NGOs call for action on children's rights

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- To mark Universal Children's Day today, the advocacy groups Plan International Thailand and World Vision Foundation of Thailand called on the government take tougher action to protect children's rights.

"We are still on a journey to combat injustices against children, such as child pornography, sexual abuse and a juvenile-justice system that does not yet fully meet international standards," said Jake Lucchi, national advocacy coordinator at World Vision.

"Thailand still lacks a law that specifically defines and punishes child pornography, though children as young as 10 years old can still be held responsible for crimes. Moreover, adults who sexually abuse children can still be released on bail pending trial, giving them the opportunity to continue abusing children or even flee the country. At this stage, our children are not yet enjoying the full protection they deserve," Lucchi said.

"Even advances in health and education are not accessible to everyone. In most cases, children of migrants and those without Thai identity documents are excluded from low-cost healthcare. They often face difficulties accessing education due to financial pressures, lack of transportation and a shortage of programmes to help them overcome language and cultural barriers," he added.

Lucchi cited the example of a 10-year-old boy who spends every evening selling flowers to passing cars to help his family earn money. He met Ohm during a recent visit to hilltribe communities in Chiang Mai. His parents do not value education, preferring that their son make an illegal living by selling flowers. The family lacks Thai identity documents and therefore cannot access the Bt30 health scheme that could provide care for Ohm's ailing younger brother.

"The uncomfortable reality is that Ohm's story is not unique, but rather representative of the struggles of many of Thailand's most vulnerable children."

In three years, migration across borders is expected to increase significantly throughout Southeast Asia, exposing children to greater risk. A number of non-governmental organisations, including World Vision, Plan Thailand, Child Line and the Life Skills Development Foundation, are working together to create change in partnership with government and communities.

Today also marks the 23rd anniversary of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

"We recognise that alignment with the CRC and its Optional Protocols on these key issues before 2015 is a key part of spurring progress both at home and throughout the Asean region. This is a prime window of opportunity for the government, in collaboration with civil society, to continue to be a human-rights leader in Asean, serving as an example of good practice in protecting children's rights for our peers," Lucchi said. "Last year, a review of Thailand's performance with regard to the CRC and its earlier Optional Protocols by the United Nations' Committee on the Rights of the Child raised a number of issues requiring attention".

-- The Nation 2012-11- 20

They could start by policing Sukhumvit and taking the little urchins off the street, begging in rags, in stead of showing hi-so kids with toys in PR photos.

They could actually start by arresting some of the Rich Male Thai Chinese entrepreneurs in this country who love to pay to sleep with underage or virgin girls and boast about it. Some included are those with retail and even media businesses in this country.

Time to value the future of kids and move forward for the good of Thailand and it's people. Bring kids education on par with the rest of the ASEAN countries so at lest thay have a future.

Good education will bring a better society for all.

What is equally terrible for children in Thailand is the Thai Education system which consists of rote learning, exams, exams, and tests, and test scores, and stupid College pre-exams that lead to further college entrance exams from "OBEC", LOBACK", and "WHATEVA-OBEC exams.... exams, exams, exams, and more exams, and the Thai education ministries are even making it harder for so many children to access any form of education.

For years now, as it was mentioned so many times before, by many among us, ... Thai education system demands the students to obey, and not to question and diversify themselves or explore their natural talents.

.... that leads to the fact that kids in Thailand create a negative impression towards "education" that frustrates the hell out of them and discourage them from seeing their values within themselves; the rigid education system tries to devaluate them just because of a f***** TEST SCORE.... in other words: "You've got a low test score, you're the scum" and of course in extreme cases "You're rich, you're smart, we'll do everything to cover up your inability to save face..."

Thai education system was developed to keep poor people uneducated and frustrated, and save the sorry face of the rich elite clans...

So much for children's and student's right here in Thailand...

They could actually start by arresting some of the Rich Male Thai Chinese entrepreneurs in this country who love to pay to sleep with underage or virgin girls and boast about it. Some included are those with retail and even media businesses in this country.

If you know who they are and have proof then name and publicly expose them.

Edited November 20, 201213 yr by Bannoi

They could actually start by arresting some of the Rich Male Thai Chinese entrepreneurs in this country who love to pay to sleep with underage or virgin girls and boast about it. Some included are those with retail and even media businesses in this country.

Or arrest those rich a****ss politicians or clan members, that kill people "accidentally" on a dinner table, or runover policeman on purpose and getting away with murder.

When children witness such role models it's no wonder this society is getting unethical in social behavior...

Edited November 20, 201213 yr by MaxLee

All good ideas, but this government has one singular goal and it has nothing to do with children or anything that has to do with the Thai people. Really too bad and they should be ashamed.

Stamp out the corruption in the Thai Education system is the first step, then fire, prosecute and jail all of them who have been involved with no appeals nor bail allowed.

Replace the fired with non corrupt English speaking educators on 4 year contracts.

I wish!!!

Alright all you realists out there... clear out of the way and lay low for awhile until this blows over and things get back to "normal".

Obama was just here and Thailand is trying to appear civilized. Just another fluff announcement.

If you educate the poor who will work the rice fields and do all the menial work, if they get to smart the next thing they will be rioting on the streets in support of some illusory hero.

Quote taken from yesterdays post 'Obama's visit, happy memories as Wat Pho becomes famous

"Several people asked me what we were talking about when we were seen laughing. At that moment, Clinton asked how many people visited the temple a day. I said that about 7,000 to 8,000 people visited and foreigners were charged Bt100 each," Phra Suthee Thammanuwat said.

"Clinton responded that the temple was making a lot of money and should be able to support Obama's work in helping poor children.

If those figures are true (which I personally doubt) that's a lot of money some of which could quite easily be given to help impoverished children regardless of their parents 'paperwork/status', but again TIT how much would actually reach them is debatable!

If you educate the poor who will work the rice fields and do all the menial work, if they get to smart the next thing they will be rioting on the streets in support of some illusory hero.

Maybe technology will work the rice fields and there will be a small need for human capital as it should be in 21st century! It is happening know and every year I see more and more harvesters at work around here.

They could actually start by arresting some of the Rich Male Thai Chinese entrepreneurs in this country who love to pay to sleep with underage or virgin girls and boast about it. Some included are those with retail and even media businesses in this country.

If you know who they are and have proof then name and publicly expose them.

....and run for the airport whilst ducking...

I would like to hear what the children have to say about their rights rather than what some NGOs think.