27 Oct 2010
STATEMENT BY MR TIMOTHY CHIN, DELEGATE TO THE 65th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 68, ON HUMAN RIGHTS, THIRD COMMITTEE, 27 OCTOBER 2010
Mr Chairman,
Thank you for giving me the floor. Those of us who have followed the discussion in this Committee over the past few days and weeks would have heard many statements and perspectives on the nature of human rights, claims of their observance and their breach, as well as the admirable steps taken by member states to promote and protect human rights in their own ways and countries.
2 These declarations demonstrate, on the one hand, the evolution of rights towards greater prevalence, sophistication and precision in the sixty-odd years since the promulgation of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Yet, what consensus the international community has forged on human rights is fragile, modest and vulnerable to revisionist debates about the existence of a common set of core values drawn from our past experiences in order to guide our actions in the future.
3 This is not surprising in a world where we compete with one another for scarce resources under different national circumstances. Concern for human rights has always been balanced against other national interests. To claim otherwise is to ignore reality. Similarly, advocacy for human rights has not been motivated solely by altruism, but also to further political and economic objectives. This is not new, nor necessarily negative. For completely selfish reasons, it is in all of our interests to evolve a common set of values that bind us in common recognition of our human quality, even as we compete with one another for influence and dominion.
Mr Chairman,
4 My delegation believes that we cannot ignore the differences in the history and culture of societies as we seek to find this common ground. Our success will depend on how well we are able to enhance our understanding, empathy, respect and consideration of cultural differences and the issue of development. To be sure, tolerance of diversity and national interests should never be an excuse for gross violations of human rights. But in a world where our cultures are as complex as they are diverse, making progress on human rights requires us to be realistic and pragmatic in our objectives, and to show honesty, sincerity and humility in our dealings with one another. There is no point in talking at each other since this is the surest way to ensure that no one is interested in listening.
5 In particular, we believe that no country or group of countries has the right to impose their position on the rest of the world. Using the slogan of human rights to force certain values and attitudes upon others is ultimately counter-productive. Advocating "special truths", or seeking to impose particular political patterns or societal arrangements on others, without concern for historical, political, economic and social contexts, can only sow division and generate discontent. Those who glorify in words or numbers on paper, without regard for the translation of ideas to meaningful deeds that can improve the lives and well-being of people, risk making a mockery of the values they purport to stand for.
Mr Chairman,
6 Singapore remains committed to protecting and respecting the rights of each individual, without which there can be no true progress in a state, no matter her achievements in other fields of human endeavour. At the same time, we believe that rights cannot be unlimited and freedoms cannot be unbridled. An open society should not mean excess and abandon, with results that would not be socially desirable or politically and economically tenable. In Singapore, we strike a balance between the exercise of rights and the shouldering of responsibilities, and place equal importance on the protection of societal rights and not just individual rights. This balance point is the result of our own unique circumstances and development. We recognise that we are ultimately accountable to Singaporeans, and we do not seek to impose our views on others.
Mr Chairman,
7 We will continue to live in a diverse and pluralistic world. Points of contention between states on questions of human rights are not going to disappear overnight. But through accommodation and understanding, we can continue to identify common objectives and expand our common ground, as we strive to promote humane standards of behaviour. Thank you.
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