Don says UN happy with Thailand's human rights defence
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said on Thursday that the UN Human Rights Committee has expressed satisfaction at Thailand's efforts to address and tackle human rights issues.
Thailand’s delegation attended the 119th session of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Geneva on Monday and Tuesday to submit the country’s report on human rights.
Led by Charnchao Chaiyanukij, the permanent secretary of the Justice Ministry, the military regime's delegation gave verbal reports and responded to inquiries which focused on 11 key issues relating to the junta's ruling since it took power in 2014.
They largely focused on the political situation, including the new constitution, the enforcement of the special powers under Article 44 of the interim Charter, the restriction on freedom of expression, rights to assemble, the trials of civilians in military court and the lese majeste law.
Other issues were social based, including labour rights, as well as progress in the investigation following the disappearance of prominent Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit and Karen activist Pholachi "Billy" Rakchongcharoen.
Don said the Thai delegation spent about three hours each day responding to questions. The exchanges were academic based, he said.
Ahmad Amin Fathalla, committee vice-chairperson, in closing remarks on Tuesday, thanked the delegation for the lengthy discussion, but remarked that some of the questions were still be answered, including freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and child labour.