Security Personnel in the Deep South Provided with Human Rights Education

(13/09/2011)

Human rights education has been provided for army and police personnel operating in the southern border provinces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Army jointly organized a human rights seminar to raise awareness of this issue among law enforcement officers there. The seminar, the seventh of its kind, took place on 25-26 August 2011, when Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Organizations, Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Director of the Social Division and an official, visited Pattani and Yala provinces. The group exchanged information with security personnel regarding the treatment of suspects and detainees and the use of forensic science in the investigation of security-related incidents. It was found that security officers were well aware of these basic rights and fundamental freedoms and reaffirmed their commitment to continue to adhere to the principle of human rights in accordance with international standards. The security personnel participating in the human rights seminar were provided with basic knowledge of human rights, particularly the rights of the child and on the country’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Torture. They also learned about Thailand’s role in the advancement of human rights at the international level. Particular focus was given to Thailand’s first country report to be considered at the U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC) on 5 October 2011. In this regard, it is incumbent on all Thai authorities to contribute to the strict adherence to Thailand’s international human rights obligations. The seminar has been conducted periodically to provide human rights education for security personnel in the southern border provinces and to ensure that those officials strictly adhere to the country’s international human rights obligations while conducting security operations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the human rights seminar has proven to be very useful for security personnel, as they can gain awareness of the “dos” and “don’ts” regarding human rights when they are on duty. Human rights education and awareness-raising for law enforcement officers is regarded as a priority in Thailand’s human rights policy. It is part of the attempt to implement the Thai government’s policy on the promotion and protection of human rights in conformity with Thailand’s national laws and international obligations.