Vitit Muntarbhorn
Professor of law at Chulalongkorn University
Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn teaches at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. He has helped the UN in a variety of positions and is currently a member of a UN Human Rights Commission of Inquiry. This article is derived from his speech at the recent Conference on Asean Traversing 2015: Challenges of Development, Democratisation, Human Rights and Peace, organised by Mahidol University, Bangkok.
Perils of 'national security' in virus era
National security -- coupled with public health -- has been invoked in many countries to justify actions to curb the spread of Covid-19. It has led to a variety of actions, including curfews, lockdown, quarantine and other measures to stem the tide of the novel coronavirus disease. This is, therefore, not only the right time to validate its use, but also to recalibrate its scope and application, in order to ensure and maintain a sense of reasonableness and equilibrium.
Covid-19 curbs must heed rights
One of the key developments globally and in Thailand, in regard to measures taken to counter the spread of Covid-19, is the ascendancy of executive power and its implications for human rights.
Protecting migrants, refugees in our age of conflict
There are about 270 million international migrants today who cross borders in search of new vistas. Many such as "expatriates" do well. However, many, particularly those who are pushed out of their homes, are caught in a trap of dislocation, dispossession and coercion, often due to armed conflicts, discrimination and violence. The number of forced migrants now stands at about 70 million people globally -- some 30 million who cross borders as "refugees" and some 40 million forced to move in their country of origin as "internally displaced persons".
Challenges to human rights in Asia
Cooperation between Europe and Asia offers much-needed opportunities to strengthen human rights education.
Law, legitimacy and human rights in cyberspace
Challenges facing human rights in our brave new cyberworld invite reflection on how the law can be of assistance. Yet, the law also needs to respond to social values of what is acceptable and legitimate -- especially from the angle of democracy, sustainable development and aspirations of peace.
Asean watchdog needs substantive protection role
The Asean Intergovernmental Commission On Human Rights (AICHR) is 10 years old this year. How has it fared so far? In its work, it is the promotion-oriented aspect rather than the protection-based dimension which has prevailed to date and, with that ambivalence, the performance of AICHR leaves much to be desired.
Immigrant children
Thai adoption of an MoU against detaining children of migrants and refugees is only an initial step, and needs to be enhanced by other international standards.
The trafficking fight
One of the positive developments of recent years has been the government's commitment to eradicate human trafficking.
The Asian riddle
Armed conflict and violence, including gender-based violence, wreak havoc in parts of Asia, while the Syrian war is catastrophic for millions.
Myanmar's accountability
Asean countries might consider individually extending their jurisdiction to cover international crimes such as genocide within the region.
