STATEMENT BY MR TERRENCE TEO, DELEGATE TO THE 71st SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 68(B), ON HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, THIRD COMMITTEE, 31 OCTOBER 2016

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.

2          Over the past weeks, we have heard member states share the steps they have taken to promote and protect human rights. It is clear that we share a common objective in this regard. However, it is equally clear that each country faces unique circumstances and challenges, which require unique solutions.

3          My delegation is of the view that there is no “one size fits all” approach to addressing human rights issues. The prescriptions of one state do not necessarily work for another. Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two societies, communities, or states are exactly alike.  Thus, we should respect the right of each member state to implement policies and practices best suited to its needs, in line with its international obligations.  Doing so does not preclude striving together to achieve shared goals, such as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Madam Chair,

4          The Singapore Government maintains the highest respect for human rights, and implements its laws and policies in full adherence to our international obligations. Singapore’s approach to promoting human rights has been to build a fair and inclusive society that preserves social harmony. We take a practical and not an ideological approach to the realisation of human rights. 

5          This is critical for us, as we are not only densely populated but a racially and religiously diverse society. Many new states have been pulled apart by deep primordial racial and religious differences. However, in Singapore, our communities live together in peace and harmony, and practice their religious faiths in a manner that is respectful to others. Our social harmony did not happen by chance, but by deliberate choices and policies. The Government had to at times intervene for the common good and take steps that are unpopular with a section of the community.  

6          We are determined to foster a multi-racial, fair and just society, even as our society evolves and faces new challenges.  We are therefore tough on racial and religious chauvinists and extremists.  We do not allow anyone to exploit freedom of expression to denigrate other religions or ethnic groups. Our laws place an emphasis on maintaining racial and religious harmony and make clear that freedom of expression comes with accompanying responsibilities to our fellow citizens and to society. 

7          Race and religion remain very sensitive matters, and in some ways, more complex and difficult to handle today because of rising religiosity, greater exposure to extremist ideologies and social media.  We cannot afford to let up. More than ever, the Government needs to engage the different groups more deeply and their competing interests in a pragmatic way. Our approach to human rights, focusing on positive outcomes, has reaped results in advancing the development of our country and people.

Madam Chair,

8          Singapore remains committed to promoting and protecting human rights, within a legal framework suited to our particular context and circumstances.  Differences in States’ respective approaches to human rights will remain. However, my delegation believes that through genuine dialogue and respectful exchanges of views, the international community can constructively pursue our shared objective of promoting and protecting human rights for all.  I thank you.

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