S'pore to participate in human rights review

QX179R SG

SINGAPORE: For the first time, Singapore is participating in a review of its human rights situation as a member of the United Nations (UN).

Called the 11th Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, the meeting will be held on May 6 in Geneva.

Mr Ong Keng Yong, Ambassador-at-Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), will lead an inter-agency delegation to represent Singapore at the review.

The Universal Periodic Review is a mandatory process which subjects all UN member states to a review of their human rights situation before the Human Rights Council.

During the Working Group session, Ambassador Ong will present Singapore's National Report and the Singapore delegation will have a three-hour-long interactive dialogue with UN member states.

Out of all the participating UN member States, 47 are members of the Human Rights Council and the rest are observers.

Singapore says it welcomes the review process as a chance to exchange views with its citizens, civil society organisations and UN member states on its achievements and challenges in the area of human rights.

- CNA/cc

QX179R SG

Singapore committed to achieving good human rights record

SINGAPORE: Ambassador Ong Keng Yong of the Foreign Affairs Ministry has highlighted Singapore's commitment in achieving a good human rights record at the 11th Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group in Geneva.

The review of its human rights situation is compulsory for all member states of the United Nations (UN).

Among the UN member states, Singapore is the 168th country to be reviewed.

But for Singapore, the review is its first.

Mr Ong told UN member states that Singapore is committed to the "promotion and protection of human rights."

He pointed out that Singapore's life expectancy is now 81 years compared to 60 years when the country gained independence in 1965.

From the time of its independence, Singapore's per capita GDP has also grown from US$512 to US$41,000 now, he said.

Mr Ong said Singapore is "guided by the interests for our people".

He gave examples of prioritising social harmony above other values, and being pragmatic by imposing strict capital punishments for serious crimes.

In his ending statement, he welcomed questions from other UN member states in the three-hour interactive dialogue, which is part of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group.

- AFP/de

QX179R SG

UN panel praises Singapore for progress made in human rights

GENEVA: Singapore has received praise from a United Nations panel for progress it has made in several key areas of human rights.

A government delegation has been meeting with UN officials and ambassadors in Geneva as part of a compulsory review of human rights in all member states.

During three hours of talks, there was broad support for strides taken by Singapore on issues ranging from the well-being of women and children, to the promotion of racial and religious harmony.

But some countries expressed concern over human rights in Singapore, and urged the country to establish a national institution to deal with the issue.

In all, 16 nations are getting their human rights report cards during two weeks of gatherings in Geneva.

Friday was the turn of Singapore.

The delegation said the country had balanced increased human rights protections for women, children, migrant workers and the disabled, while maintaining stability as its main priority.

Ong Keng Yong, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "Trade-offs between different kinds of rights are inevitable. Our top principle is pragmatism. Our focus is on the practical implementation of rights and how to balance them with economic imperatives and social stability."

Several diplomats at the gathering raised issues concerning the treatment of foreign workers in Singapore, and called for steps to improve conditions for migrants.

Kshenuka Senewiratne, Sri Lanka Ambassador, said: "We believe that measures adopted to educate foreign workers in their native languages of their rights and responsibilities, and avenues for assistance would further improve their conditions, especially in understanding local legislation and recommend that these measures be implemented."

Ambassadors from some countries pressed Singapore to end its use of the death penalty for certain crimes. But the government cites low crime rates as a indicator of the success of capital punishment.

There were also calls for Singapore to establish a national human rights institution, a step the country is reluctant to take.

Ong Keng Yong added: "We don't need to establish a special body because our judicial system, our policies in Singapore, and the way that Singaporeans have approached this issue, basically allow us to use what we have currently in Singapore to promote and protect human rights."

Singapore is currently a signatory to international treaties on the rights of women and children.

At the gathering, Singapore was asked to sign up on other human rights treaties - something the government says it is considering.

The Universal Periodic Review session is part of an ongoing process of assessments by the UN Human Rights Council.

Singapore says it welcomes the process as a vital opportunity for UN member states and stakeholders to exchange views.

The Council's full report on the review of Singapore's human rights situation is due out next Tuesday.

- CNA/de