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REMARKS BY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AT GENEVA AMBASSADOR UMEJ BHATIA AT THE ADOPTION OF THE WORKING GROUP REPORT FOR SINGAPORE’S 3RD CYCLE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW, 38TH SESSION OF THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW WORKING GROUP MEETING, 14 MAY 2021

14 May 2021

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Madam President,


          Singapore is humbled by the overwhelming response and encouragement we received during our 3rd UPR. We appreciate the participation of the 140 Member States on our speakers list and thank them for their constructive feedback. Quality engagement and a collegial spirit were maintained despite the hybrid modalities. Each of the 324 recommendations we received will be carefully studied by our Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Singapore will present our position on the recommendations in an addendum before the 48th regular session of the Human Rights Council.


Singapore takes the UPR process very seriously. Our experience has reinforced the unique importance of the UPR within the UN human rights framework. It continues to be the only mechanism of the Human Rights Council that enjoys universal support. The UPR’s continued functioning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is testament to the strength of the system as a whole. It has also shown the dedication of the HRC Bureau and Secretariat to ensure that this important process continues uninterrupted.


On that note, let me express my deep appreciation for the work put in by the UPR Secretariat and our Troika comprised of the distinguished representatives from Cameroon, Russia and Uzbekistan. All of them have worked tirelessly and professionally throughout this process. I particularly commend their efforts to draft and finalise Singapore’s UPR Working Group report over the UN holiday yesterday. Our sincere thanks also to the staff from UNOG who ensured the smooth virtual participation of our delegation from Singapore.


Madam President,


          In closing, allow me to reiterate that Singapore is resolutely committed to promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of our people. We will continue to fine tune and review our policies and legislation, in line with our democratic processes, national circumstances and the aspirations of our people. We look forward to our continued engagement with all colleagues on human rights issues within the Human Rights Council and in other fora. Thank you.

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