PUBLISHED: 9 Nov 2024 at 06: 05
The government’s decision to grant citizenship to immigrants and members of ethnic minorities was welcomed by the National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC ), who urged the government to stop any abuse and corruption.
Wasant Paileeklee, an NHRC director, said on Friday that the Pheu Thai-led administration’s move affirmed Thailand’s devotion to carrying out vows made at the High-Level Category on Statelessness in October 2019.
At the 2019 meeting in Geneva, Thailand endorsed a campaign to end statelessness by 2024.
More than 483 000 immigrants and members of ethnic minority who have resided in Thailand for long-term or were born there were granted Thai membership on October 29.
The scheme, which was proposed by the National Security Council, makes it easier for people from racial minorities to obtain legal status there. Instead of having to go through extensive investigations by several agencies, the updated framework may simplify eligibility checks. This will enable applicants to self-certify their criminal histories and qualifications.
According to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 825, 635 for people reside in Thailand, with 483, 626 awaiting standing assurance. Mr Wasant said the cabinet resolution is also in line with international human rights principles, the country’s constitution, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ( ICCPR ), which Thailand has already ratified.
He praised the administration’s efforts to address the issue of statelessness while stressing that they do not allow abuse of the policy and that it accomplishes its intended goal of promoting fairness without causing corruption.
Mr. Wasant noted that the NHRC has been collaborating with important organizations to address statelessness problems. The organization presented guidelines at a workshop last year to encourage the rights and welfare of the asynchronous.