Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony: Training Curriculum on Gender-Based Violence and Stigma and Discrimination Prevention

Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, as the Ministry, in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health at Mahidol University and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) agreed signed a  Memorandum of Understanding: "Training Curriculum on Gender-Based Violence and Stigma and Discrimination Prevention". This ceremony marked the official commencement of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at ending violence and reducing stigma and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and Mr. Robert F. Godec, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand. Honored guests from the United Nations (UN), Ms. Gita Sabharwal, Resident Coordinator, the United Nations in Thailand, Mr. Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, and Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Regional Representative, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, extended their heartfelt congratulations on the occasion.

The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Faculty of Public Health at Mahidol University, and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand in developing a training curriculum which focuses on gender-based violence and stigma and discrimination prevention has received support from the U.S. Embassy through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as part of a social enterprise model, aimed at diversifying funding sources for community based, key population-led organizations to ensure a sustainable HIV response.  Additionally, this curriculum has also received support from the UNODC and the UNDP. The primary objective of this curriculum is to empower youth, especially LGBTQI+ communities, by promoting an understanding of sexual diversity to reduce stigma and discrimination. It also aims to establish social mechanisms to counter sexual biases among youth and society. Moreover, it seeks to develop leaders capable of aiding victims and preventing  violence, stigmatization, discrimination, and human rights violations effectively within their communities. USAID is committed to providing technical support to expand the program to both public and private sectors to reinforce the ability to create sustainable impacts within communities.

Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, mentioned that the development of a curriculum to end violence, reduce stigma and discrimination related to gender identity and sexual orientation will be a significant tool. The curriculum aims to help transform perspectives and shift from a binary gender view towards an understanding of gender diversity which acknowledges and accepts the existence and rights of individuals beyond male and female, aligning with the principles of international human rights in numerous international treaties. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has a strong commitment to promote public attitudes of  equality, accepting individual differences, respecting human dignity and rights in physical embodiment, as well as refraining from gender discrimination. This training curriculum will create spaces filled with understanding and efficient support, serving as the inception of a society that acknowledges differences and fosters stable and creative relationships for everyone. 

RSAT  is committed to fostering self-reliance and enhancing the quality of life for community members from all walks of life to help Thailand to create a more inclusive and equitable society  in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, the association recognizes the importance of individuals' capacity development, providing knowledge and understanding to organizations, and raising social awareness in the eradication of biases toward gender and sexual identity. These biases lead to stigmatizing and discriminatory practices, as well as acts of sexual violence against women, transgender people, and people with gender diversity. The association has actively participated in driving and disseminating knowledge  of the Gender Equality Act B.E. 2558 (2015), which protects individuals against discrimination  regardless of  their sexual or gender identities.