Rights body challenges Thai UN council bid

[webfact]

Rights body challenges Thai UN council bid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should urgently lift martial law and end military rule if Thailand wants to become a credible member of the UN Human Rights Council, according to Brad Adams, Asia director of the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

"The Thai government should urgently undertake concrete measures to end military rule, stop repression of basic rights and freedoms, and provide justice for victims of abuse. If Thailand wants to be a credible and influential member of the UN Human Rights Council, it needs to urgently restore respects for human rights and return to democratic civilian rule at home," the rights proponent said in a statement.

Thailand - along with Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Qatar - is a candidate for the four vacant Human Rights Council seats allocated for the Asia-Pacific region, HRW noted.

In a July 22 letter to the UN General Assembly, HRW claimed the Thai government had promised to give "utmost importance to the promotion and protection of the rights of all people."

However, Adams added: "Thailand's pledges to the Human Rights Council can't be taken seriously so long as the country is under abusive military rule. Thailand's declarations supporting rights without action to revoke military law and end the repression of speech, association, and peaceful protest will be easily ignored."

HRW noted that for almost five months since the May 22 coup, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has "functioned without accountability and enjoyed immunity for its actions", the statement read. It also added that the junta has blocked more than 200 websites and ordered the media not to criticise them, as well as censored critical stories.

"The NCPO has banned public gatherings of more than five people and any activity deemed anti-coup. The NCPO has arrested people who have publicly criticised the junta and prosecuted them in military courts, where there is no right to appeal. It has banned discussions at universities about human rights, democracy, the monarchy, and the performance of General Prayut's government as a threat to stability and national security," the HRW man said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Rights-body-challenges-Thai-UN-council-bid-30246014.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-22

[NongKhaiKid]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

[ScubaPhuket]

This is yesterday's news, the vote was completed yesterday & Thailand failed to get the seat. http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/72690-thailand-un-human-rights

The letter is dated the 18th & can be found here http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/10/21/thailand-human-rights-watch-letter-un-human-rights-council-candidacy

Their main problem is not the letter from HRW, it's the fact that they haven't ratified many of the UN human rights agreements including rights of migrant workers. Funnily enough.

In some provinces of thailand local legislation makes it illegal for a migrant worker to possess a mobile phone & they are regularly confiscated by the police. Surat Thani is one of the provinces still using anti-migrant worker legislation.

Edited October 22, 2014 by ScubaPhuket

[Snig27]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

Based on this, I'd say you are a prime example of someone who believes everything they read in the state controlled media.

And that "foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand" meme is so broken it's ludicrous. It seems that millions of Thais don't understand Thailand either. That you don't undestand the essence of these objections says more about you than the "foreigner".

[chainarong]

I don't think Thailand is entitled to sit on the UN Human rights Council, it is a total insult to believe that a country that has such a shocking track record in this field would have the intestinal fortitude to even think this would be a step in the right direction , then again B/S thrives in some quarters of Thailand's administration that they possibly firmly believe the problem has been fixed.

[NongKhaiKid]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

Based on this, I'd say you are a prime example of someone who believes everything they read in the state controlled media.

And that "foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand" meme is so broken it's ludicrous. It seems that millions of Thais don't understand Thailand either. That you don't undestand the essence of these objections says more about you than the "foreigner".

So you are saying the human rights activist didn't make the statement, then who was speaking on his behalf ?

I'm well aware many Thais don't understand their own country but not understanding is a very handy excuse when a foreigner says something that isn't appreciated.

[noitom]

Thailand is not entitled to participate in a ny sort of human rights or global organization. They have done little or nothing to contribute to the development of global humanity.

[siampolee]

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should urgently lift martial law and end military rule if Thailand wants to become a credible member of the UN Human Rights Council, according to Brad Adams, Asia director of the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

The barring of Thailand from the Human Rights Body is a correct decision.

However I find it somewhat ironic that the comments made regarding Thailands Martial law and human rights record were made by Brad Adams, Asia director of the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

I personally feel and I am sure I am not alone in that feeling that perhaps we question the right of the challenge made by Brad Adams who is American based and the director of an American based organisation.

Considering the track record of the Americans among others in this world concerning both martial law, human rights and the violation of other nations sovereignty perhaps it might be wise for Mr Brad Adams to look over his shoulder concerning his host nations track record in his field and their of expertise.

Edited October 22, 2014 by siampolee

[Felipesed]

I am curious as to who funds "Human Rights Watch".

Was Brad Adams elected?

If not then he is in no position to criticize Khun Prayuth.

Does he think that, for example, Qatar has an elected government, and that it fully respects the right of Qatari Christians?

Or how about India with its rather nepotistic election arrangements, and its treatment of the lower castes in their society.

Is there a concomitant "Human Responsibilities Watch"?

These self-appointed, noisy busybodies should be ignored and not given any publicity.

[yellowboat]

This is just another case of the Thai Government wanting somethiing it does not deserve .

[JOC]

I am curious as to who funds "Human Rights Watch".

Was Brad Adams elected?

If not then he is in no position to criticize Khun Prayuth.

Does he think that, for example, Qatar has an elected government, and that it fully respects the right of Qatari Christians?

Or how about India with its rather nepotistic election arrangements, and its treatment of the lower castes in their society.

Is there a concomitant "Human Responsibilities Watch"?

These self-appointed, noisy busybodies should be ignored and not given any publicity.

You just gave them more publicity!!

[ScubaPhuket]

The thai nationlist/anti-American brigade are out in force this morning aren't they.

[waynethor]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

You're being sarcastic, right?

It seems the General has a habit of deciding what other people, and especially national leaders, have said, but there's never any verification from those people that they actually said it.

I'm afraid that the whole political situation is becoming surreal here and I'm starting to wonder if civilian government will ever be allowed in Thailand again. The place seems to be moving more toward becoming North Korea's little brother.

But the UN is more important to itself that it really is to the rest of the world, anyway, so whether Thailand is part of it or not doesn't matter one iota.

Edited October 22, 2014 by waynethor

[yellowboat]

I am curious as to who funds "Human Rights Watch".

Was Brad Adams elected?

If not then he is in no position to criticize Khun Prayuth.

We are all in position to criticize the Prime Minister. If he cannot handle it, he is ill suited for the position he holds. That and he was not elected.

Were you ever elected for anything ?

[CiaranO]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

You're being sarcastic, right?

It seems the General has a habit of deciding what other people, and especially national leaders, have said, but there's never any verification from those people that they actually said it.

I'm afraid that the whole political situation is becoming surreal here and I'm starting to wonder if civilian government will ever be allowed in Thailand again. The place seems to be moving more toward becoming North Korea's little brother.

But the UN is more important to itself that it is really is to the rest of the world, anyway, so whether Thailand is part of it or not doesn't matter one iota.

I would suggest that the good generals translators are probably afraid to translate the truth.

[Felipesed]

I am curious as to who funds "Human Rights Watch".

Was Brad Adams elected?

If not then he is in no position to criticize Khun Prayuth.

We are all in position to criticize the Prime Minister. If he cannot handle it, he is ill suited for the position he holds. That and he was not elected.

Were you ever elected for anything ?

Can you answer the questions please before asking another?

Yes I have been elected to (not "for") to something.

[NongKhaiKid]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

You're being sarcastic, right?

It seems the General has a habit of deciding what other people, and especially national leaders, have said, but there's never any verification from those people that they actually said it.

I'm afraid that the whole political situation is becoming surreal here and I'm starting to wonder if civilian government will ever be allowed in Thailand again. The place seems to be moving more toward becoming North Korea's little brother.

But the UN is more important to itself that it really is to the rest of the world, anyway, so whether Thailand is part of it or not doesn't matter one iota.

Yes

[SOTIRIOS]

........stop repression of basic rights and freedoms, and provide justice for victims of abuse........

[KhnomKhnom]

Take a good look at the list of the current member nations...... hee hee

Edited October 22, 2014 by KhnomKhnom

[Nickymaster]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

You're being sarcastic, right?

It seems the General has a habit of deciding what other people, and especially national leaders, have said, but there's never any verification from those people that they actually said it.

I'm afraid that the whole political situation is becoming surreal here and I'm starting to wonder if civilian government will ever be allowed in Thailand again. The place seems to be moving more toward becoming North Korea's little brother.

But the UN is more important to itself that it really is to the rest of the world, anyway, so whether Thailand is part of it or not doesn't matter one iota.

I say it is becoming China's little brother but do agree that it isn't as cool as calling it N. Korea's little brother.

Edited October 22, 2014 by Nickymaster

[jayboy]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

You are misinformed.The Japanese after the Milan meeting issued a statement confirming Mr Abe had told the Thai dictator there was a need for early elections and a return to democracy.The Thai Foreign Ministry excised this reference in its version of the meeting.

The Chinese are friendly towards any Thai Government,as we have seen from its excellent relations with Thaksin"s and Yingluck"administrations.

Thailand failed to gain a place on the HR committee.Your sad attempts to belittle HRW are pathetic.However you are right to imply that membership of the UN HR Committee is meaningless.How could it be otherwise when Qatar is a member?

Edited October 22, 2014 by jayboy

[NongKhaiKid]

Mr. Adams clearly doesn't know that when the PM was in Milan the main Asian neighbours were happy with the military government and more recently the PM expressed satisfaction with the level of public support and reiterated how other countries were satisfied with how LoS was being run.

Now who would you believe, the PM or a foreigner who doesn't understand Thailand and is trying to scupper the attempt to get a place at one of the UN's main bodies ?

You are misinformed.The Japanese after the Milan meeting issued a statement confirming Mr Abe had told the Thai dictator there was a need for early elections and a return to democracy.The Thai Foreign Ministry excised this reference in its version of the meeting.

The Chinese are friendly towards any Thai Government,as we have seen from its excellent relations with Thaksin"s and Yingluck"administrations.

Thailand failed to gain a place on the HR committee.Your sad attempts to belittle HRW are pathetic.However you are right to imply that membership of the UN HR Committee is meaningless.How could it be otherwise when Qatar is a member?

i am well aware what the Japanese said and mentioned this in several earlier posts on the general in Milan and then the ' popularity ' poll. The Thai Foreign Ministry happily released their interpretation of what the Japanese should have said.

I wasn't belittling HRW rather being sarcastic about how this govt spins everything in their own positive light.

Seems you need lessons in reading between the lines.

[webfact]

UPDATE:

UN Rejects Thailand From Rights Council
By Khaosod English


A delegate casts his country's ballot in the election of members for the Human Rights Council. [Photo: UN Photo/Evan Schneider]

BANGKOK – Junta-ruled Thailand failed to secure enough votes to join the United Nations Human Rights Council yesterday, losing to four other Asian nations that applied for the seats.

Thailand, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, and Qatar were vying for four seats allotted to countries in the Asia-Pacific region in the UN rights group. Thailand was the only country not to make the cut, receiving 136 votes from members of the UN General Assembly, compared to 162 votes for India, 152 for Indonesia, 149 for Bangladesh, and 142 for Qatar.

Those four Asian nations will now join eleven other countries as new members of the UN Human Rights Council. They will serve a 3-year term starting on 1 January 2015.

There is no immediate reaction from Thai authorities.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1413954464

-- Khaosod English 2014-10-22

[iReason]

"Thailand was the only country not to make the cut..."

Amazing Thailand.

[Oziex1]

What is this bureaucracy on human rights?

Human rights abuses abound, while it is a positive move it doesn't seem to be very effective.

Keep trying.

[Prbkk]

While I might not have been an enthusiastic supporter of Thailand's bid, I sure as hell wouldn't want my human rights being protected by the likes of Qatar, Indonesia, Bangladesh or India . A sad reflection on the state of the world.

[TheCruncher]

There is no immediate reaction from Thai authorities.

I'm refreshing this page every 5 seconds as I can't wait for it.

[harryfrompattaya]

I am sorry to say Brad Adams, Asia director of the New York-based Human Rights was not elected by any country he is lawyer. So who died and left him boss of the world

[Jingthing]

While I might not have been an enthusiastic supporter of Thailand's bid, I sure as hell wouldn't want my human rights being protected by the likes of Qatar, Indonesia, Bangladesh or India . A sad reflection on the state of the world.

More like a reflection on the sad state of the U.N. It is mostly a farce.

[webfact]

UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Thailand loses bid to join UN rights body

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has failed to secure one of four vacant seats on the UN Human Rights Council , losing out to four others Asian countries, namely India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Qatar.

The UN General Assembly elected 15 new members of the 47member Council on Tuesday at the UN Headquarters here in New York.

With only four Asian seats available, Qatar edged out Thailand with 142 votes compared to Bangkok's 136. India got the most votes with 162, Indonesia received with 152, and Bangladesh 149.

The defeat is a blow to Thai government that has coup leader as the prime minister. Prayut Chanocha's government has been criticised of violating human rights and continuing to impose the martial law as a means of keeping control of the country.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the UN Human Rights Council addresses human rights violations and makes recommendations on them. It discusses thematic human rights issues, reviews countries' rights records, and acts on complaints.

The newly elected members will serve a 3year term and will start work in January. They are not eligible for reelection after two consecutive terms.

Among the four seats, India and Indonesia won their bids for reelection. The Philippines got one vote, even though it did not campaign for reelection. Manila is already a member of the Council and will end its term this year.

In its campaign, Indonesia pledged to promote religious freedom and tolerance as the world's third largest democracy, and the biggest Muslimmajority nation.

Besides Thailand, Costa Rica was the other candidate that lost a seat but for the Latin America and Caribbean States group.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/aec/Thailand-loses-bid-to-join-UN-rights-body-30246039.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-22