UN human rights chief urges Thai protestors, security forces to pull back from the brink

GENEVA (17 May 2010) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Monday she was extremely concerned at the escalation of violence in Thailand that have led to a number of deaths and injuries over the past five days. Recalling the appeal by the UN Secretary-General on Friday 14 May, she urged both sides to avoid further violent confrontation and to continue the search for a peaceful resolution to the current standoff.

“As the latest government deadline passes, there is a high risk that the situation could spiral out of control,” Pillay said. “To prevent further loss of life, I appeal to the protestors to step back from the brink, and the security forces to exercise maximum restraint in line with the instructions given by the Government. Ultimately, this situation can only be resolved by negotiation. I urge leaders to set aside pride and politics for the sake of the people of Thailand.”

The High Commissioner said she recognized the efforts the Thai Government has made over the past couple of months to resolve the situation, including the establishment of a “road map” for national reconciliation. She stressed that any use of force by security forces should be in accordance with universal human rights standards, including the UN’s Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. She welcomed the fact that the Government has informed her that it has set three firm principles governing the use of live ammunition, namely that it should first be fired in the air as a warning, and used as a last resort for self-defense or to save lives.

“Law enforcement officials have a vital role in protecting the right to life, as guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other treaties,” Pillay said. “While recognizing their clear responsibility to restore order, lethal use of force and firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.”

Pillay noted Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's commitment to establish an independent fact-finding inquiry into the recent violence. She stressed the importance of an impartial and thorough investigation of events -- as well of the underlying causes of the unrest -- as part of a peaceful resolution to the current conflict. The High Commissioner stressed that all parties should be made aware that they will be held accountable for their actions.