Singapore presented its approach on Tuesday (May 12) at its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) - a process which reviews the human rights records of all UN member states once every five years. This was Singapore's fourth UPR.

Singapore's delegation, which comprised officials from eight agencies, was led by Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam.

"Singapore values the UPR as a unique, peer-driven process that spurs countries to keep advancing the protection and promotion of human rights," MFA said in a media statement after the review.

"It is also a useful opportunity to exchange best practices and engage constructively with other states, even where approaches may differ," it added.

"Singapore will study the recommendations carefully, and for those relevant to our national context, consider how they can be advanced in a manner that leads to better outcomes for our people."

A total of 142 states spoke at Singapore’s UPR, with many commending the country on the significant progress it has made in recent years, said MFA.

"We thanked states for commending our first workplace anti-discrimination legislation; our efforts to advance the status of women and to strengthen protection of and support for vulnerable groups such as children and persons with disabilities; our initiatives to maintain racial and religious harmony; and our advancements in sustainable development," said the ministry. 

"States also acknowledged our continued efforts to improve the protection and welfare of migrant workers."

Singapore's delegation also spoke about the progress it has made since its last UPR, including enacting the Workplace Fairness Act and expanding support for vulnerable groups.

CALLS TO ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY

During the review, several countries called for Singapore to suspend the death penalty, with ...