UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson has expressed the recent reports of restrictions on the freedoms of expression and assembly in Thailand ahead of the referendum on the draft constitution to be held on 7 August.
The Deputy Secretary-General met H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in New York on June 29. See a readout from their meeting at http://ow.ly/6vA1301XIFW
Stressing the importance of the partnership between Thailand and the United Nations and welcoming the support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regional office, he stated that respect for human rights and the rule of law are important elements for sustainable development and emphasised the need for open and inclusive dialogue to promote democracy and support national reconciliation.
The Deputy Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations’ willingness to support Thailand’s efforts in this regard, noting the importance of the continuing engagement between Thailand and the United Nations.