Children’s day opportunity to remind Srettha of commitments to youth protesters

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The ascension of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to the leadership of Thailand presents a pivotal opportunity to address a pressing human rights issue: the protection of the nation’s children, particularly those embroiled in the legal system for exercising their basic rights. This issue, deeply rooted in the intersection of juvenile justice and political freedom, calls for immediate and decisive action.

Throughout his career, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been an outspoken advocate for child protection. This long-standing commitment must now be translated into tangible policies and actions. His government’s response to the alarming trend of criminal proceedings against children participating in peaceful protests will be a litmus test of its dedication to human rights and democratic principles.

Since 2020, the disturbing trend of criminalizing children’s freedom of expression has escalated. Amnesty International Thailand’s 2023 report reveals over 286 children involved in 215 cases, with more than 20 facing charges under the draconian ‘lese-majeste’ laws. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a concerning reality for Thailand’s youth.

Piyanut Kotsarang, Director of Amnesty International Thailand, asserts, “Since 2020, it’s the first time in Thai history that the justice system criminally prosecutes children under 18 who peacefully exercise their rights to freedom of expression and assembly. This reflects a clear erosion of children’s rights by the Thai authorities.” These words underline the urgency of reform and the need for the new government to honor its international commitments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which Thailand is a signatory.

The situation demands more than just legal reform; it calls for a fundamental shift in how the Thai government views and engages with its youth. For too long, the response to youth activism has been characterized by suppression rather than dialogue. This approach not only violates the rights of these young citizens but also squanders the opportunity to involve them in shaping Thailand’s future.

“Children’s Day should not be merely about adults instructing children on behavior but a day when adults, including the state, acknowledge and respect the rights and significance of children,” Khun Piyanut adds. 

This perspective is crucial as it emphasizes the need to listen to and respect the voices of the youth, recognizing them as active contributors to society rather than passive recipients of adult guidance.

The Thai government’s response to this issue will also have significant international implications. The global community increasingly views respect for human rights and democratic practices as crucial benchmarks. Thailand’s standing on the world stage is, therefore, partly contingent on how it treats its youngest citizens.

To address this challenge effectively, a multi-faceted approach is required. This involves reviewing and amending laws used to prosecute children for peaceful protests, ensuring these align with international standards. It also necessitates a comprehensive strategy that includes education reform, community engagement, and a reformed approach to law enforcement’s handling of youth protests.

Education plays a pivotal role in this strategy. Schools must be safe spaces where young minds are encouraged to explore, question, and express themselves without fear. This nurturing environment is crucial for fostering a generation that is both informed and engaged in the civic affairs of their nation.

However, the challenge extends beyond the classrooms. The social issues driving these young individuals to protest—concerns about their educational system, political representation, and social justice—need to be addressed. It’s not enough to simply respond to the symptoms; the Thai government must engage with the root causes that compel these youths to voice their dissent through protests.

Law enforcement’s interaction with young protesters is another critical area for reform. The use of intimidation or excessive force against children is both unacceptable and damaging. As Kotsarang points out, “The Thai authorities’ response to peaceful youth protests has often been marked by intimidation and criminal charges.” This approach must change. Police and judicial officials need to be trained to handle situations involving children with sensitivity and respect for their rights, ensuring that their response is proportionate and just.

The new government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has the opportunity to redefine Thailand’s approach to children’s rights. This begins with respecting their right to peaceful protest and extends to protecting them in all aspects of life.

The global community is watching Thailand’s handling of this issue. A commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its children will send a strong message about the country’s dedication to democratic principles and human rights. This is not just a domestic issue but one that has implications for Thailand’s international relations and its standing in the world.

The new government faces a critical challenge in addressing the criminalization of children for exercising their right to peaceful protest. The solution lies in a holistic approach that involves legal reform, educational enhancement, societal engagement, and reformed law enforcement practices. By taking decisive action to protect the rights of its youngest citizens, the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin can lead Thailand towards a more just, equitable, and democratic future. The time for action is now, and the path chosen will have far-reaching consequences for the nation and its place in the global community.

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