Universal Declaration of Human Rights A woman, age 25 Southern Thailand Voice “Evidence obtained through unlawful methods constitutes a grave violation of a suspect’s human rights” A 25-year-old woman and graduate from a university in southern Thailand shares her voice, asserting that the law in Thailand recognizes and protects the right to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal. She also notes that over the years, legal guarantees have been put in place to govern the way investigations are held in order to guarantee the rights of the persons involved. However, she notes that in practice, violations can still occur, particularly during pre-trial detention periods when victims are often left unprotected. She describes that she was arrested allegedly by border patrol officials and accused of drug possession. “I was first detained together with a friend by Border Patrol Police for three days in an unidentified location. Then they moved my friend and I to a new location where I was held for a period of six days for further interrogation. While being interrogated, they bound my hands and feet and used a black bag to cover me. I finally admitted I had drugs in my possession. They then handed us over to the police station for prosecution,” she explains. The woman says that in the course of criminal investigations, the universal and nonderogable prohibition of torture must be respected at all times without exception. She thinks that this is crucial for the full enjoyment of all rights related to access to justice. “I believe that evidence obtained through unlawful methods constitutes a grave violation of a suspect’s human rights and should be refused as evidence in any fair proceeding,” she says. The woman’s case is under investigation. “This is particularly important since Thailand recently acceded to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,” she adds. 48 Dignity and Justice for All of Us