Thailand: Implementing the UN Convention Against Torture

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Through a training workshop for lawyers from Southern Thailand and the launch of two major torture prevention manuals in Thai, the APT has initiated a three year project in Thailand, which aims to support the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture in the country. The two events took place from 8 to 12 May. The three year plan of action includes a wide array of activities from capacity building for representatives of the judiciary and defense attorneys to the production and dissemination of practical tools on the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional protocol in Thailand.

 

Date:
08 - 12 May 2009
Place:
Bangkok, Thailand
Purpose:

Through a training workshop for lawyers from Southern Thailand and the launch of two major torture prevention manuals in Thai, the APT has initiated a three year project in Thailand, which aims to support the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture in the country. The three year plan of action includes a wide array of activities from capacity building for representatives of the judiciary and defense attorneys to the production and dissemination of practical tools on the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional protocol in Thailand.

This is the first time the APT held a training directly targeting lawyers in Thailand. Participants were drawn from a group of lawyers who work with torture victims on a daily basis in Southern Thailand and the event has participated in enhancing their capacity to deal with such cases and to contribute to preventing torture.

Partners:
International Commission of Jurists
Cross Cultural Foundation
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Bangkok Office
Swiss Embassy in Bangkok
Activities:
  • Three day practical Workshop on the Role of Lawyers in Preventing Torture (Bangkok).
  • Public launch of the Thai versions of two practical manuals on the prevention torture. A high level panel discussion on torture in Thailand will follow the book launch which will be celebrated in Bangkok.
Outcome:
  • Enhanced knowledge of lawyers on how to make use of the UN Convention against Torture in their daily work.
  • Improved understanding by target lawyers of the international human rights toolset and how to use it.
  • Lawyers were given substantial suggestions to the practical issues they face on a daily basis when handling cases of individuals who have been tortured in Southern Thailand.
  • Finally, the book launch raised the profile of two major key instruments which the APT will use as a basis for its work in Thailand over the period 2009-2011.
Next Steps:
To provide further trainings for different stakeholders in the judiciary sector and from other regions of Thailand.
Publications:

Thai versions of:

'Bringing the International Prohibition of Torture Home. National Implementation Guide for the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment'. A Redress publication which has been translated and published into Thai by the APT and the ICJ. PDF Version

'Combating Torture: A Manual for Judges and Prosecutors', by Conor Foley. A publication by the Human Rights Centre, University of Essex which has been translated and published into Thai by the APT and the ICJ. PDF Version

Contact Persons:

Sébastien Ramu, APT Legal Adviser

Vincent Ploton, APT Fundraising Officer

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