Workers' freedoms must be ensured

They were on their way to attend the International Labour Organisation’s commemoration of International Migrants Day.

Initially only staff of the Human Rights and Development Foundation and core members of the Migrant Worker Rights Network were allowed to proceed. The officials cited concerns about public order and martial law, but after some negotiation allowed all the migrant workers to move on as well.

The Human Rights and Development Foundation, a civic agency working on behalf of migrant workers, believes that stopping the procession could constitute an infringement on their fundamental rights and freedoms as granted in the 2014 interim constitution. This is despite the fact that the officials justified their action by citing their duty to maintain public order. They offered no sound evidence that the migrants’ activity might breach national security, public order or public welfare. The foundation urges the Thai state to seriously uphold the rights of migrant workers, particularly their rights to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly and association. It should be ensured that any act by state officials is carried out as necessary and proportionately, even while martial law is imposed. 

Human Rights and Development Foundation