A/HRC/48/16
Introduction
1.
The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with
Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2021.
The review of Singapore was held at the 15th meeting, on 12 May 2021. The delegation of
Singapore was headed by the Ambassador-at-Large, Chan Heng Chee. At its 17th meeting,
held on 14 May 2021, the Working Group adopted the report on Singapore.
2.
On 12 January 2021, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Singapore: Cameroon, Russian Federation and
Uzbekistan.
3.
In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution
5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were
issued for the review of Singapore:
(a)
A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with
paragraph 15 (a);1
(b)
A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b); 2
(c)
A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c). 3
4.
A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany,
Haiti, Liechtenstein, Panama, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national
mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America was
transmitted to Singapore through the troika. These questions are available on the website of
the universal periodic review.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A.
Presentation by the State under review
5.
The delegation of Singapore stated that the Inter-Ministry Committee on Human
Rights, comprising 15 government agencies, had carefully reviewed progress made in
implementing the accepted recommendations received during the previous review cycle, in
2016. It was done in consultation with various civil society groups. Singapore remained
committed to the regular review of its policies to ensure that no one was left behind.
6.
The head of the delegation underlined that the universal periodic review cycle was
taking place in extraordinary times. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic had
accelerated longer-term transformations in societies and created new challenges in
implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The pandemic had led to the
worst recession since the independence of Singapore, severely affecting every part of its
society. By applying a human-centric approach, Singapore had taken swift measures to
cushion its population, especially the low-income and vulnerable groups, from the worst of
the impact of the pandemic.
7.
Since its independence, Singapore had not wavered in its commitment to building a
democratic, fair and inclusive society. Singapore had strived to achieve better outcomes for
its people, while taking into account its national context and realities. As a densely populated,
multiracial and multireligious society, it was of paramount importance to forge a common
national identity while maintaining racial and social harmony.
8.
Singapore applied a pragmatic approach to promoting human rights, with a focus on
outcomes and adherence to the rule of law. The goal was to achieve the necessary balance
1
2
3
2
A/HRC/WG.6/38/SGP/1.
A/HRC/WG.6/38/SGP/2.
A/HRC/WG.6/38/SGP/3.