UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the Universal Periodic Review Adoption - Thailand
The UK delivered this statement during the Universal Periodic Review Adoption for Thailand.
Thank you, Mr President.
The United Kingdom welcomes Thailand’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review, and recognises the progress made since the 2016 review. We commend the recent legislative progress of the draft bill on Suppression and Prevention of Torture and Enforced Disappearances and welcome Thailand’s voluntary pledge to ensure the law is brought in line with international standards.
The UK is pleased that Thailand supports all three of our recommendations.
We remain concerned about the potential negative impact of new legislation, particularly the draft laws governing Not-for-Profit Organisations and Media Ethics and Professional Standards, and on civic space and fundamental freedoms. We urge Thailand to ensure that any such laws are consistent with Thailand’s international obligations. With a view to the implementation of our recommendation on civil society and freedom of expression, we strongly urge Thailand to ensure that civic space and fundamental freedoms are protected, and human rights defenders are able to operate freely and securely.
The UK welcomes Thailand’s commitment to provide a midterm update on the implementation of the accepted recommendations. We reaffirm our commitment to work constructively with Thailand to strengthen its efforts to advance human rights and support a successful implementation of the recommendations.
Thank you.