THAILAND DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR UNITED NATIONS

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002518 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM UN UNGA TH SUBJECT: THAILAND DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 2010-2013 SLOT ¶1. (SBU) The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) sent a Diplomatic Note (Dipnote) to the U.S. Embassy September 15 announcing its decision to submit its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) from 2010-2013 in elections to be held in May 2010 and asking for U.S. support. The dipnote outlines the Royal Thai Government (RTG) commitment to vigorously pursue the human rights that are guaranteed in the Thai Constitution, to make human rights promotion an important element of Thai foreign policy, and to support effective protection of the rights of women, children, the disabled, the vulnerable, and marginalized. The RTG underscored its work as ASEAN chair to transform ASEAN into a rules-based and people-oriented organization, with human rights in the forefront, and highlighted its ongoing role in hosting refugees and displaced persons from neighboring countries. Full text of dipnote follows. BEGIN TEXT: -The Royal Thai Embassy presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to inform the latter that the Royal Thai Government has decided to submit its candidacy to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the mandate 2010-2013, at the elections to be held in New York in May 2010. -Thailand has long attached great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy. It was among the first countries to endorse the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948, and has since become a state party to most of the core international human rights instruments. Thailand's 2007 Constitution is recognized for its embracement of all rights, be it political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights, as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other core human rights instruments, providing a national framework for the effective implementation of the rights of the Thai people. -The Royal Thai Government has declared human rights as one of its top national agenda to be pursued vigorously and seriously to ensure that rights guaranteed in the Constitution will be effectively implemented. Furthermore, the promotion and protection of human rights is an important element of Thai foreign policy, as reflected in the Government's policy statement which stated that it will seek to promote Thailand's interaction with the global community in setting international standards, particularly on the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and humanitarianism. As such, Thailand has decided to present its candidature to the Human Rights Council. Such action reflects the commitment of Thailand to assume responsibilities as a responsible stakeholder in the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. In so doing, Thailand hopes to be able to make a greater contribution to the work of the HRC, to ensure that the HRC fulfills its mandate and functions as stipulated in the UNGA resolution on its establishment. -Thailand's contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights is reflected in many different fronts and at all levels: -At the national level, a comprehensive national human rights infrastructure has been established, including independent national human rights institutions and legislative and policy frameworks, with the Government being committed to its effective implementation so that the rights of people are protected, with special attention being accorded to the rights of the child, the rights of women, the rights of persons with disabilities, the rights of older persons and the rights of other vulnerable or marginalized groups. -At the regional level, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2008-2009, Thailand is committed to working with ASEAN member states to transform ASEAN into a rules based and people-oriented regional organization and in enhancing human rights and fundamental freedoms as a key feature of the ASEAN Community. The realization of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) is a key pillar in these efforts. -At the international level, Thailand has continued to uphold a long humanitarian tradition of hosting refugees and displaced persons from neighbouring countries despite new and pressing challenges. Thailand has also been playing an active part in the international human rights fora. Thai mandate holders have served in several human rights treaty bodies and special procedures. Bangkok continues to provide a conducive climate for the regional endeavours of around 32 UN offices, in particular the South East Asia Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Numerous international and regional meetings on human rights have been held in Thailand, which has also been a strong advocate of the human security perspective in national and international frameworks. Last but not least, Thailand has supported the work of the HRC since its inception and rendered its full cooperation in the strengthening of the HRC's institution building process. -Thailand is committed to continuing to work closely and constructively with other countries, both members and non-members, to make the HRC an effective human rights institution based on the principle of impartiality, transparency, as well as constructive dialogue and cooperation. It is committed to serving as a good partner for constructive and innovative initiatives in the human rights field. With Thailand's determination and concrete commitments toward the advancement of human rights both at home and abroad, it is Thailand's hope that the presentation of its candidature will be conducive and meaningful to the noble cause of the Human Rights Council. -In this connection, the Royal Thai Government would be most grateful for the support of the Embassy of the United States of America for its candidature to the Human Rights Council for the term 2010-2013. -The Royal Thai Embassy avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok 15 September B.E. 2552 (2009) END TEXT. JOHN