The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) jointly hosted a commemorative event titled “A Legacy of Justice and Compassion” on Monday to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati.
Held at the UN building, the event highlighted her contributions to the justice system, particularly her advocacy for women and girls, as well as women in prison.
Janelle Weissman, UN Women Asia and the Pacific officer-in-charge, said the princess had built a lasting legacy through efforts to improve the lives of women and girls, eliminate violence against women and improve conditions for women prisoners.
“It has been incredibly powerful and important to ‘leave no one behind’, including those in prisons. Her leadership in promoting the elimination of all violence against women and girls was especially impactful,” Ms Weissman said.
“She served as a spokesperson for global UN campaigns, helped shape better laws in Thailand and created pathways for change worldwide.”
Ms Weissman said the princess’s work had helped position Thailand as a model in safeguarding the rights of women and girls, particularly those in prison. Phiset Sa-ardyen, executive director of the Thailand Institute of Justice, said the princess’s Bangkok Rules had raised international standards for the protection and treatment of women prisoners and helped ensure opportunities for them to rebuild their lives.
The institute will continue working with the UNODC to accelerate implementation of the Bangkok Rules, including by incorporating the experiences of formerly incarcerated women involved in social initiatives.
“She helped shift the discourse by bringing a ‘human face’ into the discussion. Previously, the system was viewed mostly through legal perspectives and institutions. She was forward-thinking, introducing ideas 10 to 15 years ahead of their time and emphasising that justice services should be designed around people’s needs,” Mr Phiset said.
Delphine Schantz, UNODC regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said the princess, as the UNODC’s Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law, helped turn policy ideas into international standards through the Bangkok Rules.
“She understood that women require different treatment and paved the way for other member states to adopt similar practices,” Ms Schantz said.