Page 78 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 14
Professor Supang Chantavanich
66 Dignity and Justice for All of Us
“It is high time Thailand joined the Convention
so that the issue of refugees can be dealt with
under a proper international framework”
Commentary
Professor Supang Chantavanich, an expert on Professor Chantavanich believes that Thailand
migration and refugees from Chulalongkorn has done well in terms of accommodating the
University, concurs that the two voices rights of people who have fled war in
illustrate very well the different needs of neighbouring countries. However, she agrees
different generations of refugees that need to that conflict exists between the refugees and
be taken into consideration. According to the Ministry of Interior’s volunteer guards,
Professor Chantavanich, there are three who are in charge of patrolling the camps.
frequently asked questions regarding the “The problem is that we only have the
status of refugees in Thailand: why are Immigration Law to deal with the issue of
refugees not allowed to go outside the camp, refugees.” She points out that this law is not
why are they not allowed to work, and why appropriate nor adequately responsive to the
are they not being sent to a third country. current situation. “Seven years ago, there was
Professor Chantavanich provides the following a debate about whether or not Thailand
answers: “In answer to the first question, I should become a signatory to the 1951
think it is normal practice in every country. United Nations Convention Relating to the
Refugees cannot move around freely. In fact, Status of Refugees. I did not see the necessity
Thailand has shown flexibility by allowing then, because in my view, Thailand had
some refugees to attend school outside the already followed what was required in the
camp. Regarding the second question, the Convention. But today, the situation has
government is currently setting up a system changed a lot, and there are new challenges.
to allow refugees to commute to work Thailand has become a first port of call for
outside the camp on a daily basis. As for the those who seek to resettle in a third country. I
last question, a number of refugees have think it is high time Thailand joined the
already been resettled in third countries,” Convention so that the issue of refugees can
she reports. be dealt with under a proper international
framework,” she says.