United Nations
Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 39th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Thailand
Statement by Australia
10 November 2021
Thank you, [President/ Vice President]
Australia welcomes Thailand’s return to democracy and abolition of military trials of civilians since its last review. We welcome progress towards the adoption of legislation criminalising torture and enforced disappearances.
Australia notes ongoing protests in Thailand. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. Australia notes with concern the increased use of lèse-majesté, including against minors, and the imprisonment of peaceful protesters.
Australia recommends that Thailand:
- Enact legislation criminalising torture and enforced disappearances.
- Uphold its international obligations regarding the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including for minors.
- Take steps to ensure full compliance of the National Human Rights Commission with the Paris Principles and ensure it can operate free from political interference.
- Ensure the proposed NGO law does not impede civil society or expose them to punishment for undertaking legitimate activities.
- Establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
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