Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative

at the Review of Israel

during the 29^th Session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review

on Tuesday 23 January 2018 from 09.00 to 12.30 hrs.

(Speaker Number: 39 Time: 1 minute 25 seconds)

Mr. President,

Thailand welcomes the delegation of Israel and appreciates the presentation of its national report.

We welcome several positive steps, such as the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to further promote the rights of persons with disabilities, and the efforts to combat trafficking in persons and prostitution.

To further promote and protect human rights of all people, we recommend Israel to consider incorporate explicitly the principles of equality, gender equality and non-discrimination in its Basic Laws for all citizens. We also recommend Israel to consider establishing a national human rights institution that is in line with the Paris Principles.

Lastly, Thailand supports the call by UN Secretary General regarding the situations in the Gaza strip and the West Bank, with a view to facilitating the Palestinian people’s right to development. Thailand reaffirms our support of the principle of a two-state solution and the UNSG’s efforts to support Palestine and Israel to return to meaningful negotiations in order to realize the vision of a lasting peace in the region.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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