Public Forum with and Reception in honour of the Representatives of Thailand to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
25 Feb 2013On Tuesday, 26 February 2013, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a Public Forum on the “The Review and Future Direction 3+3” of the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) at Vithes Samosorn during 14.00-18.00 hrs. The purpose of holding such event is to disseminate information and raise public awareness on the work of the AICHR since its inception in 2009 at the 15th ASEAN Summit in Thailand. The Public Forum will not only focus on the work of the first term of AICHR in the past three years but will also look ahead to the future of the AICHR in the next three years. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited
Dr. Sriprapha Petchamesree, former Representative of Thailand to the AICHR for the term
2009-2012, and Dr, Seree Nonthasoot, current Representative of Thailand to the AICHR for the term 2013-2015 as key speakers at the forum. In addition, Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Director-General, Department of ASEAN Affairs, will speak on human rights in the Thai foreign policy and in ASEAN and serve as the moderator for the discussion.
As the first Thai Representative to AICHR, Dr. Petchamesree will share her thoughts and insights from her experience with the Commission. She will also assess the work of the AICHR and the progress made during the past three years as well as identify challenges facing the AICHR.
Dr. Nonthasoot will share his views on the future direction of the AICHR while highlighting the priorities that he wishes to accomplish in AICHR during his term as Representative to this important body. In order to promote an open and contructive discussion that engages various stakeholders and contributes towards the promotion of the Human Rights Agenda in Thailand and beyond, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited representatives from public sector and civil society organizations to attend this Public Forum.
After the Public Forum, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will host a Reception in honour of the Representatives of Thailand to the AICHR, during 18.30-20.00 hrs. at Vithes Samosorn. The Ministry has also invited representatives from diplomatic missions and relevant international organizations in Thailand as well as from the public sector, civil society organizations to the Reception.
Both the public forum and the reception demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to promote the Human Rights Agenda at national, regional and international levels, as well as the intention to disseminate information and raise public awareness on the work of the AICHR and the promotion of human rights in ASEAN. It is also reflective of Thailand’s effort to engage all relevant stakeholders in advancing towards the people-centred ASEAN Community.