UNIS Promotes Human Rights; Cambodia Ethnic Vietnamese, UN Focus, April 1998


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UNIS PROMOTES HUMAN RIGHTS

UNIS is stepping up human rights information activities this year. In March, a seminar was held in collaboration with the UN Association of Thailand (UNA), UNFPA and UNHCR, in Satul Province, Thailand, for 100 Thai government officials and general public on various angles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Discussions focused on Thailand's new Constitution and the Eighth National Development plan. Officials also discussed human rights and population and refugee issues.

Panel discussion at the human rights seminar organized by UNIS.

Among speakers were academics from Thai universities, Thai Government Officials, including Ms. Savitri Suwansathit, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Thailand; and the president of UNA, and UNIS Information Assistant, Mr. Kittisak Vardhanabhuti.

The discussions between the panel and the floor helped linking ideas on human rights to other issues, such as the economy, education, population and refugees.

UNIS has translated human rights information into Thai for dissemination to the general public, media and NGOs.

UNIS is working with local civil groups and NGOs in joining the Thai Government's National Committee on Human Rights on activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of UDHR. UNIS might be represented in the a working group of the sub-committee dealing with human rights education.

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Cambodia's Ethnic Vietnamese

The situation of ethnic Vietnamese living in Cambodia is a matter of concern to the UN Committee of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On 20 March, the Committee called on Cambodia to take all steps, including legal measures to ensure the independence of the judiciary. And it emphasized the need to investigate, prosecute and punish those found guilty of human rights violations, and to establish confidence in the rule of law. Cambodia was also urged to recognize the citizenship of indigenous peoples, as well as their use of lands, forests and other natural resources, and their distinct and unique identity, culture and way of living.

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