Sor Rattanamanee Polkla is an influential figure in human rights advocacy in Thailand, serving as the Executive Coordinator and co-founder of the Community Resource Centre Foundation (CRC), based in Bangkok. The CRC focuses on providing essential legal advice to communities in remote areas who are adversely affected by development projects.
Driven by a profound concern for the limited access to justice for the underprivileged in Thailand, Sor embarked on her journey as a human rights defender. Her professional and personal experiences underscored the significant disparities in legal access, motivating her to use her skills as a lawyer to effect meaningful change. She believes strongly in the power of legal advocacy to transform lives, stating, ‘As a lawyer, we have to bring justice to the people. This is what a lawyer can do, and that fuels my motivation.’
One of Sor’s most significant achievements is her ability to challenge and overcome barriers that prevent communities from obtaining legal remedies and protection. Her work not only involves using existing laws but also actively contributing to creating new ones that better serve the needs of the vulnerable. ‘We are law users, but we are also law makers,’ Sor proudly remarks, highlighting the dual role lawyers play in shaping and applying the law.
The training she received from ISHR has profoundly impacted her work by enhancing her understanding of the UN human rights system and mechanisms. This knowledge has allowed her to leverage international platforms more effectively, broadening the scope and impact of her advocacy. The ISHR also facilitated connections with a global network of human rights advocates, enabling Sor to establish collaborations that support and strengthen her community work.
Sor’s story is a testament to the critical role lawyers can play in the fight for human rights. As she continues her advocacy, she remains committed to expanding her influence and capabilities, always with the goal of ensuring that every individual in her community can live with dignity and justice.
