STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE 77TH UNGA GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 69 (B) ON HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, THIRD COMMITTEE 19 OCTOBER 2022

Mr Chair,

1 Thank you for giving me the floor.

2 Singapore is unwavering in its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. Our approach has been to improve the lives of our people, in the context of our unique circumstances and realities. We are a densely populated and religiously diverse society with deep cultural roots. Yet, we are also a modern society fully exposed to technological changes and global information flows.

3 Singapore takes a pragmatic and non-ideological approach to governance. This extends to our approach to human rights, with the goal of building a fair and inclusive society that prioritises the social and economic development of our people. Our system rests on a strict adherence to the rule of law and a focus on outcomes rather than a focus on ideology.

4 Today, Singaporeans of all ethnicities and religious groups are free to practice their beliefs and cultural traditions, while enjoying the fruits of economic progress in a safe, secure and harmonious environment. This has not happened by chance, but by carefully crafted policies, good governance, and an impartial and independent judicial system.

5 A system that works for all must also find a balance between individual freedoms and societal needs. The exercise of individual rights comes with corresponding responsibilities. For example, our laws take a strong stand against those who incite hostility towards any other social groups. This approach has worked very well for Singapore and has the support of Singaporeans.

Mr Chair,

6 We do not claim that our model is perfect, nor do we presume to have a monopoly of wisdom. We remain very much open to learning from others and to sharing our experiences. At the same time, we do not try and impose our views on other societies. And most importantly, we do not try and export our model to other countries, because we know that at the end of the day, each country must decide for itself what will work best for it in light of their own unique circumstances, taking into account their international law obligations.

7 As we deliberate on the question of approaches to human rights, there will no doubt be robust debate and disagreements in this committee. However, we must uphold the principle that every country has the sovereign right to determine its own political and legal systems, based on international law.

8 My delegation believes that the Third Committee should be a platform for constructive and mutually respectful dialogue that gives due recognition to the diversity of views of Member States. At a moment of global tension and division, this Committee can contribute to strengthening the multilateral system by focusing on international law and the principles of the UN. We therefore call on all Member States to avoid the temptation to use this Committee as a platform to sermonise and moralise, and we also call on Member States to avoid making value judgements based on the false belief that some cultures and societies are superior to other cultures and other societies.

9 There is no place for cultural arrogance or a sense of cultural superiority in this Committee or at the United Nations. If we truly want to strengthen the multilateral rules-based system, then we have to demonstrate respect for each other and respect for the views and positions of other countries, and certainly respect for the rule of law and international law. It is in this spirit that I look forward to a productive and constructive dialogue in this Committee, and you have the full support of my delegation.

10 I thank you, Mr Chair.

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