Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Thailand

at the Review of Tonga

during the 29^th Session of the Working Group on the UPR

on Monday, 15 January 2018, 14:30-18:00 hrs.

(Speaker Number: 38 / Speaking Time: 3 minutes 2 seconds)

Madam Vice-President,

Thailand warmly welcomes the commitment and participation of Tonga in the UPR. Recognizing certain challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, Thailand appreciates Tonga’s national efforts and international engagement in the promotion and protection of human rights.

We welcome Tonga’s committed efforts to move towards ratifying human rights treaties, such as the CEDAW and CRPD.

Thailand notes positively Tonga’s work to promote women’s participation in political life and decision-making. We welcome the progress made to eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education and the ongoing implementation of the revised National Policy on Gender and Development.

We also note positively the increase in the number of female prison officers and human rights training for prison officers.

In this regard, Thailand would like to submit two recommendations for Tonga’s consideration.

First, Thailand recommends that Tonga continue to incorporate the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders, also known as the “Bangkok Rules”.

Second, Thailand recommends that Tonga continue to work on human rights and sustainable development initiatives and, where applicable, adopt appropriate follow-up mechanisms.  

In this connection, Thailand will continue to support technical assistance and South-South cooperation with the Kingdom of Tonga, including a project on sustainable agriculture based on Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President.