STATEMENT BY MR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON AGENDA ITEM 71 (B), ON HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, THIRD COMMITTEE, 17 OCTOBER 2023

Mr Chair,

1 The UN is made up of independent nations who work together, on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect. There is a diversity of historical experiences and political systems, borne out of our rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and social norms. We should all accept and respect this diversity. There is no one-size-fits-all template for all countries. We should resist the arrogant temptation to remake others in our own image. It is simplistic and naïve to divide the world into “democracies” and “autocracies”; and it is equally simplistic and naïve to divide the world into “beautiful gardens” and “wild jungles”. These binary divisions do not help to build mutual trust because they betray a logic of political arrogance and cultural superiority.

Mr Chair,

2 Singapore’s approach to human rights is pragmatic and people-centric; we aim to build a fair and inclusive society that prioritises the social and economic development of our people in a safe and secure environment. As a nation, Singapore is committed to improving the lives of our people in the context of our own circumstances and realities. Our governance focuses on outcomes, not on ideology. In Singapore, our people have the freedom to practice their own belief, culture, and religion, while enjoying economic progress. And Singapore’s economic development happened not by chance, but by carefully crafted policies and good governance, underpinned by rule of law and an independent judicial system.

3 We believe that a system that works for all must balance between individual freedoms and societal needs. In Singapore, our laws take a strong stand against hate speech, racially incendiary comments, and those who incite hostility towards any other social or religious group. We do not allow the burning of holy books in the name of freedom of speech. And we do not allow anyone to denigrate the race and religion of another person. And these laws apply equally to all simply because as a society, we value social cohesion, stability, and respect for one another. Each country must determine where the balance lies between individual rights and societal needs. This is not something to be imposed by other countries, no matter how well-intentioned they may be.

Mr Chair,

4 We do not claim that our model to be superior to others. There is no “perfect model” for the protection and promotion of human rights. Similarly, we do not accept any country, or group of countries, exporting their model of human rights. Each country must decide what works best given their unique circumstances, taking into account their international law obligations. And we must also remember that this is an Organisation based, fundamentally, on the principle of sovereignty and sovereign equality of all its Members.

5 The Third Committee must be a platform for constructive and respectful dialogue. The diversity of views allows for cross-fertilisation of ideas. This Committee should strengthen the multilateral system by providing a space for respectful dialogue. This Committee should not become a vehicle for one group of countries to impose their views on others. If we are serious about strengthening the multilateral system, we have to start by respecting each other, respect the principles of the UN Charter, and respect international law.

Mr Chair,

6 As you said at our very first Plenary meeting, “diversity sets us all free”. Now if diversity is to become a source of strength, all of us have to make a conscious effort to respect the diversity of views and positions, not only in this committee but also beyond. Please rest assured of my delegation’s full support.

7 Thank you.

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