Message from the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand
Commemorating Human Rights Day
10 December 2022
“Human dignity, rights, liberties and equality of the people shall be protected” - such is the statement of Article 4 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E 2560, which guarantees the equal protection of “human rights” of all Thais.
This principle is consistent with Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in spirit of brotherhood.” The Declaration is a landmark document that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. It demonstrates the common determination of nations in realizing equality and non-discrimination to bring about peaceful society where people respect the rights of one another.
Not only is the 10th of December a special day for Thai people as it is the “Constitution Day,” it is also a very important day for people the world over as they observe “Human Rights Day.” Both cases signify the congruent significance as it is the day when human rights principles are officially enshrined.
Over the past year, the unrelenting spread of COVID-19 has negatively impacted on vulnerable groups in many different ways. Political discords have various times led to violent conflicts while the convenience of technology has facilitated communications of hatred and online bullying, which can easily affect the human dignity of others. Furthermore, the persistent inequality in society has led to discrimination against many people and barred them from access to justice. These are among some of the topics the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) is primarily concerned with.
As a national human rights institution of Thailand, the NHRCT has duties and powers to protect, promote and monitor human rights situation, make recommendations to the government and related agencies, and raise awareness concerning such human rights problems. The NHRCT’s policy is to drive forward human rights issues in every aspect by expediting the process of human rights protection, especially with regard to the rights related to the administration of justice, community’s rights, rights of persons with legal status and rights problems, non-discrimination and the elimination of domestic violence. In this regard, cooperation from all sectors, including the government, private sector, civil society and all Thais, is crucial if we are to prevent and resolve human rights violations in the country.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022, the NHRCT would like to invite everyone to come together to raise human rights awareness in accordance with the international campaign theme of "Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All," by calling on the State to recognize its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the enjoyment of human rights for all. The NHRCT urges everyone in the society to realize that it is incumbent upon all of us to join efforts in making human rights a reality. It is hoped that we respect the human rights of one another on the path of diverse thoughts and beliefs in this multicultural society.
Pornprapai Ganjanarintr
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand
“Human dignity, rights, liberties and equality of the people shall be protected” - such is the statement of Article 4 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E 2560, which guarantees the equal protection of “human rights” of all Thais.
This principle is consistent with Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in spirit of brotherhood.” The Declaration is a landmark document that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. It demonstrates the common determination of nations in realizing equality and non-discrimination to bring about peaceful society where people respect the rights of one another.
Not only is the 10th of December a special day for Thai people as it is the “Constitution Day,” it is also a very important day for people the world over as they observe “Human Rights Day.” Both cases signify the congruent significance as it is the day when human rights principles are officially enshrined.
Over the past year, the unrelenting spread of COVID-19 has negatively impacted on vulnerable groups in many different ways. Political discords have various times led to violent conflicts while the convenience of technology has facilitated communications of hatred and online bullying, which can easily affect the human dignity of others. Furthermore, the persistent inequality in society has led to discrimination against many people and barred them from access to justice. These are among some of the topics the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) is primarily concerned with.
As a national human rights institution of Thailand, the NHRCT has duties and powers to protect, promote and monitor human rights situation, make recommendations to the government and related agencies, and raise awareness concerning such human rights problems. The NHRCT’s policy is to drive forward human rights issues in every aspect by expediting the process of human rights protection, especially with regard to the rights related to the administration of justice, community’s rights, rights of persons with legal status and rights problems, non-discrimination and the elimination of domestic violence. In this regard, cooperation from all sectors, including the government, private sector, civil society and all Thais, is crucial if we are to prevent and resolve human rights violations in the country.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022, the NHRCT would like to invite everyone to come together to raise human rights awareness in accordance with the international campaign theme of "Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All," by calling on the State to recognize its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the enjoyment of human rights for all. The NHRCT urges everyone in the society to realize that it is incumbent upon all of us to join efforts in making human rights a reality. It is hoped that we respect the human rights of one another on the path of diverse thoughts and beliefs in this multicultural society.
Pornprapai Ganjanarintr
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand