Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee,

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

General Debate Agenda Item 10 (technical assistance and capacity-building)

at the 35^th session of the Human Rights Council

on Wednesday, 21 June 2017, 15.00-18.00, at Room XX, Palais des Nations

Mr. President,

           Technical cooperation is central to the credibility and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council. It is a proactive and preventive undertaking that helps States bring about concrete changes on the ground. Indeed, effective technical cooperation enhances the Council’s standing as an institution. It is therefore in our common interest to fulfil the original promise of technical cooperation.

                   The agenda item 10 was created to provide an open and comfortable space for States to have a genuine discussion on their challenges and capacity-building needs. While we have made progress, we should do more to realize the full potential of the Council in this regard.

           We should reinvigorate agenda item 10. We can do this by sharpening and focusing our discussion, by further building mutual trust and respect. We should also expand the space for all of us to engage in a refreshing and enriching dialogue on how the Council can provided value-added to technical cooperation efforts.

           Technical cooperation should be tailored to meet the evolving needs of States in light of pressing global challenges. It should be used to help States promote human rights and achieve inclusive development, in the context of the 2030 Agenda.  

           Above all, we should aim to do better in translating words into actions. This is not reinventing the wheel, but making better use of the Council’s institutional setting.

           Thank you.