On 28 February 2024, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, delivered a statement at the High-level Segment during the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Vice Minister reiterated that the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a reminder of past achievements and future endeavors, and how the tragedy in Ukraine and Gaza unites everyone in the promotion and protection of human rights for all without discrimination.

With regard to the region, VFM expressed Thailand's deep concern on the plight of the Myanmar people and, thus, launched an initiative to upscale humanitarian assistance along the Thailand- Myanmar border, which is a crucial step towards the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus into concrete outcome.

VFM reiterated that the Thai Government places human rights at the core of its policy agenda and gives priorities to addressing inequalities, supporting the most vulnerable, and responding to new and emerging challenges, as well as promoting sustainable development, and aligning domestic legal frameworks with human rights instruments that Thailand is a party to. Thailand also looks forward to welcoming country visits of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on the right to health, and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls later this year.

VFM also mentioned the Council’s review process during the time he served as President of the Council during 2010-2011 and that it is timely to continue a dialogue on ways to ensure that the work of the Council truly makes a difference to the lives of peoples. In this regard, two weeks ago, Thailand hosted a well-attended panel discussion at the United Nations in New York on the Future of the Human Rights Council – challenges and opportunities in maximizing the impact of the Council’s work on the ground.

Lastly, VFM reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to work for the HRC to contribute to the work of the Council, to serve as an active, responsible and constructive member, and to build coalitions in addressing pressing human rights challenges of our time and for future generations.