STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR KAREN TAN, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE SEVENTH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF STATES PARTIES TO THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, 10-12 JUNE 2014

Mr President,

1                 Singapore is honoured to participate in the Seventh session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the first time we have done so as a state party, after we ratified the Convention on 19 July last year.       

2                  The ratification of the Convention was a milestone for us, and signifies our commitment to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in Singapore.  Following the ratification, we have sought to raise the awareness of the general public to the Convention.  Our National Council of Social Service has developed a reader-friendly version of the Convention, which is readily available on its website.  We are happy to share this with other participants who are interested.

3                 Singapore is keenly aware that its ratification of the Convention is not the end of a journey to create a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.  We continue to actively implement our national roadmap, called the “Enabling Masterplan 2012-2016”, to make Singapore a friendlier place for persons with disabilities, and one that is sensitive to their needs.        

4                 In this regard, we constantly review and improve existing services for persons with disabilities, including in the areas of early intervention, education and employment.  Earlier this year, the government announced enhanced transport subsidies for persons with disabilities.  For example, persons with disabilities will receive a minimum 25 per cent subsidy on adult fares for travel by bus and rail from early July.  From 1 October 2014, the government will subsidise up to 50 per cent of taxi fares for those who are unable to take public and dedicated transport to work or school. Our enhanced transport schemes are expected to benefit over 50,000 persons with disabilities and will cost US$19 million a year.  We think these schemes are important because they ease the financial burden on persons with disabilities, improve their quality of life, and expand their opportunities.

 
5                 Although the government should take the lead in ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, the larger society also has a pivotal role to play.  Civil society organisations, employers and individuals need to show more understanding and sensitivity towards them.  We are encouraged that more companies in Singapore are keen to hire persons with disabilities, including in professional, managerial and executive positions and are willing to improve accessibility for them.  For example, Xpressflowers.com installed wheelchair-friendly toilets and hands-free telephone sets for its employers.  These companies will find the Singapore government a willing partner in their efforts as we come alongside them to provide financial support.

6                 As the post-2015 development agenda gradually takes shape, we as states parties to the Convention should ensure that the agenda is an inclusive one where the development needs of persons with disabilities are reflected.  In addition, the goals and targets should build in some flexibility for member states to implement policies in a pragmatic way that will genuinely improve their day to day lives.  In this context, we welcome targets to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the Open Working Group’s zero draft of the proposed Sustainable Development Goals.  

Mr President,

7                 Singapore will continue to work with all stakeholders to build an inclusive society where every person with a disability can share in the fruits of development and truly feel a sense of belonging in Singapore.  Much remains to be done. In the coming years, we will be looking at additional support schemes for caregivers, and assistive technology for persons with disabilities to further enable persons with disabilities and their families.  We look forward to working with and learning from all of you on this journey.  Thank you.

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