- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon in a statement on 20 May 2014
Established in 2006, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) aims to promote universal respect for and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, without distinction and in a fair and equal manner. It addresses human rights violations, including gross and systematic abuses, makes related recommendations, and promotes the implementation of states’ human rights obligations, including those stemming from UN conferences and summits. Elected members are expected to uphold the highest standards in promoting and protecting human rights.
The Council meets at least three times a year and submits annual reports and recommendations to the UN General Assembly, contributing to the development of international human rights law.
The HRC replaced the discredited UN Commission on Human Rights, which faced criticism for including human rights violators. In its place, the HRC committed to stronger protections and accountability for global human rights.
The Council meets at least three times a year and submits annual reports and recommendations to the UN General Assembly, contributing to the development of international human rights law.
Thailand secured its first seat on the Human Rights Council on 13 May 2010, four years after the Council was established. It received 182 out of 193 votes from UN Member States. Moreover, Thailand had one of its own H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow serve as President of the Council for its fifth cycle from June 2010 to June 2011.
Thailand launched its second bid for a seat on the Human Rights Council but only received 136 votes, falling short of the elected members: India (162), Indonesia (152), Bangladesh (149), and Qatar (142). The failure is widely attributed to international backlash following the military coup.
Thailand began its campaign for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, with officials publicizing the country’s intention to seek candidature on the official MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website.
On 9 October 2024, Thailand was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2025–2027 term. Representing the Asia-Pacific Group, Thailand serves alongside Qatar, Cyprus, the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Korea during this period. The term began in January 2025.
Thailand will conclude its 3-year term on the Human Rights Council.
When Thailand was campaigning for a seat on the Human Rights council, it pledged a lot of promises at the national, regional, and international level. Here are a few:
Securing a seat on the UN Human Rights Council is an immense honor for Thailand. But with this honor comes the heavy responsibility of upholding and advancing human rights both domestically and internationally. TLHR urges Thailand to follow through on its pledges by first addressing the human rights issues that are right on its doorstep.
In order to demonstrate to the Thai people and the international community that Thailand is ready to assume the responsibility attached to a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, the Thai government must: