On Dec 10, 1948 the United Nations adopted a milestone document, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, setting out for the first time the fundamental human right to be protected universally. Drafted by people with different cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration became the building block for a range of legally binding international treaties.
Today, the Declaration is available in more than 460 languages and dialects from Abkhaz to Thai, which according to the Guinness Book of World Records, makes it the world's most translated document. This year, we are marking International Human Rights Day with the launch of a campaign titled: "Our Rights. Our Freedom. Always." This campaign underscores the universal freedoms enjoyed by everyone, all over the world. Importantly, these freedoms are cornerstones of sustainable development and the Global Goals, the development of which Thailand was a global leader.
Thailand has had a long commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. In 1948, it was one of the first Asian countries to endorse the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to date the government has ratified seven of the nine core international human rights treaties. For its part, Thai civil society has championed the universality of human rights around their country, the region and the world.
As Thais from all walks of life work to address deep-rooted conflicts, it is crucial to never forget the universality and primacy of human freedoms. Global experience demonstrates the powerful, positive impact of rights-based approaches in resolving disputes and conflicts, whether among or within nations. Promoting each and every person's universal rights leads to stronger, more resilient nations. Promoting and protecting our rights and freedoms everywhere is a critical aspect of reconciliation, sustainable development and national success.
Shortcuts are tempting. Repressing rights and freedoms may seem politically expedient, but are never part of an effective, sustainable solution to complex economic, political or social conflicts. Open, vibrant dialogues that capture the diversity of a nation's people, experiences and opinions lead to stability, sustainable growth and strong human and social capital -- all key elements of a successful nation.
Thailand is currently presented with an opportunity to expand citizen participation and deepen democratic governance through drafting a new constitution. Systematic, meaningful and broad participation by Thais from all political, economic, social and cultural backgrounds will ensure the rights and freedoms of all people living in Thailand are promoted and protected. International human rights and democratic principles can serve as important guides in this process.
Thailand has been a strong proponent of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including having served on the Human Rights Council in the recent past. This year, Thailand opened itself to expert scrutiny on its implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a landmark treaty on issues such as the right to work, the right to education and the right to social security.
Together with numerous other countries, Thailand's overall human rights record will be examined by the Human Rights Council early next year when it undergoes its second universal periodic review, a regular period of scrutiny of every member state's human rights record. This is one of the UN mechanisms that helps member states improve the promotion and protection of rights and freedoms.
Several "special rapporteurs", including those assigned to examine torture and freedom of association and assembly, still await an official response from the government to their requests for a visit. Such visits can catalyse positive reforms within member states that help them achieve their own objectives set out in their international commitments.
Thailand has experienced significant economic growth over past decades and pulled many out of poverty, ensuring improvements in economic rights. It is now an upper middle-income country and is a key leader within Asean.
Yet, underlying this growth has been a constant challenge of inequality. The United Nations works with the government of Thailand to ensure no one is left behind, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups such as children, older people, people with disabilities, LGBTI citizens, migrants, ethnic minorities and displaced people. Together we work toward elimination of gender discrimination and the stigma faced by other marginalised gender and sexual minorities.
Today, Human Rights Day marks the final day of a campaign that started on 25 Nov, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" campaign has served as a reminder that violence against women constitutes a serious human rights violation, and must be addressed with vigour.
The Thai government has worked tirelessly to promote, protect and respect women's human rights. In September, the Gender Equality Act passed which aims to prevent and address gender discrimination. Violence against women and gender-based violence are sadly all too often still tolerated. Research shows that suspects are arrested and legal action taken against in less than 5% of the reported cases of violence against women. This must end.
The journey to full enjoyment of human rights by every individual is long. But each year, on Dec 10, we must remind ourselves that our commitment and our actions are critical parts of this journey.
Our rights and freedoms are not a luxury -- they are essential for development, for well-being, and for dignity. Without them, our lives would have little meaning.
Luc Stevens is UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand.