Page 89 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Article 17

“The United Nations should foster close
relations with civil society to strengthen

the application of international rules”

Commentary

Ms. Sunee Chairos
Ms. Sunee Chairos, a National Human Rights documentation or proof of ownership often
Commission member, said that the above deprives them from enjoying these rights
case reflects the tireless efforts of activists they have traditionally been entitled to, she
working for the protection and promotion of explains.
community rights. Thailand has made
remarkable progress over the years with Ms. Chairos says that the Ban Krut incident is
regard to recognition of community rights as just one example of the type of circumstances
set forth for the first time in the 1997 some people have found themselves in over
Constitution. However, she feels that the the last six years. More than 600 cases have
Universal Declaration of Human Rights is weak been filed during this period related to
in this regard since it focuses only on property rights with impacts on land, water,
individual rights and disregards the natural resources and forest management.
recognition of community rights. This focus These cases affect a large number of people,
on individuals does not tackle issues like families and communities. The concerns
community management or environmental observed are related, among other things, to
impacts and benefits shared among administrative decisions on the proclamation
community members. There are many of park zones and infrastructural development
instances where the communities should activities, as well as to investment from the
have maintained the right to live on the land private sector, including, for example, mining
that their ancestors settled on a long time activities. Many rights have been contested,
ago, or to have a say in the management of including economic, civil, cultural, political
local nature reserves that they have helped to and social rights, she says. Some of these
conserve. However, the lack of legal cases occurred even before the adoption of

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