Resident Coordinator's remarks at the "Becoming Home" film premiere

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this special event of the premiere screening of the documentary “Becoming Home”, a UNDP and RealFrame production with support from the European Union. 

I would like to congratulate the filmmakers for this important work, which raises awareness about the challenges facing ethnic minorities and stateless youth in Thailand while avoiding simplistic narratives that reinforce stereotypes.

Instead, the film embodies how leaving no one behind is central to the transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This means embracing diversity, mutual respect, and equality for all, by addressing the root causes of discrimination. 

In Thailand, the challenges facing ethnic minorities and statelessness are many and diverse, just as each of these communities is unique in its culture and history.

In some areas, Thailand has demonstrated progressive policy in this regard, such as the landmark 2005 Cabinet Resolution guaranteeing 15 years of free basic education for all children, regardless of status.  

However, there are still major barriers stemming from negative stereotypes, a lack of capacity, misunderstandings of policy, and even in some cases, deliberate bias.

Addressing these problems requires urgent action by Government and policymakers while adopting a whole of society approach.

The Government is taking concrete steps to address the issue of statelessness by facilitating the registration and formalization of status, as well as through its commitment which was reiterated at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development this year.

There is a collective responsibility to recognize vulnerable groups’ rights and contributions, as well as that their wellbeing affects society.

“Becoming Home” is an important opportunity to advocate for stateless people and to support them in telling their stories to educate, build empathy and boost support from the public.  

We know that vulnerable groups are first and most impacted by crises such as the pandemic, as well as at risk from the consequences of climate change. Their unique contributions and perspectives are crucial for integrated and inclusive action to deal with these challenges and achieve progress on the SDGs.

Through the same partnership between UNDP, RealFrame Productions, and the EU, we have been working in multiple areas with ethnic minorities and stateless people to raise their voices and strengthen their communication capabilities.  

Through this creative process, the movie offers another platform for their voices to be heard.

I invite you to go beyond listening to their stories and be an active ally. Let us all advocate for equal opportunities and respect for human rights, dignity, and freedom. Building trust and strengthening social cohesion is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation, to the six young women and men who are taking us on their journey in this film, to Ambassador Daly for the EU's consistent support, to the Realframe team for a wonderful production, and to all cast and crew who are part of this inspirational documentary. 

And finally, I would like to thank UNDP for making today’s event possible which showcases how the UN works in partnerships to ensure that no one is left behind.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy the film and the rest of the evening.