Human rights body to have powers boosted

The Senate has approved a request to restore the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s power to mediate conflicts associated with rights violations.

Prakairat Tonthirawong, a member of the NHSC in her capacity as acting chairwoman of the commission, told the NHRC that the Senate last Monday approved the NHSO’s proposal to restore its authority to mediate human rights conflicts.

The lack of such authority was a major hindrance to the timely protection of rights. It also stood in the way of getting across proper remedies to those affected by rights violations, she said.

A study was carried out before the proposal went to the Senate. Ms Prakairat said that those who gave their opinions about the move include the Australian ambassador to Thailand who spoke about the scope of the power of the Australian human rights commission.

The Sub-Committee on Accreditation…