STATEMENT BY MISS QUEK SHEI TING, DELEGATE TO THE 70th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 72(B), ON HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, THIRD COMMITTEE, 30 OCTOBER 2015

Mr Chairman, 

1          Thank you for giving me the floor.

2          2015 is a significant year for Singapore as we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of our independence.  While Singapore has made much progress over the last 50 years – ranking 9^th in the latest UN Human Development Index; 6^th in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Where-to-be-born Index; and 9^th in the World Justice Report’s Rule of Law index, we are not resting on our laurels and will continue to reflect on how we can further improve the lives of our citizens.  The report we recently submitted for our second Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was therefore timely in allowing Singapore to take stock of what we have achieved, and to consider what more can be done.

3          Singapore’s approach to the realisation of human rights is a pragmatic one, based on the fulfillment of needs and the careful assessment of outcomes.  Our developmental history has taught us that policies to encourage integrated social and economic development are the key to realising the human rights of our citizens.  We have worked hard to build a society where merit is recognised regardless of gender, race, language, religion or wealth, and where the interests of vulnerable groups are protected and their opportunities have expanded.  Our ultimate policy goal is a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious society in a free and independent nation.  This has been the underlying goal throughout our 50 years as an independent state.  The policies by which we pursue this goal are flexible; they have varied and will continue to vary as our social circumstances change, and as global environment allows. 

4          The 2030 Agenda has given us all a roadmap towards the improvement of our people’s well-being.  The Singapore Government has been, and will continue to actively pursue the Sustainable Development Goals.  Take, for example, Goal 16.  The bedrock of Singapore is the rule of law and the presence of effective, accountable and transparent institutions.  Fair and good laws that uphold individual and public interests are well-implemented, giving Singaporeans the confidence and assurance to go about their daily lives in safety.  Parents in Singapore do not have to worry if their children will return home each time they take the public transport alone, by day or by night.

5          Lacking in natural resources, human capital is the most precious asset for Singapore.  The pursuit of goals 4 and 5 was therefore seen, from the beginning, as central to building both the economy and nation.  The Singapore Government is committed to creating a high-quality education system for all boys and girls.  To ensure that no one is left behind, significant financial assistance is provided to children from less privileged backgrounds.  Singapore has done well in this aspect - our drop-out rates are nearly zero for primary and secondary schools, while the tertiary gross enrolment ratio is more than 80 percent.  In addition, the Singapore Government is committed to providing universal healthcare coverage so that no Singaporean is denied access to necessary healthcare due to financial difficulties.  Through constant reviews and making the necessary policy shifts in response to societal changes, Singapore has managed to achieve a widely accessible healthcare system that delivers good healthcare outcomes, at a cost which is affordable to all.

Mr Chairman,

6          In conclusion, my delegation is of the view that we must remind ourselves that the ultimate aim of human rights is the protection of human welfare, without which neither rights nor dignity are viable.  Each country would need to decide what the best path is to improving the well-being of its citizens and to put in place concrete policies to achieve this objective.  Every society’s circumstance and social make-up are different and we must all find our own paths to survival and prosperity.  Singapore’s path has been the rule of law, the rejection of corruption, and the unswerving dedication to the progressive improvement of Singaporean lives. We will continue to seek the best solutions for our country and for our people.  Thank you.

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