STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE AMBASSADOR UMEJ BHATIA AT THE ANNUAL HIGH-LEVEL PANEL DISCUSSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS MAINSTREAMING AT THE 49TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 28 FEBRUARY 2022

STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE AMBASSADOR UMEJ BHATIA AT THE ANNUAL HIGH-LEVEL PANEL DISCUSSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS MAINSTREAMING AT THE 49^TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 28 FEBRUARY 2022

Mr President,

            Singapore believes that the Human Rights Council must be inclusive and accessible for all stakeholders. This is crucial for a genuine exchange of perspectives on upholding human rights and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since 2012, the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Support the Participation of SIDS and LDCs has enabled over 170 diplomats to participate in the work of the Council, regardless of whether they have a Permanent Mission in Geneva. Singapore will continue to contribute to and support the important work of this initiative.

            Singapore was honoured to be appointed as a co-Focal Point by the 15^th HRC President on the challenges faced by delegations from SIDS and LDCs. We have had the opportunity to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including the HRC-48 Trust Fund beneficiaries, to explore the role of modern technology in making the Council’s work more inclusive. This valuable feedback has been submitted in the form of several recommendations, and Singapore will continue to promote inclusive participation in the Council’s work.

Singapore remains committed to ensuring that the interests of small states are taken into account at the UN. We will ensure that the Forum of Small States (FOSS), which marks its 30^th anniversary this year with 108 members, continues to remain an informative and constructive platform to better enable delegations to navigate the multilateral system in Geneva.

Thank you.

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