The involvement of SHero Thailand in co-organising this event not only amplifies the voices of survivors on an international stage but also marks a pivotal moment for Thailand. It confirms the nation’s current prioritisation of legal and judicial reforms that uphold the rights, welfare, and safety of survivors, rooted firmly in a Survivor-Centred Approach.
This movement is particularly timely as Thailand deliberates on the draft amendment to the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act. Historically, this legislation has been grounded in a “Family-Centric” ideology, which often fails to align with the actual needs and safety of survivors.
This advocacy serves as a critical catalyst for a structural transition towards a system that truly respects survivor rights. Furthermore, these efforts align with the CEDAW Concluding Observations, which emphasise the urgent need to:
(1) Strengthen protection mechanisms.
(2) Enhance access to justice.
(3) Dismantle the structural barriers faced by women.
The Agreed Conclusions of CSW70 explicitly reiterate that access to justice for women and girls requires structural reform across laws, policies, and practices. The goal is a justice system that is “inclusive, equitable, and people-centred.” It calls upon States to take urgent action to: eliminate discriminatory laws and practices, address structural obstacles hindering women’s access to justice, establish “Victim- and Survivor-Centred Pathways” that are safe and accessible, and foster integrated cooperation between the police, prosecutors, courts, social services, and legal aid providers.
In the Thai context, these conclusions underscore that reforming domestic violence laws is not merely an “option” but an obligation under international standards. This requires shifting the systemic mindset away from prioritising family reconciliation at the expense of individual safety.
SHero Thailand wishes to express its gratitude to the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, the Nitivajra Institute, and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) for providing the platform to bring the voices of survivors to this international forum. We remain steadfast in our belief that the justice system must be a safe space, not an additional hurdle for those who have suffered. SHero Thailand will continue to advocate for survivor-centred reform at both national and international levels with unwavering commitment.
