Bangkok: The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sent a message on the 68th International Human Rights Day, underscoring the necessity for all sectors to collaborate in promoting human rights while simultaneously opposing corruption. The NHRC emphasized the need for the government to take decisive action against corruption and enforce the law strictly.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Pornprapai Kanjanarin highlighted in her message that human rights play a significant role in everyone’s daily life, and widespread corruption adversely affects the livelihoods and rights of the public. The message stressed that human rights and corruption are interconnected, particularly impacting vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, migrant workers, refugees, prisoners, and the poor. These groups are often susceptible to exploitation and can be forced to pay bribes for accessing essential services like healthcare, education, or employment. Government corruption can also hinder access to justice, national security, and various economic and social rights.
Corruption fosters discrimination, such as the preferential treatment of prisoners with higher economic or social status. The practice of buying and selling positions undermines the merit system, preventing deserving individuals from securing positions. The prevalence of corruption in daily life heightens the risk of human rights violations.
On December 10th, International Human Rights Day, observed under the United Nations’ theme ‘Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials’ for 2025, and coinciding with International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9th, the NHRC stressed the vital link between human rights and anti-corruption efforts. The NHRC reiterated the importance of collective action to promote human rights and combat corruption, urging the government to rigorously enforce the law to safeguard human rights and prevent harm to the nation.