12 Oct 2010
STATEMENT BY MR ANG ZHONGREN, DELEGATE TO THE 65TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 28, ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN, THIRD COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2010
Mr Chairman,
1. At the outset, Singapore aligns itself with the statement made by Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN. As a country without any natural resources except our people, Singapore places great importance on nurturing our human talent. The process is holistic and starts from childhood because, to quote Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Singapore is thus fully committed to create a safe, secure and nurturing environment for our children.
2. In this vein, Singapore takes our obligations as a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) seriously. We presented our Second and Third Periodic Report at the 56th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child held in Geneva on 20 January 2011, which documented the progress made to fulfil our responsibilities as a State Party. Singapore has also taken more steps since to promote the best interests of children and maximise their potential. Today, I would like to share some aspects of our national policies and programmes on children, focusing in particular on recent developments.
3. On 28 December 2010, Singapore acceded to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Convention aims to protect children from the undesirable effects of trans-border parental abduction and retention, by providing an avenue for their prompt return and resolution of trans-border custodial disputes. Singapore also introduced the International Child Abduction Bill earlier this year to give effect to the Convention. In addition, the Children and Young Persons Act was also amended to enhance the welfare of children in residential care by providing for the licensing of all children's homes.
4. Singapore continuously strives to provide our children with quality and affordable healthcare. Our infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rates are among the lowest in the world. In 2010, Singapore's infant mortality rate was 2.0 per 1,000 live births. According to UNICEF's report on "The State of The World's Children 2010", this ranks Singapore alongside together with countries such as Finland, Iceland and Sweden. Over nine in ten of Singapore children are immunised against Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis B, and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
5. Moreover, Singapore believes in maximising our children's full potential. Our education system strives to develop the talents of every child to its fullest. More than 20% of Singapore's government budget is allocated to schools each year. Singapore's overall literacy rate is 96% and more than 92% of each primary school cohort complete primary education and go on to secondary and post-secondary education. Singapore has also set up specialised schools catering to different strengths and needs of students such as the Singapore Sports School, the School of the Arts, Vocational Institutes and Special Education Schools.
6. The Singaporean education system has performed reasonably well. In the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009, in which 65 countries and economies took part in, Singapore students ranked fifth in Reading, second in Mathematics and fourth in Science. Singapore also has the second highest proportion (12.3%) of students who were top performers in all three domains. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has also highlighted Singapore as a high performing education system with features that other systems could learn from. These include high-quality principals and teachers, as well as strong leaders with bold long-term visions. We will continue to build on these achievements.
7. Singapore has in recent years accorded more attention and resources to children with special needs. For children with disabilities, we have enacted a national Enabling Masterplan to ensure appropriate medical care, education and social support. In addition, the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children provides social, educational and therapy services for special needs children from birth to 6 years old. Singapore has twenty special schools to cater to older children with special needs. There are about 12,500 students with disabilities attending school, of which 60% (7,600) have been integrated into regular schools. The other 40% (4,900) are enrolled in special schools and satellite classes sited in mainstream schools.
8. Singapore takes a serious view of child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation of children. We have a "Many Helping Hands" approach to reaching out and educating the public on child protection and abuse. Each child protection case is handled with the best interest of the child in mind; victims are counselled and provided support services from Voluntary Welfare Organisations, medical treatment and assessments and remedial care.
9. Singapore also believes strongly in promoting diversity and encouraging cross-cultural exchange both in schools and in the community. In August 2010, Singapore hosted the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The YOG sought to engage youths through sports, and culture and education. During the period of the Games, Singapore brought 500,000 local students and overseas athletes together. Through this event, youths were educated about important global and sport issues and given the opportunity to interact with other young people. The event was a success and we hope that it helped to transmit the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect to our youths.
Mr Chairman,
10. Every child is born with enormous potential. Singapore believes that children can best fulfil their potential in the presence of strong family relationships, a cohesive community and a safe and nurturing environment that maximises opportunities for all in a fair and just society. Singapore will continue to improve our policies in order to develop the potential of our children to the fullest.
Thank you.
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