UN ‘advice’ unwanted

Luc Stevens, UN resident co-ordinator in Thailand wrote in his Dec 10 article, “Ensuring basic freedoms is the only way forward in Thailand.”

It must be assumed this UN policy applies not only to Thailand but the whole world.

Such a policy, which is to be commended, must also apply to people trapped in an ideology where misogyny, female genital mutilation, hand amputation for theft and fatal stoning for alleged adultery and persecution of homosexuals, are enshrined in its laws.

Do these people, who are killed for apostasy, not have a right to basic freedoms?

While acknowledging Thailand’s economic and social progress, Mr Stevens continues: “Yet, underlying this growth has been a constant challenge for equality.”

He also states, referring to Thailand, “Together we work toward elimination of gender discrimination and the stigma by other marginalised gender and sexual minorities.”

Thailand is generally well advanced on these issues except in one geographical area.

The country need not be considered a priority for UN concern.

With its international influence the UN should better apply itself to eliminating these practices from where they are blatantly enforced in the name of religion. Or is that a no-go area, Mr Stevens? Helping Muslims to enjoy freedom should be the UN’s urgent first priority, not policing the civilised little country of Thailand.

In Thailand we do not need UN advice or interference.

JC WILCOX