Thailand will be reviewed by UN Member States on all its human rights record during its Third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) taking place on 10 November 2021 at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva (39th Session of the UPR Working Group).

 

To tell the truth behind #WhatsHappeningInThailand and to guarantee Recommending States make SMART recommendations that will hold the Thai government accountable on its international human rights obligations and will improve the situation on the ground, Manushya Foundation, local community members of the Thai CSOs Coalition for the UPR and the Thai BHR Network, and partner Civil Society Organizations have prepared UPR Advocacy Factsheets addressing the most challenging human rights issues and providing community-led UPR recommendations to be made to the Thai government.

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The UPR Factsheet on Elderly Rights in Thailand was prepared by Manushya Foundation and the Foundation for Older Persons’ Development (FOPDEV) on the basis of their Joint UPR Submission.

 

The UPR Factsheet examines the compliance of Thailand with the recommendations it received during its 2nd UPR cycle in relation to Elderly Rights in Thailand. While Thailand is undergoing a significant and relatively fast-paced demographic transition, with a population share of the elderly projected to increase to around 30% by 2035, the government faces extreme challenges in mitigating against impacts this may have on the elderly’s human rights.

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This factsheet indicates that Elderly People face severe challenges in accessing their human rights, in the following manner: 

 

• The Thai government lacks effective legislation to uphold elderly’s rights, including their right to extensive and fair provision of monthly old-age pension

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• Elderly do not have access to adequate senior care, and they face barriers in accessing public environment

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• Elderly people face physical and mental abuse

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• Elderly are discriminated against in employment, and senior women are disproportionally affected

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• During COVID-19 pandemic, elderly people have been the most affected group

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The UPR Factsheet includes community-led UPR recommendations for Recommending States to use when making their UPR recommendations to the Thai government and ensure their recommendations address the needs of local communities on the ground. It is critical for diplomats to make recommendations that are directly coming from communities to improve the human rights situation on the ground; as communities are experts of their issues: they live with the challenges and they also know the solutions they need to advance their human rights.

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Learn more about our work with UN Human Rights Mechanisms (Click here)