Statement by

Ambassador Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Representative of Thailand,

during the High-Level Panel Discussion on the 5^th Anniversary of

the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training

at the 33^rd Session of the Human Rights Council

on 14 September 2016, 15:00-18:00 hrs, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

* * * * *

Mr. President,

As a member of the Platform for Human Rights Education and Training (HRET) and a main sponsor of the resolution mandating this High-level Panel Discussion, Thailand would like to thank the distinguished keynote speaker and panellists for sharing their valuable views and experiences. 

The fifth anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training offers an excellent opportunity to assess the progress made and identify key challenges faced in HRET, including in the context of Target 4.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Thailand’s experience in implementing the World Programme for Human Rights Education offers valuable lessons. The National Education Act of 1999 has helped to mainstream human rights education into the school system. Universities now offer more courses on human rights and have set up centres on human rights studies. Human rights training for civil servants, including security, law enforcement, military and corrections officers, have also been prioritized. Currently in the Third Phase of the World Programme, emphasis is being given to training for media professionals and journalists to enhance the promotion and  protection of  human rights. The role of the media is significant. If human rights is not well understood by the general public then it would unlikely to have a positive impact. We therefore encourage all States to implement the World Programme.

Going forward, many challenges need to be addressed to strengthen the  enabling environment to ensure widespread knowledge and understanding of human rights. We need to strengthen partnerships among all stakeholders, including civil society and international organizations, to strengthen HRET. We do need to lend importance to “train the trainers” in all HRET programmes.    

Thank you.