Page 150 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Racial Discrimination (CERD) on 28 January 2003; the Convention Against Torture, Degrading and Inhumane Treatment (CAT) on
2 October 2007, and most recently, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on 29 July 2008.

During the past decade, these international commitments have been progressively incorporated into national legislative
settings, as was highlighted by a number of commentators. In this regard, Thailand has witnessed the establishment and reform
of many laws and institutions related to the promotion and protection of human rights in various areas. An example of such an
achievement, as related by the interviewees and by ordinary people throughout the country at the consultative workshops
organized in the framework of the project, is the enactment of the 1997 Constitution and in particular the section on the Rights
and Liberties of the Thai People, which is considered a landmark in terms of strengthening the rights enshrined in the
Declaration within the domestic legal framework. These important provisions have been further strengthened in the 2007
Constitution.

These provisions set forth the basis for the establishment of increased checks and balances, including new independent
government agencies like the Constitutional Court, the Administrative Court, the Office of the Auditor-General, the National
Counter Corruption Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Consumer’s Protection Organization, the
Environmental Conservation Organization, and an Ombudsman. Moreover, the process of political decentralization from central
administration to local agencies has created more opportunities for local people to exercise their rights in all respects. In terms
of due process of law, a number of significant institutions and reforms have been established in order to make the rights of all
parties concerned in the judicial process more accessible and attainable. The advancement of civil rights and liberties of the Thai
people has therefore seen much progress in recent years, including increased opportunities and better access to economic,
social and cultural provisions.

Challenges and the way forward

Through their accounts and analysis, the voices and commentators in this publication have identified a number of key
challenges for Thai society in moving ahead towards the full and progressive realization of human rights for all. These
challenges also stem from extensive discussions held during the three consultative workshops in Khon Kaen, Songkhla and
Bangkok.

While the challenges can be grouped into five main overall areas, most of them are interlinked, and actions taken to address
individual challenges might also impact some or all of them.

138 Dignity and Justice for All of Us