FIDH – International Federation for Human Rights
UN Human Rights Council – 48th Session
Item 6 – UPR adoptions
1 October 2021
Oral statement for the outcome of the UPR of Singapore
Madam Vice-President,
FIDH and Function 8 are disappointed that the Singaporean government has entered the third UPR cycle without making any commitments to address key human rights issues.
The near blanket refusal to accept recommendations relating to the abolition of the death penalty, detention without trial, LGBTIQ rights, and the ratification of international human rights treaties - the ICCPR, the ICESCR, the Convention against Torture, the Refugee Convention, and the ICCPR’s Second Optional Protocol - is a major setback to progress in the promotion and protection of human rights.
The government has claimed that its “outcomes are already fully or largely in compliance” with the objectives of human rights treaties. This statement would be classified as “fake news” under one of Singapore’s own flawed laws.
Many of the laws and policies currently enforced in Singapore are blatantly inconsistent with international human rights standards. Draconian laws, such as the Internal Security Act, the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act, the Public Order Act, the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, and the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act, continue to plague Singaporeans’ ability to enjoy the full spectrum of human rights issues. The imposition of the death penalty for drug-related offenses and detention without trial are inconsistent with international standards as well.
In a further blow to human rights, the government is now seeking to adopt the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill, which will pose a serious threat to civil society, independent media, and the rule of law that it claims to treasure.
Thank you.