Every child, everywhere, deserves to grow up safe and supported. Children born to refugees in Thailand can register a birth.  As of October 2023, there were 171,635 children registered as stateless in Thailand.195 United Nations member countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Thailand signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – the most important international treaty on children’s rights – in 1992, but placed a reservation on Article 22, which specifically guarantees the rights of refugee children. On July 9, the Royal Thai Government announced in a statement that it would withdraw the restriction ordered by Thailand under Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Refugee children have been given the opportunity to be accepted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was instructed to formalize this change through the United Nations. By withdrawing the restrictions, Thailand agreed to protect these rights. This is an important step in paving the way for greater protection for all children in Thailand, regardless of status.

When officially announcing the withdrawal of the reservation, the Government publicly stated that this decision signaled its determination to fully align with international standards by respecting and protecting rights for all children, without discrimination. The Government also stated its hope that the decision will enable more effective work between multiple stakeholders to support all children in Thailand, including refugees.

This move is very much welcomed as a concrete example of Thailand’s commitment to child rights which honors the Government’s commitment to the CRC and the Universal Periodic Review, the mechanism by which UN member states assess their human rights. It is also evidence of Thailand’s commitment to the international 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is also a chance for children living illegally in Thailand to get more protection.