The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a comprehensive charter on the rights of children, setting minimum standards that governments should meet in providing healthcare, education, legal and social services in their countries.
The 54 articles of the convention affirm four basic principles, namely: a child’s right to survival; a child’s right to development; a child’s right to be protected; and a child’s right to participate actively in his/her community.
Singapore acceded to the UNCRC on 2 October 1995.
Best Interests of the Child – Turning Principle into Practice
The UNCRC affirms the need for the best interests of the child to be the primary consideration in decisions and actions affecting the child. Singapore’s commitment to working in the best interests of the child is best exemplified through our Statement on the Best Interests of the Child, which has been embraced by the many organisations working with children in Singapore today.
The statement reiterates that services and programmes should be designed and administered in the best interests of the child, with respect for the fundamental rights of each child.
As part of our work in publicising the UNCRC, MCYS also produces child friendly collaterals, such as the UNCRC booklet to educate children and their caregivers on the concept of children’s rights. Drama, storytelling and postcards are also some of the different means through which children are introduced to the principles of the UNCRC.
Initial Report and Oral Presentation to the Committee on the Rights of the Child
Singapore submitted its Initial Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in November 2002. The Initial Report lists the legislative, judicial, administrative and other measures adopted by Singapore to give effect to the provisions of the UNCRC.
Singapore presented its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on 26 September 2003, at the 34th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Singapore delegation was led by then Minister of State for the Ministry of Community Development and Sports, Mr Chan Soo Sen, and comprised representatives from the Inter-Ministry Committee on the UNCRC and the Singapore Children’s Society.
More information on the oral presentation can be found in MCYS’ press release and the Committee’s press release on the Oral Presentation. Mr Chan delivered the introductory statement. The report was well received by the Committee, in particular Singapore’s progress for children in the areas of education health and housing. (See the Committee’s Concluding Observations on Singapore’s Initial Report).
Periodic Report and Oral Presentation to the Committee on the Rights of the Child
Singapore submitted its Second and Third Periodic Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in January 2009. The report covers the period 2003 to 2007, and details the Singapore’s progess in the areas of child welfare and protection, legislative enhancements and initiatives for children.
MCYS organised a Consultation Forum with key stakeholders on 6 January 2011 to gather feedback on Singapore's implementation of the UNCRC. The session was attended by more than 200 participants from government agencies, Voluntary Welfare Organisations, hospitals, schools, students, and MCYS Executive Volunteer Committees and Boards. Participants raised questions pertaining to the 2nd and 3rd Periodic Report to a panel comprising of inter-agency representatives.
Singapore presented the Periodic Report to the Committee in Geneva on 20 January 2011, at the 56th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Singapore delegation was led by Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and comprised of representatives from the Inter-Ministry Committee on the UNCRC and the Singapore Children's Society. The Committee is expected to release its concluding remarks on Singapore's Periodic Report in February 2011.
For more information on the UNCRC and children’s rights, please visit www.unicef.org and http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/index.htm.
Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict
Singapore ratified the Optional Protocol to the UNCRC on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict on 11 December 08. The Optional Protocol, which calls for the protection of children from situations of armed conflict, came into force in January 2009. Singapore submitted its Initial Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in December 2011.
For more information on Singapore's presentation at the 56th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, please refer to the press release.