Introductory Remarks
by
Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Permanent Secretary for Justice of Thailand
at the Expert Roundtable Meeting on the Development of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Female Inmates
2 – 5 February 2009, Radisson Hotel, Bangkok
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Distinguished participants,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I have the honour and privilege to welcome you to Bangkok to take part in the Expert Roundtable Meeting on the Development of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Female Inmates.Thailand is no stranger when it comes to forging an international consensus to strengthen crime prevention and criminal justice regime. As host of the Eleventh United Nations Congress in 2005, the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration stands as evidence of such a commitment.Undoubtedly, Thailand will continue to lend its support and cooperation in the field of the United Nations standards and norms.
One of the areas that deserves more attention of the international community is the treatment of women in the criminal justice system, particularly women in prison. Thailand is blessed to have our beloved Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakittiyabha Mahidol as our guiding light in this area. A lifelong advocate for the cause of women’s rights in our country, Her Royal Highness has spared no efforts towards enhancing the lives of this marginalized group of population. Last year, Her Royal Highness initiated the “INSPIRE” or the “KAMLANGJAI” Project to provide assistance to female inmates in various correctional facilities in Thailand. Her Royal Highness believes that by givingmoral support and opportunities to female inmates, we can hope to nourish the sense of care in their heart, which can be a powerful incentive for them not to give up hope.
While we look at the treatment of female inmates from the perspectives of Thailand, we also recognize that this is indeed an internationalproblem with various dimensions. Based on the guidance of Her Royal Highness, Thailand feels that it is time for usto take a coordinated approach towards strengthening the conditions and quality of life of female inmates worldwide. This is why I am heartened to have the experts from all regions of the world join us in this important meeting. I would like to acknowledge, in particular, the invaluable contributionof our dear friend, Mr. Eduardo Vetere, and his able colleagues from the UNODC. Upon our invitation, Eduardo is gracious enough to agree to serve as the Co-Chair of this meeting along with Thailand. We are also pleased that Ms. Tomris Atabay of the UNODC will kindly assist us in the capacity of secretariat.
On a final note, I would like to report that Her Royal Highness cannot be with us here today, though she will deliver her opening remarks via recorded VDO. Nevertheless, an audience with Her Royal Highness has been arranged for us when we visit Udon Thani on Friday. This should be a good opportunity for an informal exchange of views, especially those freshly arising from our meeting.Now, in order to stimulate interactive discussions, I propose that we do away with all the formalities during this three-day exercise. Last but not least, apart from our business, I encourage you to take advantage of this trip and spend some time exploring various attractions in and around Bangkok.I wish all of you a nice stay in our country.
Thank you very much.
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Now, without further due, I would like to have your attention to listen to the opening remarks of Her Royal Highness for this Expert Roundtable Meeting.
--- Play VDO Clip ---
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-- After the VDO Clip has been played --
May I now invite Eduardo to say a few words by way of introduction before we move on with our business. Eduardo, please, you have the floor.
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