Thailand has decided to present its candidacy to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2010-2013. It intends to contribute to HRC as a first-time member and hopes to receive the support of various governments at the HRC election, to be held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in May this year.

In her statement delivered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok on February 19, Dr. Sriprapha Petcharamesree, Thai Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, said that she supported Thailand’s decision to take this challenge. One of her reasons was that ASEAN needs representation, since Indonesia and the Philippines, the two current members of HRC from Southeast Asia, will retire after their two consecutive terms, which make them ineligible for immediate re-election.

Dr. Sriprapha pointed out that Thailand had been playing a critical role in pushing for a regional human rights system. Although no country in ASEAN is free from criticism of its human rights record, some countries are known for their strong commitments to human rights, and Thailand is one of them. She said that Thailand had been instrumental in the successful establishment of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. ASEAN has made a clear commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights by setting human rights and fundamental freedoms, rule of law, and democracy, both as purposes and principles in the building of an ASEAN caring and sharing community.

She stated that human rights have become a new value that ASEAN governments are committed to uphold. However, the comfort level for openly discussing and enforcing human rights in ASEAN varies from one country to another. In fact, the promotion and protection of human rights in the region could be challenged by the working principles that ASEAN members apply in their relationships. The working principles include respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, consultation and consensus, and cooperation not confrontation.

Dr. Sriprapha said that she was trying to create common understanding that human rights are the affairs of all and to raise awareness of the very basic but important mandate of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. She cited democracy as a necessary condition for the promotion and protection of human rights, saying that true democracy could not be developed if the people did not have political space. Political space implies that people will have chances to participate in the decision-making process and have their voices heard. So there is a need for Thailand and ASEAN to create political space for ASEAN people.

Wishing Thailand a successful election to the HRC, Dr. Sriprapha emphasized that membership in HRC would be a great honor for Thailand and it is also a great responsibility that Thailand would have to take on in the future.