Statement by

Ambassador Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Representative of Thailand

at the Interactive Dialogue with

the Independent Expert for the enjoyment of human rights by older persons

during the 33^rd Session of the Human Rights Council

on 14 September 2016 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

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Mr. President,

         My delegation wishes to thank the Independent Expert for her comprehensive report.

         As with many other countries, Thailand is undergoing a demographic change as reflected by the increasing proportion of its ageing population. In preparation for this, Thailand has undertaken several measures including the establishment of the Department of Older Persons last year by integrating all units working on older persons under the same roof. We also have the Older Persons Act, which guarantees the rights of the elderly by providing protection and benefits in health, social and economic areas. In addition, a 20-year National Plan for Older Persons has been put in place in order to ensure coordinated implementation of the relevant laws and policies.

         At the regional level, Thailand has successfully pushed for the adoption of the ASEAN Plus Three Statement on Active Ageing at its Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR last week, whereby all the leaders from the ASEAN countries, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea reiterated their commitment to promote the inclusion of such issues as active employment policies, social protection, welfare and services for older persons in their national policies.

         Thailand believes that the Independent Expert’s report provides useful inputs for the Open-ended working group on Ageing’s consideration of the way forward to address existing gaps. Attention should also be paid to the practice of age discrimination that takes place in the areas of employment and access to public services. We should therefore join hands to advance the rights of persons of all ages to achieve a truly inclusive sustainable development.

         Thank you.

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