On 18 November 2025, the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies (IHRP), Mahidol University, in collaboration with Yala Municipality, held an academic forum titled “Declaration of Commitment to Developing a Human Rights City” at the Yala Municipality Conference Hall. The event marked the official launch of the Human Rights City project in Yala and reaffirmed cross-sectoral cooperation in the province to localize international human rights standards within municipal governance—ensuring equitable and inclusive quality of life for all residents. The forum also highlighted the role of Mahidol University in contributing to the development of a Human Rights City for people of all ages.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Padtheera Narkurairattana, Principal Investigator of the research project, explained that the initiative aims to strengthen understanding of the Human Rights City concept and to promote urban design that prioritizes equality, safety, and coexistence grounded in human dignity. She emphasized the importance of creating participatory mechanisms that engage citizens at every level—from policy design to transparent monitoring—appropriate to Thailand’s social context and Yala’s multicultural environment. She stressed that a Human Rights City is a key tool for improving municipal management, ensuring fair public services, and preventing various forms of rights violations.
Mr. Pongsak Yingchoncharoen, Mayor of Yala City, delivered welcoming remarks and shared his vision: “Yala’s development must build a city that is safe, equal, and leaves no one behind.” He affirmed that the Human Rights City approach will serve as an essential mechanism to ensure local governance truly responds to community needs. Ms. Pitikan Sithidej, Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, officially opened the event, reiterating that human-rights-based urban development is instrumental in improving the quality of life, reducing inequalities, and building effective rights-protection systems at the local level.
On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sitthiwat Lertsiri, Vice President of Mahidol University and Acting Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, delivered a keynote address on “The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Developing a Human Rights City.”
A workshop titled “Designing a Human Rights City” followed, facilitated by Ms. Pimonluk Suvongsindh, Researcher at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Samsoo Sa-u, Lecturer in the Master of Education in Islamic Educational Administration and Management Program. Participants from various sectors reflected on real-life urban challenges—including public safety, healthcare accessibility, inclusive city design for vulnerable groups, education access, and multicultural coexistence—and collaboratively identified the characteristics of “a city that cares for everyone” through the principles of Respect, Protect, and Fulfil.
A key highlight of the day was the academic panel “Advancing Yala Towards an International-Standard Human Rights City.” Speakers included Asst. Prof. Dr. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, Director of the Southern Border Provinces Situation Center and Lecturer at the Center for Conflict Studies and Cultural Diversity (CSCD), Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus; Mr. Rosidee Loetariyapongkul, Chairperson of the Yala Provincial Health Assembly and Director of the School of Citizenship, King Prajadhipok’s Institute, Yala; and Ms. Woraporn Norasatewiwat, Office for the Promotion of Human Rights Respect. The session was moderated by Ms. Fareeda Panjor. The discussion addressed key issues such as strengthening local human rights protection mechanisms and establishing community-level rights-protection systems—fundamental pillars of future Human Rights City development.
The event concluded with a declaration ceremony and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Yala Municipality and the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University. Witnesses included representatives from Prince of Songkla University, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, civil society, disability networks, youth groups, and community representatives across Yala Province. The five-year cooperation aims to promote and institutionalize rights-protection mechanisms, enhance human rights education at all levels, and strengthen collaborative networks both nationally and internationally. This marks a significant milestone in positioning Yala as a model city for human rights and peace in Thailand’s Deep South.
The declaration reflects Yala’s commitment to advancing municipal governance grounded in human rights and fostering an environment where all residents are respected, protected, and granted equal opportunities. Yala is thus moving forward toward becoming a “City for All”—a city of compassionate and inclusive coexistence.
The event closed with a synthesis of strategic directions for advancing Human Rights City development in the Deep South, delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Padtheera Narkurairattana, who underscored the importance of trust-building, community engagement, and evidence-based policymaking in shaping human-rights-centered urban development.
