Cautious support from international community for govt’s moves on promoting human rights

By The Nation 

 

 

Embassies in Thailand and international organisations on Monday said that while they cautiously supported the government’s moves on promoting human rights, they were also maintaining a close interest in its commitment to and compliance with human-rights principles in line with international obligations.

 

Their representatives spoke to The Nation after attending an event at Government House, which heavily promoted human rights as a national agenda.

 

It was held amid criticism of the junta government for the purported continual infringement of rights, especially against the expression of political differences for which of many of those speaking out against the military-led regime have either had charges pressed against them or been prosecuted.

 

“The right to justice and redress, political participation, inclusion of marginalised, disempowered and excluded groups, respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are practical necessities for successfully mainstreaming human rights,” said Cynthia Veliko, regional representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for Southeast Asia.

 

“We hope that the current restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including on freedom of expression, opinion and assembly, will be lifted with urgency to allow for its successful implementation,” she added.

 

“The EU places great importance on the promotion and protection of human rights all over the world and we are always encouraged when our partners commit to upholding these universal principles,” said Pirkka Tapiola, ambassador to the European Union Delegation to Thailand. “We will continue to engage constructively with Thailand on this.”

 

“The announcement of this national human-rights policy is encouraging. But many challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that it is implemented effectively at the grass-roots level,” said Dana Graber Ladek, chief of mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

 

“As the UN Migration Agency, the IOM will continue to work together with the Royal Thai government to ensure that the rights and welfare of migrant workers are protected in Thailand,” she said.

 

“We appreciated the PM and foreign minister’s emphasis that the government is committed to complying with Thailand’s human-rights obligations under the international conventions and agreements to which Thailand is a party,” said the US Embassy’s spokesperson, Stephane Castonguay.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30338689

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-02-13

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

“We appreciated the PM and Foreign Minister’s emphasis that the government is committed to complying with Thailand’s human-rights obligations under the international conventions and agreements to which Thailand is a party,” said the US Embassy’s spokesperson, Stephane Castonguay.

Given that military governments historically have little respect for civil rights and human freedoms Stephane Castonguay's must have almost choked on those words when he uttered them.

I know the year has only just started but the sum total in human rights efforts so far by General Prayut has been dumbfounding. 

They have arrested people on charges of sedition because they complain about not having a democratic election and they install a few more ATMs near the wharves for convenient use by shanghaied fishermen.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

It was held amid criticism of the junta government for the purported continual infringement of rights,

what is 'purported' about it ? we read about it on a daily basis;

further, these diplomats  whose skillsets require the ability to tell half-truths, know full well that thailand is far more talk-than-action

A United Nations Working Group is once more investigating Thailand for arbitrary arrest and abuses of human rights including the use of the Defamation Law which it has signed up to but ignores. Someone needs to remind the General that in progressive European countries opposition sits in parliament, not jail, where it is a respected part of the active government and opposition is not sedition.  

He doesn't know when to keep quiet

For "cautious support" read "What the hell you talking about man?"

He'll be lecturing the world on democracy next

6 hours ago, Cadbury said:

 

Given that military governments historically have little respect for civil rights and human freedoms Stephane Castonguay's must have almost choked on those words when he uttered them.

I know the year has only just started but the sum total in human rights efforts so far by General Prayut has been dumbfounding. 

They have arrested people on charges of sedition because they complain about not having a democratic election and they install a few more ATMs near the wharves for convenient use by shanghaied fishermen.

Google this.Thailand: Man eats sandwich, gets arrested.

Well it is said he also played the Marseillaise on his phone while reading Orwell's 1984.

Total diplomatic speak.  Uttered not to offend but encourage regardless of the current state of things.   Eyes will roll. 

 

If you ever have a chance to visit the UN or other diplomatic function, you may be amazed at the parlor tricks.  Boot licking comes in the form of a question: Your Excellency, given all your years as a master finger painter,  celebrated chef of deep fried foods, and pro wrestling aficionado, would you not say you have your education, and not connections or good looks, to thank for your attainment of a senior diplomatic position ?

11 minutes ago, Lupatria said:

Google this.Thailand: Man eats sandwich, gets arrested.

Well it is said he also played the Marseillaise on his phone while reading Orwell's 1984.

We should be thankful for the humour they provide by making complete fools of themselves on just about everything on a daily basis.