THAILAND TO SUBMIT CANDIDACY FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002420 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KUNR TH UN UNHRC UN SUBJECT: THAILAND TO SUBMIT CANDIDACY FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL REF: STATE 60967 (SBU) On April 26, Poloff delivered Reftel demarche to MFA's Counselor for the Department of American Affairs, Mr. Paisit Boonparlit. Paisit affirmed that the RTG is firmly committed to promoting respect for human rights. He informed Poloff that in the coming days the Thai Embassy in Washington, DC will inform the Department of the RTG's intention to submit its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council. He noted that as a country that has played an active role in the United Nations Reform process, especially the reform of UN human rights mechanisms, it is Thailand's aspiration to have an opportunity to participate in the first session of the Human Rights Council as one of its members. He stated that Thailand has high expectations of the work of this newly established body and the RTG will do its utmost to ensure that the council become a forum for constructive dialogue and cooperation on issues concerning human rights. ARVIZU