29 Oct 2014
Madam Chair
1 I thank you for giving me the floor.
2 Over the past few weeks, we have heard many statements and have had extensive discussions on various issues and the human rights situations in different parts of the world. Member states have shared the steps they have taken to protect and promote human rights. These discussions and statements amply demonstrate that we live in a diverse and complex world. Our different histories, cultural heritage and social and economic circumstances should be appreciated and indeed, cherished. We should also be mindful of the fact that what international consensus we have achieved on human rights is modest and fragile. As we work together to promote and protect human rights, we must give due respect to our historical and cultural differences, even as we advance our collective aspiration to better the lives of our fellow human beings.
Madam Chair
3 Singapore is committed to protecting and respecting the rights of each individual. At the same time, the fact that human beings live together with others in societies and communities mean that individual rights and freedoms cannot be unbridled. Individuals have to co-exist peaceably and with due regard to the rights of others. As a small, young city-state with a multi-racial and multi-religious population, we are acutely aware of our vulnerabilities. We in Singapore have sought to balance the exercise of individual rights with the shouldering of responsibilities, and societal and individual rights. This approach has underpinned Singapore’s progress and development, and delivered results. It has enabled Singaporeans to live in peace and harmony, in enjoyment of not only civil and political rights, but also economic, social and cultural rights. Nevertheless, as our society continues to evolve and as we face new challenges, we acknowledge that more needs to be done to improve the well-being of our citizens.
4 Societal rights and individual rights are both essential to achieve equality, social justice, and stability. Where the exact balance of individual and societal rights lies is for each country to determine, based on its unique history, circumstances and stage of development. The Singapore government recognises that we are accountable to our own citizens to calibrate rights and responsibilities in a way that maximises the benefit to them as well as society as a whole. This system of accountability includes consultations with stakeholders on policy formulation, numerous feedback channels, and of course, the ballot box. We appreciate that every country has different challenges, and thus, do not seek to impose our “formula” on others.
5 In turn, Singapore firmly believes that no country or grouping has the right to impose its views on human rights on the rest of the world. Attempting to do so will only serve to divide rather than unite member states. It is a dangerous presumption for any country to think that it has a better idea of how to run another when it is not ultimately accountable to the concerned population. Without understanding the domestic context, forcing a position on a country could create unrealistic expectations and polarise societies, with damaging consequences. Rather than seeking to impose our opinions and worldview on others, our success in promoting and protecting human rights will depend on our ability to empathise and respect the views of others. Of course such understanding and tolerance should never be an excuse for condoning gross violations of human rights since it is a given that governments have the responsibility to protect their citizens. However if we want to make real progress on forging a strong international consensus on human rights, we will have to be realistic, pragmatic and appreciative of our differences, and approach each other with humility and openness throughout our dialogue on human rights.
Madam Chair,
6 In conclusion, my delegation is of the view that we must remind ourselves that our key objective is to improve the general welfare of mankind. Our citizens do not merely need rights. They need tangible results, such as law and order, affordable housing, employment and good quality healthcare. The promotion of human rights will not be served by confrontation, grandstanding or the passing of resolutions that countries merely pay lip service to. Rather, our governments should consider what the best path to improving the well-being of our citizens is and put in place concrete policies to work towards this objective.
7 In our international discourse on human rights we would do well to start first with introspection, before approaching human rights discussions with an open mind, recognising and respecting each other’s unique circumstances. It is only by taking on a spirit of cooperation and accommodation that we can build mutual trust on contentious issues, thereby strengthening the international consensus on human rights in our pursuit of a better world. Thank you.
. . . . . .