Australia announces its support for Thai women’s access to justice on International Woman's Day
8 March 2013
Above: Australian Ambassador to Thailand James Wise met with prominent Thai women including Professor Emeritus Dr Amara Pongsapich, Chair of National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (pictured left); Ms Angkhana Neelapaijit of the Justice for Peace Foundation and Ms Boontida Somchai, Member of Parliament (Democrat) (pictured right), at the lunch hosted at the Ambassador’s Residence on International Women’s Day 2013.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2013, the Australian Ambassador hosted a lunch for a group of prominent Thai women from various backgrounds, including female members of the parliament from different political parties, journalists, human rights advocates, representatives of international organisations and civil society leaders. They came together to discuss ways to promote women’s empowerment and tackle violence against women and girls.
Celebrated around the world, International Women’s Day highlights the advances women have made towards economic, political and social equality. The theme for this year’s celebration is the ‘Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against Women’.
“There is no more important building block for the empowerment of women and girls than the end of violence”, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Bob Carr stated in his message for International Women’s Day this year.
Australia’s Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms Penny Williams earlier issued a global video address calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
To respond to this objective, Australian Ambassador to Thailand James Wise announced today that the Australian Government, through the AusAID Human Rights Grants Scheme, will provide $A 100,000 for the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) to conduct advocacy on improving women’s access to justice in Thailand. This project will tackle a range of challenges, including addressing gender-based violence through advocating stronger provisions within the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act; raising awareness of officials on the investigation of incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment against women and girls; and working with victims of violence to understand their legal rights.
The ICJ is globally known for its strong advocacy work on the promotion of international human rights standards through the rule of law. Australia is delighted to support ICJ’s project in Thailand and to continue to work with Thailand to empower women in both our countries.