PROJECT UPDATE
Project Overview
This initiative supported Thailand’s Ministry of Justice’s Department of Rights and Liberties Protection in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace.
Project Profile
The Technical Assistance Partnership-Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) project, in collaboration with Canadian expert Carolyn Tanner, worked with Thailand’s Ministry of Justice’s Department of Rights and Liberties Protection (DRLP) to develop a rights-based action plan that guided the Department in advancing its Human Resource policies, regulations, and guidelines toward a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for all, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.
Using the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) policy processes, the initiative consisted of three main elements: (i) surveyed the current workplace context to establish a baseline, (ii) developed workplace policies and guidelines, and (iii) designed and implemented monitoring mechanisms to manage progress. The initiative also complemented similar work underway by the UNDP to support workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the private sector. It aligned with a more significant push by the Thai Government to advocate, model, promote, and support a more inclusive, diverse society where all Thais enjoyed the same rights and privileges.
Key Deliverables
- Capacity Support and Training
- Conducted baseline survey
- Completed a comprehensive needs assessment of LGBTIQ+ rights in the workplace
- Facilitated workshops with NGE on International Standards related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) and the Action Plan
- Delivered a virtual session on best practices for elements of an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace
- Provided technical support and coaching to co-develop AAs to implement in the action plan
- Technical Support and Knowledge Products
- Drafted a rights-based action plan
Project Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The project improved the capacity of DRLP to implement, monitor, evaluate and communicate workplace policies and programs that promote and protect LGBTQ+ human rights in the Department. The DRLP will gain a deeper understanding of international human rights standards related to SOGI and LGBTQ+ inclusion, as well as learn how to implement these standards in the workplace.
Engagement
Public Engagement (Canada):
- 104 Canadians reached through public engagement activities
Public Engagement Activities:
- Canadian expert Carolyn Tanner:
- Participated in the TAP GESI Event in Edmonton and the Knowledge Harvest Meetings
- Participated in TAP-EDM GE Week Webinar
