The 39th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will conduct the 3rd UPR of Thailand. All interested individuals and organizations, including civil society organizations, activists, and academics with work related to Thailand were invited to provide their input ahead of the 3rd UPR cycle that will take place on 10th November 2021.

 

In this context, Manushya Foundation jointly with the Patani Working Group for Monitoring on International Mechanisms, PerMAS and CAP collaborated on a joint UPR submission ahead of Thailand’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle. The submission examines the compliance of Thailand with the recommendations it received during its 2nd UPR cycle in relation to the protection of the rights of Malayu Muslims in the Southern Border Provinces (SBPs).

 

This submission documents Thailand’s treatment of Malayu Muslims, who are facing severe challenges in advancing their human rights. The Thai government has failed to ratify important international human rights instruments such as the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT). 

 

The Muslim population in Southern Thailand confronts discrimination in their employment, violations of their right to privacy and limited access to effective remedy. Malayu women and children face additional barriers in advancing their rights due to their intersectional identities.

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This submission indicates that the Malayu Muslims in the SBPs face severe challenges in advancing their human rights, in the following manner: 

 

• Section 2 discusses discrimination based on ethnicity and religion, including racial profiling.

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• Section 3 discusses violations of physical integrity rights such as torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention.

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• Section 4 discusses rights violations faced by Malayu women and children as a result of their intersecting identities.

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• Section 5 discusses the Government's unsustainable economic growth putting profit over people.

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• Section 6 discusses the Government’s failure to engage local communities in peace talks.

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• Section 7 discusses difficulties in accessing effective remedy.

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• Section 8 includes recommendations to the Thai government, addressing the challenges and rights violations discussed in foregoing sections.

 

This submission also provides an annex with an overview of the recommendations examined in this submission, in particular the implementation of 2nd cycle UPR recommendations related to the rights of Malayu Muslims in the SBPs and armed conflict.

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