At the weekly press meeting (31 March 2012), Ms. Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT), revealed the decision of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) concerning the re-accreditation of the NHRCT. The SCA considered the NHRCT’ s compliance with the principles on the status of the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) or the “Paris Principles” in the aspect of its establishment and performance from the Statement of Compliance (SoC) and an interview with the Chairperson on 15 March 2022. The consideration counts on the achievement and the NHRCT’s efforts to resolve the issues raised after the prior review in December 2020.
          Later, on 29 March 2022, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Secretariat of the SCA, informed the NHRCT of the decision that the SCA recommended the NHRCT be re-accredited with A status due to its continued works to promote and protect human rights within the country. Besides, the SCA recognized the NHRCT’s efforts to address the SCA's concerns over the independence arising from statutory provisions related to the selection and appointment of the NHRCT which must be pluralism; the increased mandate to settle the disputes through conciliation, and the development of a follow-up process for the implementation of the NHRCT’s recommendations.
          The SCA also referred to the attributes of NHRIs with A status that they have to be independent, actively work with relevant stakeholders at national, regional and global levels to enhance the effectiveness on their works.
          Without the NHRCT's challenge within 28 days, the SCA's recommendations will be forwarded to the GANHRI Bureau members for approval, and the official report will be published on the website.
          Ms. Ganjanarintr said that, with ‘A’ status, the NHRCT will be able to fully participate in international fora. For example, the NHRCT can attend and make a statement in the Human Rights Council (HRC) meetings. The NHRCT will also be a voting member in GANHRI and APF, allowing the Commission to apply for a position in GANHRI Bureau, APF Council, sub-committees, and working groups. This will enable the NHRCT to have a more active role in the promotion and protection of human rights both within the country and outside. Additionally, the NHRCT’s performance within the country will be more accepted and respected.
          "Regaining A status for the NHRCT is seen as a sharing success by all sectors, including the executive, the legislative, and civil society organizations, in giving importance to the independent and effective role of the NHRCT.  We would like to express our appreciation to all relevant parties for their cooperation. With A status, the NHRCT can fulfil our duty to promote and protect human rights even better," the Chairperson said.

06/04/2022