Ensuring basic freedoms is the only way forward for Thailand

On this day 67 years ago, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drafted by people with different cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the declaration became the building block for a range of legally binding international treaties.
Today, we are marking International Human Rights Day with the launch of the campaign “Our Rights. Our Freedom. Always”. Importantly, these universal freedoms are cornerstones of the UN-backed global sustainable development goals, for which Thailand is a leader.
Thailand has had a long commitment to human rights. In 1948 it was one of the first Asian countries to endorse the Universal Declaration, and to date the government has ratified seven of the nine core international human rights treaties. Meanwhile, Thai civil society has championed the universality of rights.
As Thais from all walks of life work to address deep-rooted conflicts, it is crucial to keep in mind the universality and primacy of human freedoms. Global experience demonstrates the powerful, positive impact of rights-based approaches to resolving disputes and conflicts, whether among or within nations. Promoting each and every person’s universal rights leads to stronger and more resilient nations. Promoting and protecting our rights and freedoms is everywhere a critical aspect of reconciliation, sustainable development and national success.
Shortcuts are tempting. Repressing rights and freedoms can seem politically expedient, but is never part of an effective, sustainable solution to complex economic, political or social conflicts. Open, vibrant dialogues that capture the diversity of a nation’s people, experiences and opinions leads to stability, sustainable growth and strong human and social capital – all key elements of a successful nation.
Thailand now has an opportunity to expand citizen participation and deepen democratic governance through drafting a new constitution. Systematic, meaningful and broad participation by Thais from all political, economic, social and cultural backgrounds will ensure the rights and freedoms of all people living here are promoted and protected. International human rights and democratic principles can serve as important guides in this process.
Thailand has been a strong proponent of United Nations rights mechanisms, having served on the UN Human Rights Council. This year, Thailand opened itself to expert scrutiny with its implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a landmark treaty on issues such as the rights to work, to education and to social security. Together with numerous other countries, Thailand’s overall rights record will be examined by the Human Rights Council early next year when it undergoes a second Universal Periodic Review.
Meanwhile a number of UN Special Rapporteurs, including those tasked with examining torture and freedom of association and assembly, are still awaiting the Thai government’s response to their requests for a visit. Such visits can catalyse positive reforms that help member states to achieve their own objectives set out in their international commitments.
Thailand has experienced significant economic growth over the last decades and pulled many out of poverty, ensuring improvements in economic rights. It is now an upper middle-income country and is a key leader within Asean, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Yet, underlying this growth has been a constant challenge of inequality. The UN works with the Thai government in efforts to ensure no one is left behind, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups such as children, older persons, people with disabilities, LGBTI citizens, migrants, ethnic minorities and displaced persons. Together we work toward elimination of gender discrimination and the stigma faced by other marginalised gender and sexual minorities.
The journey to full enjoyment of human rights by every individual is long. But each year, on December 10, we must remind ourselves that our commitment and our actions are critical parts of this journey. Our rights and freedoms are not a luxury – they are essential for development, for wellbeing and for dignity. Without them, our lives would have little meaning.

Luc Stevens is United Nations resident coordinator in Thailand.