On 10 November 2021, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs led the Thai delegation in the presentation of Thailand’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Third Cycle Report under the Human Rights Council (HRC) via teleconference.

In his opening statement, the Permanent Secretary focused on the importance that Thailand attaches to advancing both human rights and sustainable development holistically. Thailand continues to make progress towards higher standards on human rights and remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, while fulfilling its obligations under the international human rights treaties to which Thailand is party.

Thailand’s Third Cycle UPR presentation was a comprehensive review of Thailand’s policies and actions, achievements and challenges on human rights ranging from economic, social and cultural rights to civil and political rights and the rights of vulnerable groups. Thailand’s human rights implementation and management during the challenging time of COVID-19 was also highlighted, together with a forward-looking perspective on the country’s human rights work in the future.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a review process of human rights records of all UN Member States, which takes place every 4 and a half years. The UPR is regarded as a unique process as it involves a peer-review that allows the States under review to accept recommendations voluntarily.

Thailand presented its 1st UPR Report and 2nd UPR Report in 2011 and 2016 respectively. For this 3rd cycle, the review of Thailand’s human rights was conducted in a constructive atmosphere and covered a broad range of issues. Many countries commended Thailand on efforts to promote economic, social and cultural rights, in particular for various vulnerable groups, taking good note of Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage policy which is becoming increasingly important, particularly during this COVID-19 situation. Countries also underlined the importance of the promotion and protection of the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities, older persons and migrants. In addition, countries also gave various recommendations to Thailand to continue to further promote human rights in the country.

Opening Statement by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs >>>