Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

Mr. Pongsiri Vorapongse, Second Secretary

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on

trafficking in persons, especially women and children

at the 35^th session of the Human Rights Council

on Monday, 12 June 2017, 09.00-12.00, at Room XX, Palais des Nations

Mr. President,

Thailand takes note of the Special Rapporteur’s report.

Thailand believes that public-private-civil society partnership is essential in the fight against trafficking.

In addition to undertaking key legal amendments in line with the “Zero Tolerance” policy, the Thai Government has strengthened the collaboration between government agencies, business and civil society actors to combat trafficking, child labour and forced labour.

For example, relevant Ministries and the Thai poultry industry jointly developed Good Labour Practices Guidelines for Poultry Farms and Hatchery. They promote training on Good Labour Practices and international labour standards for farm owners. The industry is also reviewing current practices and challenges with a view to making recommendations to improve labour law. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is also being carried out to combat trafficking in the fisheries sector too.

At the international level, Thailand has actively strengthened cooperation with its partners. The Bali Process remains an important regional platform in which Thailand plays an active role. The upcoming creation of the Bali Process Business Forum will help promote business involvement in fighting trafficking.

Thailand also ratified the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. This is the first regional legally binding instrument to tackle trafficking. We are also exploring cooperation venues with industry coalitions, such as the Ethical Trading Initiatives, to strengthen labour and ethical standards in agricultural supply chains.

We would like to ask the Special Rapporteur on how small and medium-sized enterprises can raise their capacities in the fight against trafficking, and engage in the development of voluntary standards for SMEs.

Thank you.