Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand

General Debate Agenda Item 10: Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

at the 37^th session of the Human Rights Council

on Thursday, 22 March 2018, 09:00-12:00 hrs

at Room XX, Palais des Nations

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Mr. President,

Human rights violations can be prevented – early on and at the root cause – by strengthening the capacities of States. Thailand therefore considers technical cooperation and capacity-building a crucial element of the Council’s prevention mandate.

Technical cooperation, seen here as the primary approach to prevention, provides government agencies with better awareness of human rights and equips them with the tools to implement human rights obligations. It also promotes national ownership in the promotion and protection of human rights.

The Thai Government seeks to promote technical cooperation by working with our partners. For example, we recently collaborated with the OHCHR to organize a workshop on Treaty Bodies reporting and implementation.  

We welcome the report presented by the Board of Trustees and appreciate the work of the Board and the OHCHR in promoting technical assistance.

We recognize the important role of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in achieving concrete implementation on the ground. To this end, the sharp decline in the contributions made to the Fund should be a concern to all.

The Council should preserve the space for genuine, constructive dialogue and cooperation under agenda item 10. We should build a positive atmosphere under item 10 in order to encourage more States to request for assistance openly without being stigmatized, and urge all stakeholders to provide the financial and technical support in a timely, non-judgmental and demand-responsive manner.

Thank you.