Thailand is seeking the chance to be a first-time member in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2010-2013. Apart from Thailand, Malaysia, Iran, Qatar, and Maldives have also announced their intention to join the 2010 HRC election, which is scheduled for May this year.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a document on Thailand’s commitments and pledges for the election. The Cabinet approved the document on January 19, and on February 19, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya hosted a reception for the launching of the document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. Participating in the reception were members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, as well as representatives from government agencies and civil society.

In the document, Thailand is committed to advancing the cause of human rights at the national, regional, and international levels. At the national level, for instance, it will strengthen efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights, the implementation of all human rights-related legislation and policies, and law enforcement in line with international human rights standards and norms. Moreover, it will promote human rights education in all types of education and at all levels and strengthen the justice system and the rule of law to ensure fairness and non-discrimination, while preventing impunity.

At the regional level, Thailand will strengthen its active contribution to the development of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children to effectively promote and protect human rights within ASEAN. It will also promote regional dialogue and cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights and raise awareness of the principles and the importance of human security.

At the international level, Thailand will maintain active and constructive engagement in the work of the HRC and support its mechanism in fulfilling its mandate and functions. It will continue constructive dialogue on human rights issues in UN fora with all countries, while supporting the Universal Periodic Review to enable it to become an effective mechanism that can improve human rights situations on the ground. Thailand will also continue to cooperate with all countries to promote and protect the rights of women, the rights of children, and the rights of persons with disabilities in compliance with the relevant international instruments in the global arena.

Although Thailand is not yet a member of the HRC, the country has supported the work of the HRC since its inception. Thailand’s statements and interventions from the first to the twelfth sessions of the Council manifest its commitments to the work of the Council and full cooperation in the strengthening of the HRC’s institution-building process. Thailand has also played an active role in interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner for Human Rights.