Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

at the Review of Sri Lanka

during the 28^th Session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review

on Wednesday 15 November 2017 from 14.30 to 18.00 hrs.

Mr. President,

Thailand welcomes the delegation of Sri Lanka to the third cycle of the UPR and appreciates its national report presentation.

We are pleased to learn about considerable progress made in the promotion of reconciliation, transitional justice and human rights in the past few years. We recommend Sri Lanka to expedite the process of reconciliation and transitional justice, including through the commencement of the operation of the Office of Missing Persons, the enactment of the new counter-terrorism legislation, as well as the additional release of land to the people in the Northern and Eastern provinces of the country.

We also commend the formulation of the National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2017-2021 through a broad-based consultation with all stakeholders.  We recommend Sri Lanka to work to ensure that all government agencies and relevant stakeholders are fully aware of this National Action Plan for Human Rights and effectively implement it for the benefits of all people, especially the most vulnerable groups in the society.

I thank you, Mr. President.