Prayut vows to fight for human rights, businesses

The government yesterday pledged to drive the country’s businesses forward while at the same time ensuring human rights are respected.

In his opening speech delivered yesterday at a seminar on “Guiding principles on business and human rights in building a sustainable economy and society” held at the United Nations conference centre in Bangkok, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the government has three core principles to support economic development while complying with human rights standards.

The three pillars are “protection”, “respect” and “remedy”, he said.

With protection, for instance, the government has been implementing protection mechanisms in several areas such as improving legal protection to ensure fair treatment of workers, prevent forced labour and raise pay rates to more liveable standards, he said.

A number of legal amendments designed to improve social security are already being enforced, he said, adding that some of them have now begun to pay off.

The government alone will not be able to ensure human rights protection in all sectors of society, so business operators are encouraged to cooperate with the government to ensure human rights are not violated, he said.

“Business operators and state officials must not stand in the way. All parties will have to lend a helping hand,” he said.

The prime minister said this government intends to resolve human rights issues resulting from both internal and external factors, such as illegal fishing and human trafficking. He added the government has been working hard to curb such rights violations.

At the event organised by the National Human Rights Commission, Gen Prayut also discussed the government’s intention to draft a national operation plan on human rights with Justice Ministry officials.

He has emphasised that it is important this plan win positive feedback from a wide range of parties. He said all sides should to take part in the drafting of the plan to ensure it is practical and can be turned into action for all quarters.

The PM also warned that the business sector should avoid breaching human rights principles. Aside from making sure their workers get fringe benefits, business operators should also pay more attention to the negative impacts their businesses have on communities and the environment.

Gen Prayut also formally observed the signing of a declaration on the guiding principles on business and human rights.

The declaration was signed by a number of state agencies, business organisations and the National Human Rights Commission.