Page 45 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Article 6

“The right to recognition and

nationality should apply to everyone”

Commentary Dr. Sriprapa Petcharamesree

Commenting on Article 6 of the Universal In Thailand, the socio-economic protection of
Declaration of Human Rights, Dr. Sriprapa people with no legal status has improved over
Petcharamesree, Chairwoman of the Course the last few years, with greater access
on Human Rights and Peace Studies at provided to education and medical care.
Mahidol University, says that in the Thai However, challenges still remain in areas such
language, it is unclear whether the term “legal as access to justice. Challenges in recognizing
person” refers to the term “legal status” the legal status of people of non-Thai
(existence by law) or to the term “legal nationality have long been an issue of
personality”(the right to have access to legal concern for the government. A number of
justice). The right to recognition and measures are being considered to address
nationality should apply to everyone, some of these main issues.
regardless of whether they are in the country
of their nationality or not. The case described Human rights experts consider that the
above shows how important it is to ensure “Strategy to Address the Problem of Legal
the respect of human rights in the Status and Rights” is a great step forward.
implementation of laws. Dr. Petcharamesree The strategy, proposed by the Human Rights
further explains that during the clarification Sub-Commission, was approved by the
process of the nationality status of the man Cabinet on 18 January 2005, with the aim to
from Sakhon Nakhon province, his right to grant appropriate legal status and identity to
education should have been protected. those deprived of such recognition in

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