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New York UN

EXPLANATION OF POSITION BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE, ON THE RESOLUTION ENTITLED “SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA”, THIRD COMMITTEE, UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK 15 NOVEMBER 2023

15 November 2023

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Mr Chair,


1 Today, we are taking action on a series of country-specific human rights resolutions in the Third Committee, starting with document L.39 entitled “The Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”. As we begin our work today, I wish to place on record Singapore’s position that as a matter of principle, we do not support country-specific human rights resolutions in the Third Committee.


2 In our view, this is not the right platform to discuss country-specific situations. It is an unfortunate reality that country-specific human rights resolutions, which are highly selective, have become even more so because they are driven essentially by political considerations. It is well known that the work of the Third Committee has always been characterised by hypocrisy and double standards, and unfortunately the levels of hypocrisy and double standards have reached even greater heights, especially in recent weeks. In such a context, country-specific resolutions are inherently divisive and counter-productive, and they do not serve their declared purpose of making a difference to the lives of the people in these countries.


3 Country-specific human rights resolutions should be addressed in the Human Rights Council (HRC), under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. And that is why the HRC and the UPR mechanisms were created in the first place. For this reason, and as a matter of principle, Singapore will maintain our position of abstaining on all country-specific human rights resolutions in the Third Committee if they are put to a vote.


Mr Chair,


4 Singapore’s position of abstaining on country-specific human rights resolutions should not be interpreted as taking a position on the substance of the human rights issues raised in any of these resolutions. We have always taken the position that every UN Member State has the obligation to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms. This remains our position, and we wish for it to be recorded in the committee’s proceedings.


5 I thank you Mr Chair.


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