Robert F Godec, the united states ambassador nominee in order to Thailand, has introduced his intention to assist improve the human rights situation in the kingdom.
Godec: Freedom of expression essential
He told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wed that he supports independence of expression whenever asked by Sen Chris Van Hollen of the state of Maryland about the “Thailand-United States Communique on Strategic Alliance and Partnership”.
The particular communique is grounded on a “collective dedication to build resilient inclusive democracy and move forward human rights”, whilst Thailand is heavily criticised for impacting the lese majeste law, which affects freedom of manifestation as many are jailed, he said.
Mr Godec said that the US respects the Thai monarchy as an institution as well as understands the respect that Thais keep for the royal loved ones.
Nevertheless , the communique over the strategic alliance has been signed to also emphasise freedom of manifestation and fair remedying of those prosecuted under this law, he said.
“That said, independence of expression is critical. I would emphasise both publicly and for yourself the importance of allowing people to freely express their ideas without threat of arrest, ” Mr Godec mentioned. “I would do certainly, as I have done in my previous blogposts in Tunisia plus Kenya, to make every single effort to protect freedom of expression. ”
“I would also stress the importance that anyone who has been arrested become treated appropriately with full respect for that fundamental rights that they receive during the process, ” he added.
When questioned by Sen Ben Cardin of Baltimore about how to help Asia improve its individual rights situation, especially in terms of trafficking and forced work, which downgraded the particular country’s ranking, Mr Godec said these subjects have always been a talking point at the highest degree and the US continues to be providing support and assistance for improvement.
“We have seen some improvement but there is a lot more that remains to become done and I would commit, if verified, to do everything achievable to make progress. It is good to see high-level engagement, but there exists a lot to be done, ” Mr Godec added.