STATEMENT BY MR TAN ENG TAT, DELEGATE, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 69: PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, THIRD COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2009

STATEMENT BY MR TAN ENG TAT, DELEGATE, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 69: PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, THIRD COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2009

Thank you, Mr Chairman, for giving me the floor. Singapore aligns itself with the Statement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) delivered by Malaysia on the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

I would like to use this time to share my delegation's perspective on the issue of human rights questions.

2 All of us believe in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are fully committed to its implementation. However, the international consensus on human rights is still a fragile one. Although everyone expresses support for the ideal of human rights, it is also an undeniable fact that different views still exist on this issue in our culturally diverse world.

Mr Chairman,

3 We do not live in a perfect world. It is precisely because we live in an imperfect world that we are mindful of the fact that making progress on human rights will require accommodation and understanding of differing national conditions. The diversity of the UN's membership is a political reality that cannot be wished away. While diversity is no defence for violations of human rights, neither should we overlook this reality in our pursuit of a better world for all. This is why my delegation believes that instead of using words that divide rather than unite, or engage in posturing instead of persuading, an approach of humility and accommodation might help all of us find common cause in this issue.

4 Every country's political and social arrangements are unique because of its own historical and cultural context. Because of this, it is inevitable that there are differing notions of human rights. Sometimes, even within a country itself, there are also differing views over human rights issues such as those involving the rights of the unborn and the treatment of migrant labour.

Mr Chairman,

5 It is our belief that economic development is the necessary foundation of any political system that claims to advance human dignity, and that order and stability are essential for development. After all, it would be a cruel joke for a government to indulge in pompous claims of respecting human rights, when the basic human needs of its own people are not even met.

6 For Singapore, we also believe that the exercise of rights must be balanced with the shouldering of responsibilities. We place equal importance on the protection of societal rights, not just individual rights. At the same time, the decision as to where the balance between rights and responsibilities is struck will depend on each country and its own stage of development. Similarly, as my country continues its own path of development, we do not seek to impose our views on others, as we are fully aware of our respective national circumstances.

Mr Chairman,

7 We need to remind ourselves that the purpose of the Third Committee is to work for the general welfare of mankind, and not to score debating points or produce resolutions that people only pay lip service to. On very difficult issues, we should work with one another to try to expand consensus. It is our belief that only through the recognition of the rich diversity of mankind and accommodation of different views can we facilitate the free interaction of all ideas from which the international consensus on human rights can be deepened and expanded. A pragmatic approach to human rights is one that tries to build on what common ground that we can agree upon, while agreeing to disagree if we must. Only then can we make real progress in the cause of human rights.

8 Thank you, Mr Chairman.

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