Press Release – Public Forum with and Reception in honour of the Representatives of Thailand to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
On Tuesday, 26 February 2013, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand held a Public Forum on the “The Review and Future Direction 3+3” of the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) at Vithes Samosorn during 14.00-18.00 hrs.
The purpose of holding such event was to disseminate information and raise public awareness on the work of the AICHR since its inception in 2009 at the 15th ASEAN Summit in Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had invited Dr. Sriprapha Petcharamesree, former Representative of Thailand to the AICHR for the term 2009-2012, and Dr, Seree Nonthasoot, current Representative of Thailand to the AICHR for the term 2013-2015, as key speakers at the forum. In addition, Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Director-General, Department of ASEAN Affairs, presented on human rights in the Thai foreign policy and in ASEAN and served as the moderator for the discussion.
Dr. Petcharamesree shared her thoughts and insights from her experience as the first Thai Representative to the AICHR. She assessed the work of the AICHR and the progress made during the past three years and identified certain challenges facing the AICHR. Dr. Nonthasoot shared his views on the future direction of the AICHR while highlighting the priorities that he wishes to accomplish in AICHR during his term as Representative to the Commission, including the dissemination and implementation of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), the development of the ASEAN Convention on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the review of the Terms of Reference of AICHR, which are in line with the Five-Year Work Plan of the AICHR (2010-2015). The Public Forum enjoyed active participation of representatives from public sector and civil society organizations.
After the Public Forum, H.E. Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a Reception in honour of the Representatives of Thailand to the AICHR. The Reception was attended by representatives from diplomatic missions and relevant international organizations in Thailand as well as from the public sector, civil society organizations.
Both the public forum and the reception demonstrated Thailand’s commitment to promote the Human Rights Agenda at national, regional and international levels, as well as the intention to disseminate information and raise public awareness on the work of the AICHR and the promotion of human rights in ASEAN. It was also reflective of Thailand’s efforts to engage all relevant stakeholders in advancing towards a people-centered ASEAN Community.