Statement by Singapore at the Panel on Impact of the World Drug Problem on Human Rights on 28 September 2015 at the Human Rights Council

Mr President,

I thank the panellists for their informative presentations.  The world drug problem is an important issue for my delegation, because Singapore is situated close to the major drug-producing Golden Triangle region.  Our position as a key transportation, logistics and financial hub in Southeast Asia could also make us vulnerable to drug related activities. 

Singapore has managed to combat the drug menace reasonably successfully by adopting a comprehensive, holistic and zero tolerance approach. 

We also act on the basis that there are competing rights such as the right to life and health of the victims, the right to health and quality of life of the affected families, and the rights of the drug trafficker. These competing rights must be considered holistically. 

First, we target and stop drugs from entering our country through tough laws against drug trafficking and effective enforcement.  In Singapore’s experience, the death penalty for drug traffickers has been, and continues to be an effective deterrent as part of our framework of laws, coupled with effective enforcement based on the rule of law. This has kept our streets virtually drug and crime-free. 

Second, we work closely with parents, schools and community partners to educate our citizens, in particular the youth, on the dangers of drug abuse.   This has always been an important plank of our strategy, and this year we commemorate the 20^th anniversary of our Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign. 

Third, we provide structured rehabilitation and supervision tailored to the needs of different age and risk profiles of drug abusers so as to prevent relapse. We continue to invest heavily in aftercare programmes, supported by the family and community, to help former drug abusers reintegrate into society. For example, a Community Rehabilitation Centre has been providing rehabilitation for young first time offenders since 2014.

Mr President,

The international and regional drug situation remains very challenging.  But there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tackling the problem of drug abuse. 

We acknowledge that each country has its own unique cultural contexts and approach to dealing with the drug problem. 

While we respect that some have chosen a different approach from us, our comprehensive, holistic, and zero-tolerance approach has worked for us and allowed Singaporeans to thrive in a safe and secure country.      

Thank you, Mr President.

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