UNITED NATIONS / FIGHTING PREJUDICE
BHANRAVEE TANSUBHAPOL
Thailand is preparing its first country report on racial discrimination, to be presented to the United Nations next year, Justice permanent secretary Jarun Pukditanakul said yesterday. The report will be made under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Mr Jarun expressed confidence that the country has no problems related to racial discrimination, saying Thailand would be in the forefront of giving and protecting racial equality.
Thailand has been a party to the convention since January 2003 but has never sent a country report on its situation, problems and ways to eliminate racial discrimination to the world body.
Mr Jarun said a report drafting committee should straightforwardly present facts and information and propose practical measures in dealing with the issue. The committee, chaired by a representative of the Justice Ministry, comprises officials from various state agencies.
The report will be examined by 18 international experts who, Mr Jarun said, will eventually endorse it if there is supporting information.
He said that while Thailand may have a problem in dealing with alien workers, hilltribes and unrest in the South, it is not a case of racial discrimination and any state actions have been in line with international standards.
Mr Jarun said Thailand fared well in accepting ethnic, cultural and religious diversity.
The ongoing unrest in the South was caused by an ill-intentioned group that has distorted history and incited the public to misunderstand state officials.
The drafting committee expects to finish the report this year.
It will then hold public consultation sessions at both regional and national levels.
Regional forums will take place in major provinces including Kanchanaburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai and Songkhla.
The draft requires endorsement from the cabinet and the parliament before reaching the UN.
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