TIJ and UNODC Launch Bangkok Rules Accelerator

"Over the past decade and a half, the Bangkok Rules have guided national legislation and institutional practices around the world. They also reflect Thailand’s broader national priority to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that our criminal justice system is fair, proportionate, and effective. These principles are essential not only for justice but also for national resilience, peace, and inclusive development."

These were the remarks of H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand during the opening ceremony of the 15th Anniversary of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the "Bangkok Rules").

Held on December 12, 2025, at the TIJ Building in Bangkok, the event marked the official launch of the "Bangkok Rules Accelerator." This initiative is a key driver of the Global Agenda, specifically the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, aiming to elevate standards for the treatment of women prisoners from accepted regulations to a strategic global mechanism.

Addressing Global Challenges

The Prime Minister noted that while there has been progress in aligning the treatment of women in the justice system with the Bangkok Rules—adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2010—significant challenges remain. The rising number of female inmates and the imprisonment of women for non-violent or poverty-related offenses highlight persisting gaps in prevention and protection.

"Thailand, in partnership with UNODC is proud to launch the Bangkok Rules Accelerator - a global initiative designed to transform the vision of the Bangkok Rules into coordinated, measurable action over the next five years.," the Prime Minister stated.

From Vision to Action

In his keynote address, "From Vision to Action – 15 Years of the Bangkok Rules," Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Chairman of the Board of Directors, TIJ, reflected on the initiative's origins. He honored the inspiration of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, who, in 2001, witnessed the plight of "vulnerable" and "forgotten" women in prisons not designed for their gender.

"The Bangkok Rules were not simply drafted — they were built through compassion, collaboration, and a shared belief in human dignity." said Prof. Dr. Kittipong. " Over the years, I have witnessed how these Rules reshaped international discourse, influenced national legislation, and transformed global understanding of women’s pathways into offending. The Bangkok Rules did more than set standards; they shifted a global paradigm."

A Collaborative Future

The event featured a welcome address by Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of TIJ, keynote remarks “Beyond 2025: Strengthening Access to Justice and Support for Women in the Criminal Justice System” delivered by Dr. Patsilí Toledo Vásquez, Member of the UN CEDAW Committee (2025-2028), and Adjunct Lecturer on Gender and Criminal Justice System at Pompeu Fabra University and closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Delphine Schantz, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The launch concluded with Ms. Chontit Chuenurah, Director of the Office for the Bangkok Rules and Treatment of Offenders (TIJ), and Ms. Claudia Baroni, Team Leader, Gender in Criminal Justice (UNODC), unveiling the operational roadmap of the Bangkok Rules Accelerator. They emphasized that a gender-responsive justice system is not just a matter of principle, but a foundation for peace and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).