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SAI THONG NATIONAL PARK CASE: SUBMISSION TO THE UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS &
RELEVANT SPECIAL PROCEDURE MANDATES - 23 JUNE 2019
On 23 June 2019, the Working Group in support of the 14 Sab Wai Villagers in the Sai Thong National Park Case submitted a joint submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders to request urgent action to stop the ongoing human rights violations committed against prominent land rights defender, community leader and board member of Isaan Land Reform Network (ILRN), Ms. Nittaya Muangklang, who was convicted in two cases by Thai authorities in relation to her legitimate human rights actions, along with thirteen other villagers of the Sab Wai Village, all members of the ILRN, who are: Mrs. Seenuan Phasang; Ms. Pattama Komet; Ms. Sunee Nalin; Mrs. Sakl Prakit; Ms. Narisara Muangklang; Mrs. Thongpan Monggang; Ms. Suwalee Phongam; Mrs. Suphaphorn Seesuk; Mr. Suwit Rattanachaisi; Mr. Samon Somchitr; Mr. Put Sukbongkot; Mr. Wanchai Arphonkaeo, and Mr. Sompitr Taennok.
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In the joint submission, the Working Group, comprised of Manushya Foundation, the Isaan Land Reform Network (ILRN)​, Focus on the Global South (FOCUS), iLAW, Protection International (PI), the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies of Mahidol University and Rangsit University shed light on the unfair criminalisation of the 14 land rights defenders, and urge the UN Special Rapporteurs to take action in support of the villagers. ​
The Submission for Urgent Action for Protection of the 14 Sab Wai Villagers was also submitted to the following relevant UN Special Procedure Mandates:
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UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
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UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
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UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing
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UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food
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UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights
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UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment
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In addition, updates were shared with the 7 UN Special Rapporteurs regarding the monitoring of court hearings on 25 June, 2-3 July 2019, prison visits to the imprisoned Sab Wai villagers and Appeals to the Supreme Court.
The additional updates can be accessed here:
- Court hearings and prison visits of 25 June 2019
- Court hearings of 2-3 July 2019, prison visits and Appeals to the Supreme Court
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On 19 August 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non- discrimination in this context; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; and the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights sent a Communication to the Thai Foreign Ministry to express their concerns on the conviction of 14 land rights defenders in Chayaphum Province and the misuse of the Forest Reclamation Policy and related NCPO Orders 64 and 66/2014.
To learn more about the Sai Thong National Park Case, please visit: