Statement by the Delegation of Thailand Item 2: General Debate Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General

Mr. President,

          Thailand thanks the High Commissioner for the annual update and wishes to share our thoughts on a few points.

          First of all, against the backdrop of the polarized geo-political landscape, coupled with the intensifying triple planetary crisis and other emerging challenges, multilateralism must be strengthened, humanitarian situation must be addressed and human rights must be protected. We also need to promote constructive and genuine dialogues.

          Engagement and consultations within the Council and with all stakeholders, including Special Procedures, other UN bodies and mechanisms, as well as civil societies are critical in creating understanding, producing tangible results and bringing positive changes on the ground. Thailand received the official visit of Working Group on discrimination against women and girls in December 2024, and recently welcomed the Special Rapporteur on the right to health to our country.

          At the national level, Thailand remains committed to advancing human rights in accordance with international law and standards, including through promulgating and updating laws, and adopting measures in relations to gender equality, access to justice, environmental and climate action, among others.

          Despite our efforts, implementation gaps remain.  We will continue promoting awareness and human rights education and training at all levels, particularly among law enforcement officers. This will help contribute not only to the promotion and protection of human rights, but also strengthening the prevention efforts.

          On the issue of repatriation of Uyghurs as raised by the High Commissioner, Thailand will work with the country concerned and continue to engage with the OHCHR and other UN mechanisms as we put in place a credible monitoring mechanism to ensure the safety and well-being of the group.

Thank you.