Rights chief optimistic despite UN cold shoulder(A charter change) will build public confidence in the NHRCT's performance of its duties," said Prakairatana Thongtiravong, acting chairperson of NHRCT. The downgrading of NHRCT means it can no longer submit reports on human rights in Thailand to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), nor actively participate in conferences organised by the UNHRC, diminishing Thailand's ability to promote its own human rights agenda with the international community. "This initiative is in line with the Paris Principles requiring a national human rights institution to enhance physical accessibility for the public, especially in remote areas," said Ms Prakairatana. 2560 and Section 26 (4) of the Organic Act on the National Human Rights Commission. This is unique among human international human rights institutions, Ms Prakairatana said.

Source: Bangkok Post March 22, 2021 23:03 UTC