Page 23 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand
P. 23
Article 1
“Without education, people cannot be
fully aware of their fundamental rights”
Commentary
Mr. Anand Panyarachun
Mr. Anand Panyarachun, former Prime Despite the many obstacles and difficulties
Minister of Thailand and a key author of the this elderly woman has encountered, she has
1997 Constitution, notes that this maintained her dignity. She accepts the reality
woman’s case exemplifies the fact that the of her situation, blaming no one for her status
right to education is a fundamental right that in life, and demanding no responsibilities
should lead to the enjoyment of all human from the State. She expresses great
rights. Education is also crucial to enjoying appreciation for the generosity and charity
dignity and justice. Therefore, it is the she has received from people. Instead of the
responsibility of the State to ensure that its better living conditions she could enjoy in
people – in particular, the marginalized, the state-provided elderly homes, she has chosen
poor and people living in rural areas – receive to live her own free existence under the
a quality education. Mr. Panyarachun said: “If bridge. Her view of a dignified life may differ
the State and society do not pay enough from the stereotypes imposed by society, but
attention to the development of educational as Mr. Panyarachun explains, dignity also
opportunities in full equality for all human includes “the right to choose the way to live a
beings in our country, we cannot claim that life as one may desire”.
we have acted in a spirit of brotherhood to
ensure equal opportunities for all. Without Mr. Panyarachun said: “The government, as
education, people cannot be fully aware of the main duty bearer, should provide
their fundamental rights as recognized in the assistance to the homeless, who account for a
Constitution or in the Universal Declaration of large number of people in Thai society. This
Human Rights.” elderly woman is one of the few examples of
Our Voices are Heard in Thailand 11
