Singapore has made major progress in promoting the best interests of children and maximising their potential, said a senior United Nations consultant.
Mr Stephen Woodhouse, a former UN official and now an independent consultant for the world body, praised Singapore for the high living standards and healthcare enjoyed by children here and educational opportunities available to them.
''Since independence, Singapore has made superb progress in maximising human potential,'' he said.
He made these comments in a key-note address entitled, The Status of Children in Singapore - Regional and Global Benchmarks, at the Forum on the Best Interests of Children on 29 January 2004. The forum was co-organised by the Ministry of Community Development and Sports (MCDS) and Save the Children Singapore, a non-governmental organisation.
Mr Woodhouse also congratulated Singapore for presenting an excellent report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) in September 2003 in Geneva. The UN CRC is an international committee on children's rights. It commended Singapore on its commitment and efforts in promoting the interests of children in the country.
As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Singapore is obliged to report to the UN CRC on our progress in implementing the principles enshrined in the Convention. Singapore's report was presented by a multi-agency delegation led by MCDS Minister-of-State Chan Soo Sen.
Echoing the sentiments of the UN CRC, Mr Woodhouse commended Singapore on the high standards of living enjoyed by children here, the quality healthcare available to them and opportunities for their educational, social and personal development. Singapore's infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rates were among the lowest in the world. Our health care and education systems are of high standards compared to many countries. Singapore was also proactive in early intervention and protection of children in dysfunctional environments.
However, there were some areas of concern, including obesity among children, low birth rate, and the need for more developmental and educational opportunities for children who are not academically inclined. Mr Woodhouse said it was important for the views of children to be heard on matters that concern them, and for the individuality of each child to be respected.
Mr Chan, who is also Minister-of-State for Education, delivered the opening address at the Forum in his capacity as Guest-of-Honour. He urged the audience, which include professionals working with children from the public, people and private sectors as well as children and youths, to take cognizance of ''the stressors and anxieties faced by our children today''.
He said: ''Let us celebrate their lives and let them know they matter. Children want to be valued, they want to be allowed to experiment and to be loved. Let us not measure their successes by a single yardstick but celebrate their little talents and their little triumphs at school and beyond.''
For More Information
Members of the public can obtain the report on the UN CRC's concluding observations at the MCDS website: www.mcds.gov.sg.
Issued by: MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS
Date: 29 January 2004