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NEWS RELEASE: UN Human Rights Office expresses dismay at the resumption of death penalty in Thailand

Bangkok (19 June 2018) – The UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia (OHCHR) deeply regrets the execution of Mr. Theerasak Longji. The United Nations opposes the use of capital punishment in all circumstances as reiterated by the UN Secretary-General at many occasions. Yesterday evening, the Department of Corrections publicly announced that Mr. Theerasak, 26-year […]

STATEMENT: Thailand – Activists

“Between 21 to 22 May, the UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia, together with other UN offices, observed a peaceful assembly organized by “Individuals Who Want Election”, a group of political and young activists that have been holding consecutive assemblies calling for a general election to be held by the end of 2018. UN […]

NEWS RELEASE – The UN Human Rights Office calls on Thailand to end restrictions on activists raising critical human rights issues

BANGKOK (02 May 2018) – The UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia is concerned by the restrictions imposed on civil society groups on Labor Day in relation the rights freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. “As party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Royal Thai Government must ensure that […]

NEWS RELEASE: Thailand – OHCHR concerned with the lack of progress on the investigation of the enforced disappearance case

BANGKOK (17 April 2018) – The UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia is concerned with the lack of progress on the investigation of the enforced disappearance of prominent Karen human rights defender Mr Pholachi “Billy” Rakchongcharoen who has been missing for four years. Billy was last seen when he was arrested by Kaengkrachan Park […]

NEWS RELEASE: UN Human Rights Office condemns execution for drug-related offences in Singapore

BANGKOK (16 March 2018) – The UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia condemns the execution of Singaporean national Hishamrudin bin Mohd for a drug-related offence this morning, expressing concerns that he had not been able to file a clemency petition. “Under international law, the death penalty may only be used for ‘the most serious […]

NEWS RELEASE: Drug-related offences, criminal justice responses and the death penalty in South East Asia

BANGKOK (19 February 2018) – UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Andrew Gilmour will convene a meeting of international experts in Bangkok to discuss the human rights dimensions of the criminal justice response to the drug problem in South East Asia, including the application of the death penalty. This array of academics, legal professionals and […]

UN Human Rights Chief ends visit to Indonesia

JAKARTA / BANGKOK (7 February 2018) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein today closed at a press conference his official visits to Indonesia from 5 to 7 February. “There are some dark clouds on the horizon but I am encouraged by the positive momentum and hope the common sense and […]

Statement: UN Human Rights Chief, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein Jakarta Conversation on the 70th Year of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights

BANGKOK (5 February 2018) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein started today his official visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, urging all governments to employ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – in its totality – as a guide to law and policy. “The way to ensure we […]