitment to advance the promotion and protection of human rights nationally, regionally and globally and to improve the effectiveness and transparency of the Council.

HRC is an inter-governmental body within the UN system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights. Established in 2006 by UNGA resolution, HRC is made up of 47 UN Member States from 5 regional groups. Thailand previously served in the HRC for the term 2010-2013.

For the full statement, please click here.