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348 H.E.PARK Han-Chul

It is also the cradle where major religions and philosophies
that teach universal love and respect towards others such as Islam,
Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Hindu originated from.
In the modern era, many Asian countries took part in adopting
the Universal Human Rights Declarations by the United Nations
in 1948 and contributed to make sure that economic, social and
cultural rights are recognized in the Declarations.
The Declarations served as the foundation for many
international human rights protection scheme.
Yet, it is also true that Asia, in the past century, suffered from
grave human rights violations as it experienced the devastation
of war, the suffering from colonization, and dictatorship.
At the foundation of such human rights violations, there was
the imperial powers’ double standards for individual dignity and
human rights.
However, countries in Asia, the most populous continent in
the world, now have overcome the bruises from the past, and
are making great success in economic growth, human rights, and
development of democracy at the same time.
Asia already boasts the most active industrial production in
the world, and is soon expected to emerge as the largest
consumption market surpassing the European Union.
Asia also has a population that is comparatively young, cultural
diversity and dynamics.
One does not need to search far for examples. Your country,
Thailand, is a good illustration. Based upon a large territory and
abundant natural resources, the Thais built on a fascinating history
and culture.
Even in the rampancy of the imperialism in the 20 century,
th
Thailand was the only country that remained as an independent
state.

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