Thailand and Slovenia hold exhibition on human rights education

A  joint exhibition by Thailand and Slovenia, entitled “Empowering Children: Human Rights Education”, in commemoration of the 5^th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training will be held during 13-30 September 2016 at the Serpentine Bar, Palais des Nations, on the sideline of the 33^rd session of the Human Rights Council. The exhibition showcases educational materials used to enhance children’s understanding of human rights values and  its importance.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition on 14 September 2016, Ambassador Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva, delivered a statement emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to foster human rights education and training. Similar views were expressed by H.E. Ms. Darja Bavdaz Kuret, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia,  in her  statement at the ceremony.

Thailand and Slovenia are members of the Platform for Human Rights Education and Training.

 Statement by

Ambassador Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Representative of Thailand

during the opening ceremony of the joint exhibition entitled

“Empowering Children: Human Rights Education”

during the 33^rd Session of the Human Rights Council

on 14 September 2016, at 13:00 hrs,

at the Serpentine Bar, Palais des Nations in Geneva

State Secretary Bavdaž Kuret,

Ms. Haberman-Box, Chief of the Outreach Unit, UNOG Library

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me first of all to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Slovenia for co-hosting this exhibition, especially as both Thailand and Slovenia are fellow members of the Platform for Human Rights Education and Training.

Five years after the adoption of the UN Declaration for Human Rights Education and Training, we stand together today to reaffirm our shared commitment to support human rights education. Indeed, it was for this commitment of the international community that led to its integration into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development under Target 4.7.

We have come a long way in the promotion of human rights since the milestone adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights almost seven decades ago. Human rights education helps to clarify and promote understanding about human rights and how important it is. It is indispensable in our efforts to promote and protect human rights, and hence our efforts to prevent human rights violations.

Given its importance, human rights education must start as early as possible, hence the need to empower our children—the theme of this exhibition.  I invite you to explore the educational materials displayed here, which are just part of the many initiatives we have put in place to foster and promote a culture of human rights values. And later this afternoon, we will have an opportunity to benefit from the High-level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Education and Training.

Looking ahead, Thailand will continue to make a conscious effort to educate people of all ages, particularly our children and youth, about the importance of human rights. In doing so, we stand ready to work with all our partners and stakeholders who share this commitment.

Thank you, and enjoy the exhibition.                                    (307 words)

*Ms. Darja BAVDAZ KURET, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia