Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review: Singapore (2016)

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review: Singapore (2016)

GE.16-06207(E) 1

Human Rights Council

Thirty-second session

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review

Singapore The annex is being circulated in the language of submission only. United Nations A/HRC/32/17 General Assembly Distr.: General 15 April 2016 Original: English A/HRC/32/17 Contents Page Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3  I.  Summary of the proceedings of the review process ......................................................................... 3    A.  Presentation by the State under review .................................................................................... 3    B.  Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ................................................. 4  II. Conclusions and/or recommendations .............................................................................................. 15 Annex Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 30 A/HRC/32/17 3 =Introduction= 1. The  Working  Group  on  the  Universal  Periodic  Review,  established  in  accordance with Human  Rights  Council  resolution  5/1,  held  its  twenty-fourth  session  from  18  to  29 January 2016. The review of Singapore was held at the 16th meeting, on 27 January 2016. The delegation  of  Singapore  was  headed  by  Ambassador-at-Large,  Ministry  of  Foreign Affairs, Chan  Heng  Chee. At its  18th  meeting,  held  on  29  January  2016,  the  Working Group adopted the report on Singapore.

2. On  12  January  2016,  the  Human  Rights  Council  selected  the  following  group  of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Singapore: Botswana, Ecuador and Maldives.

3. In  accordance  with  paragraph  15 of  the  annex  to  Human  Rights  Council  resolution 5/1 and  paragraph  5  of  the  annex  to  Council  resolution  16/21,  the  following  documents were issued for the review of Singapore: (a) A  national  report  submitted/written  presentation  made  in  accordance  with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SGP/1); (b) A  compilation  prepared  by  the  Office  of  the  United  Nations  High Commissioner for  Human  Rights  (OHCHR)  in  accordance  with  paragraph  15  (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SGP/2); (c) A  summary  prepared  by  OHCHR  in  acordance  with  paragraph  15  (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SGP/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Liechtenstein, Mexico,  the  Netherlands,  Norway,  Slovenia,  Spain,  Sweden,  Switzerland, the United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Northern  Ireland,  and  the  United  States  of America was transmitted to Singapore through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The  Permanent  Representative  of  Singapore,  Foo  Kok  Jwee,  said  that  his  country supported and remained committed to the  universal periodic review  process. It provided a framework for  all  States  to  have  a  conversation  on  their  human  rights  achievements  and challenges on  equal  terms. The review  allowed  Singapore  to listen to others’ views, take stock of progress and engage its citizens and civil society, to achieve its goal of building a fair and inclusive society.

6. He  noted  that  the  review  was  also  an  opportunity  for  States  to  share  their  best practices and experiences. Singapore would share how it managed the enduring challenges of dealing with primordial and visceral  forces of race, language and religion in  its diverse society, while trying to overcome its developmental and social challenges.

7. The  head  of  the  Singaporean  delegation,  Ms.  Chan,  said  that  the  heart  of  the Singapore story  was  finding  the  right  political,  economic  and  social  strategies  for  broadly uplifting all  communities  in  Singapore. Singapore was  a  multiracial  society  with  different languages, religions  and  cultures. Its social  harmony  did  not  happen  by  chance  but  by deliberate choices and policies. Each community was prepared to accommodate others and not insist  on  its  own  primacy. Crucially, the  majority  Chinese  community  agreed  not  to assert  its  majoritarian  status,  which  helped  to  preserve  the  common  space  for  all Singaporeans.

8. The  Ambassador  said  that  the  Government  treasured  every  Singaporean. She also said that  Singapore  focused  on  the  basics  in  the  first  three  decades  of  its  nationhood: security, fair  opportunities  for  a  good  education,  stable  jobs  and  homeownership. In the previous 10  years,  in  response  to  a  widening  income  gap  due  to  globalization  and  the technological revolution,  more  was  done  to  ensure  social  mobility  and  provide  assurance for older Singaporeans, to ensure that Singapore remained an inclusive society.

9. She said that the Government remained committed to, and invested in, the relentless task of caring for Singaporeans and protecting their fundamental rights, independent of any United Nations  human  rights  review. Singapore was  determined  to  remain  a  multiracial, fair and  just  society,  with  a  culture  of  self-reliance  and  mutual  support,  as  well  as  sustain the bond of trust between the Government and its people that had been developed over the previous 50  years. Good governance  and  a  forward-looking  outlook  were  the  other  key ingredients for the success of Singapore.

10. She  noted  that  Singaporean  society  was  changing. The Government  had implemented several  new  policies  since  its  previous  review  to  enhance  social  protection and strengthen social harmony, such as MediShield Life, the Pioneer Generation Package, and an  enabling  master  plan  for  persons  with  disabilities. In July  2013,  Singapore  ratified the Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with  Disabilities;  in  2015,  it  signed  the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; also in 2015, Singapore  acceded  to  the  United  Nations  Protocol  to  Prevent,  Suppress  and  Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Protocol).

11. The Ambassador said that,  while the principles of  governance of Singapore, how it protected  human  rights  and  preserved  social  harmony,  might  not  fully  conform  to  how other societies  had  organized  themselves,  Singapore  had  to  take  a  practical  and  not  an ideological  approach  to  human  rights. She noted  that  countries  in  the  West  had  to  review some of  their  more  liberal  policies  because  they  proved  inadequate  in  dealing  with contemporary manifestations  of  terrorism,  extremism  and  immigration. Every country should therefore be given the time and space to deal with its own development and advance human rights in its own way, taking into account its unique social and cultural context. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

12. During  the  interactive  dialogue,  113  delegations  made  statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are in section II below.

13. Nepal praised investment in education and health. It welcomed the ratification of the Convention on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with  Disabilities  and  the  signing  of  the  International Convention on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Racial  Discrimination,  and  encouraged Singapore to consider ratifying the remaining core international human rights instruments.

14. The  Netherlands  was  willing  to  share  experiences  with  Singapore  on  developing  a national  action  plan  on  business  and  human  rights. It expressed  concern  about  executions and new death sentences since the previous review.

15. Israel  welcomed  the  Prevention  of  Human  Trafficking  Act,  the  Protection  from Harassment Act,  the  Workfare  Income  Supplement  Scheme,  MediShield  Life,  and measures regarding senior citizens and employment of persons with disabilities.

16. Nicaragua  highlighted  the  priority  given  to  and  high  investment  in  education  and health, and improvements in the quality of life of persons with disabilities. A/HRC/32/17 5

17. Nigeria appreciated efforts to strengthen social protection, education and health care. It welcomed  the  increase  of  women  in  high  positions,  the  Legal  Aid  Bureau  and  the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

18. Norway encouraged Singapore to take more concrete measures to protect the human rights of sexual minorities. It expressed concern about the resumption of executions in 2014 and 2015.

19. Oman  welcomed  the  social  and  economic  development,  harmony  and  cohesion among citizens,  and  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with Disabilities.

20. Pakistan  appreciated  efforts  to  foster  religious  and  ethnic  harmony,  including  new Muslim laws,  improvements  in  sharia  courts  and  a  social  action  plan  towards  de-radicalization.

21. Panama  noted  positively  the  recent  modification  of  penal  legal  instruments. It wished to see total freedom of information for its citizens.

22. Paraguay  welcomed  the  enlarged  subsidies  to  protect  older  persons,  the  ratification of the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with  Disabilities,  and  the  2012-2016  plan  to improve accessibility.

23. Peru underscored the progress made, including in implementing economic and social policies for a more just and inclusive society, and efforts to protect migrant workers.

24. The Philippines praised the great strides made in combating human trafficking, and efforts to uphold migrant workers’ rights.

25. Poland  noted  that  there  was  room  for  improving  institutional  measures  and cooperation with human rights mechanisms.

26. Portugal acknowledged the economic development of Singapore while regretting its ending of a de facto moratorium on the death penalty.

27. Qatar  praised  efforts  to  protect  and  promote  human  rights,  particularly  measures regarding education, health services and the elderly.

28. The  Republic  of  Korea  noted  practical  efforts  to  realize  human  rights,  specifically the health-care  2020  master  plan,  the  Silver  Support  Scheme  and  Government-paid paternity leave.

29. The  Russian  Federation  welcomed  the  new  policy  of  extending  social  support  to citizens,  particularly  the  elderly  and  those  with  lower  incomes,  and  the  ratification  of  the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

30. Saudi Arabia noted achievements, in particular improved social services, provided to the elderly and those with lower incomes. 31. Senegal  noted  measures  to  improve  the  education  system  and  the  situation  of  the elderly, and to provide aid to people with low incomes.

32. Serbia  welcomed  efforts  to  uphold  socioeconomic  rights  and  enhance  social cohesion, and  encouraged  Singapore  to  explore  the  possibility  of  accepting  the  universal standards on civil and political rights.

33. Sierra  Leone  encouraged  Singapore  to  incorporate  into  its  legislation  a  clear definition of all forms of discrimination against women in line with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

34. Slovakia  encouraged  Singapore  to  fully  implement  the  Prevention  of  Human Trafficking Act. It expressed concern about the imposition of the death penalty. A/HRC/32/17 6

35. Slovenia welcomed programmes to promote and protect the rights of older persons.

36. South Africa regretted the decision of Singapore to resume executions in 2014.

37. Spain  welcomed  the  progress  in  combating  trafficking  in  persons,  and  the  national plan to combat domestic violence. It encouraged repeal of section 377 A of the Penal Code.

38. Sri Lanka praised steps to guarantee the rights of its citizens. It noted its accession to the Palermo Protocol.

39. Sweden  acknowledged  the  commitment  of  Singapore  to  the  universal  periodic review.

40. Switzerland  reiterated  that  the  death  penalty  had  no  deterrent  effect. It expressed concern that arrests without trial were authorized under the Penal Code and other laws.

41. Tajikistan appreciated measures to preserve mutual understanding among those who followed different religions.

42. Thailand  welcomed  the  accession  of  Singapore  to  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of Persons  with  Disabilities,  the  Palermo  Protocol  and  the  Association  of  Southeast  Asian Nations (ASEAN) Convention against Trafficking in Persons. It noted efforts to safeguard foreign workers’ rights by strengthening the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

43. Timor-Leste  welcomed  the  National  Family  Violence  Networking  System  and  the Inter-agency Task Force on Trafficking in Persons.

44. Trinidad  and  Tobago  applauded  the  legal  amendments  made  to  better  protect workers, girls  and  young  women,  and  initiatives  to  ensure  the  well-being  of  older Singaporeans.

45. Turkey  welcomed  measures  to  expand  the  social  security  network  and  encouraged Singapore to further strengthen its efforts to protect women’s rights.

46. Uganda  noted  that  many  international  instruments  had  yet  to  be  ratified,  including the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.

47. Ukraine  acknowledged  the  commitment  of  Singapore  to  secularism  and multiracialism to ensure equal standing and opportunities for all citizens.

48. The  United  Arab  Emirates  noted  the  progress  in  social  rights  and  freedom  of religion.

49. The  United  Kingdom  welcomed  new  measures  to  protect  migrant  workers  from exploitation. It urged  revision  to  laws  and  regulations  that  could  prohibit  freedom  of speech, media and assembly, and removal of scandalizing the judiciary as an offence.

50. The United States welcomed the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act. It expressed concern about respect for individuals’ civil and political rights, including those of  lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

51. Uzbekistan welcomed achievements to ensure the rule of law, and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Palermo Protocol.

52. The Bolivarian Republic of  Venezuela welcomed the ratification of  the Convention on the  Rights  of  Persons  with  Disabilities,  and  the  progress  in  implementing  the  national road map for the integration of persons with disabilities into society.

53. Bangladesh  appreciated  the  safeguarding  of  social  harmony  through  legally protected respect  for  diversity. It noted  efforts  to  safeguard migrants’ well-being,  and welcomed strengthened social protection for low-income citizens. A/HRC/32/17 7

54. Zimbabwe noted policies and programmes to improve social protection, particularly for the  elderly  and  low-  and  middle-income  groups. It welcomed  the  ratification  of  the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Palermo Protocol.

55. Afghanistan  welcomed  the  implementation  of  the  second  national  plan  for  persons with disabilities to help them to better integrate in the community.

56. Albania welcomed measures by Singapore to provide quality and affordable care for elderly persons, putting in place programmes and relevant infrastructure. 57. Algeria welcomed measures to strengthen social welfare programmes, especially for the most destitute, and the national plan for the elderly.

58. Argentina  welcomed  the  national  action  plan  against  trafficking  in  persons. It expressed concern about the use of the death penalty.

59. Australia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and  the  signature  of  the  International  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act and the Penal Code (Amendment) Act.

60. Austria  welcomed  the  progress  achieved  by  Singapore  since  its  previous  review, including the  protection  of  the  rights  of  the  elderly  and  persons  with  disabilities,  and  the fight against  human  trafficking. It encouraged  extending  an  invitation  to  the  Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression.

61. In  response  to  questions  on  the  death  penalty,  Singapore  said  no  civilized  society glorified in  the  taking  of  lives. Singapore applied  capital  punishment  to  deter  the  most serious crimes such as murder and drug trafficking.

62. Singapore  said  it  was  small  and  densely  populated,  and  situated  in  a  region  with major drug trafficking centres. Ensuring Singaporeans’ fundamental right to safety and security was  paramount. By being  tough  on  crime  and  emphasizing  rehabilitation,  the system succeeded in protecting lives while having one of the world’s lowest homicide rates. Drug abuse rates were kept under control.

63. In  2012,  following  a  regular  criminal  justice  review  and  rigorous  debates  in Parliament, Singapore made the mandatory death penalty discretionary under very specific situations.

64. The application of corporal punishment was guided by necessity and proportionality. There were absolute limits on the number of strokes, and it was administered under highly regulated conditions.

65. Singapore enacted the Protection from Harassment Act in 2014 in response to calls for greater  protection  from  harassment,  including  online  harassment,  from  its  citizens  and civil society. 66. Singapore kept core treaties under review and engaged seriously with treaty bodies. While Singapore was not party to certain treaties, its domestic policies generally complied with their substance. 67. Singapore  gave  space  for  freedom  of  assembly  without  compromising  order  and stability. Public assemblies  generally  required  permits,  except  those  posing  lower  safety and security risks. From 2012 to 2015, 88 public demonstrations took place at the Speakers’ Corner. 68. Singapore  applied  preventive  detention  without  trial  only  as  a  last  resort  and  only under exceptional circumstances to counter serious threats against public order or national A/HRC/32/17 8  security. The Internal Security Act was effective in addressing the threat of terrorism in the current heightened security climate. 69. Preventive  detention  was  governed  by  the  same  robust  checks  and  balances  as normal  arrests. Rehabilitation was  a  key  component  to  help  detainees  reintegrate  into society after  release. Volunteers from  the  Religious  Rehabilitation  Group  gave  religious counselling to counter radical ideology. 70. On  trafficking  in  persons,  Singapore  established  an  Inter-agency  Task  Force  on Trafficking in Persons in 2010, launched a national plan of action in 2012 and enacted the Prevention of  Human  Trafficking  Act  in  2015. Singapore co-funded  public  awareness initiatives, and  partnered  with  civil  society  to  provide  assistance,  such  as  temporary employment and  language  lessons  for  victims. Singapore was  one  of  the  first  to  ratify  the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons in January 2016. 71. Responding  to a question on  conscientious objectors,  Singapore underscored that it had  no  choice  but  to  base  its  defence  on  citizen  soldiers. National service  applied  to  all male Singaporeans  and  Permanent  Residents,  regardless  of  race  or  religion. Singapore recognized freedom of religion as a constitutional right, but allowing individuals to opt out or choose alternative forms of national service would weaken its strong public support and impact the defence of Singapore. 72. On  freedom  of  speech,  no  one  in  Singapore  was  prosecuted  for  criticizing  the Government or its policies, and many were doing so. The Constitution guaranteed the right to freedom of expression. However, there must be safeguards against those who abused this right to denigrate or offend the beliefs of others, or to incite racial or religious hatred. 73. The  Online  News  Licensing  Scheme  puts  print  and  online  news  on  more  equal regulatory footing, but did not change standards required of the content. 74. The  media  regulatory  framework  was  complemented  with  a  strong  focus  on promoting  media  and  information  literacy. The independent  Media  Literacy  Council  and the Inter-Ministry  Cyber  Wellness  Steering  Committee  were  established  to  achieve  these goals. 75. On defamation suits involving politicians, Singapore placed great importance on the credibility of public institutions and political leaders. Libellous allegations were challenged in court. Trust and reputation were  invaluable assets  in  Government,  which Singapore did not want to see debased. 76. Singapore  affirmed  that  lesbian,  gay,  bisexual,  transgender  and  intersex  persons were part  of  Singaporean  society  and  their  contributions  were  acknowledged  like  those  of all citizens. The Government had to manage lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex issues sensitively  and  pragmatically  without  fracturing  society  because  Singapore  was basically a conservative society. 77. Section  377  A  of  the  Penal  Code  on  sodomy,  which  was  inherited  during  the colonial history  of  Singapore,  was  not  proactively  enforced. Lesbian, gay,  bisexual, transgender and  intersex  persons  were  free  to  lead  their  lives. Parliament decided  after  an intense debate in 2007 to retain this law. The Prime Minister noted at that time that it was better to accept the legal untidiness and ambiguity of leaving the law as it was, and it would not be wise to force this issue by settling it one way or the other. Singapore firmly opposed discrimination and  harassment,  and  did  not  discriminate  against  lesbian,  gay,  bisexual, transgender and  intersex  applicants  to  the  civil  service. The approach  was  “to live and let live”, preserve the common space for all communities, and let society evolve gradually and decide collectively. A/HRC/32/17 9 78. Azerbaijan  noted  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with Disabilities and  accession  to  the  Palermo  Protocol. It welcomed  the  Inter-Racial  and Religious Confidence Circles Steering Committees. 79. Bahamas  welcomed  the  people-centred  policies  and  programmes  of  Singapore,  its universal health-care  scheme,  increased  assistance  to  persons  with  disabilities,  and accession to the Palermo Protocol. 80. Bahrain  welcomed  steps  to  improve  living  conditions,  and  to  achieve  social harmony and religious tolerance. 81. Viet  Nam  welcomed  the  achievements  in  protecting  and  promoting  human  rights since the previous review. 82. Barbados  noted  the  ethnic  and  religious  diversity. It welcomed  investment  in housing, health care and education, and attention for the elderly and less well-off. 83. Belarus  noted  the  approach  of  Singapore  to  combating  human  trafficking. It welcomed efforts  to  enhance  social  protection,  and  additional  investments  in  education, health and housing. 84. Belgium encouraged Singapore to align its domestic legislation with the Convention on the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Discrimination  against  Women. It expressed  concern about minors’ still being enlisted in the army and judged by a military tribunal. 85. Benin  welcomed  efforts  to  promote  education,  health  care and children’s rights. It noted legislative reforms to protect women, children and girls against violence, negligence and exploitation. 86. Bhutan  noted  that  the  education  and  health-care  systems  of  Singapore  had  resulted in an increase in the well-being of its citizens. 87. The  Plurinational  State  of  Bolivia  recognized  advances  on  education  and  health. It welcomed the  signing  of  the  International  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of Racial Discrimination and encouraged its prompt ratification. 88. Botswana noted  measures to fight  human trafficking. It also encouraged expediting the ratification  of  the  International  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Racial Discrimination. It expressed  concern  that  Muslim  women  did  not  enjoy  equal  rights regarding family, marriage and divorce. 89. Brazil  appreciated  policies  to  enhance  social  protection,  and  investments  in education. It noted  laws  and  policies  promoting  tolerance  among  ethnic  and  religious groups, and also encouraged the prompt ratification of the International Convention. 90. Brunei  Darussalam  noted  the  importance  attached  to  quality  and  affordable  health care. It welcomed  efforts  to  provide  education  bursaries  to  children  from  two-thirds  of Singaporean households. 91. Burundi  welcomed  measures  to  enhance  the  rights  of  children  and  persons  with disabilities, as well as the right to housing and measures to combat human trafficking. 92. Cambodia  welcomed  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons with Disabilities  and  achievements  in  housing,  health  care,  education,  protection  of  the elderly, and prevention of human trafficking. 93. Germany  appreciated  positive  developments  regarding  freedom  of  opinion, especially during the latest elections. It expressed concern about the practice of caning, the death penalty and the situation of foreign workers. A/HRC/32/17 10  94.  Chile  noted  the  progress  in  implementing  previous  universal  periodic  review recommendations. 95. China  noted  achievements  in  housing,  health,  education  and  social  services,  racial equality and freedom of religion, and measures to combat human trafficking. 96. Colombia welcomed the establishment of an Inter-ministerial Committee on Human Rights to follow up and implement recommendations. 97. The  Congo  appreciated  the  ratification  of  the  main  international  human  rights instruments. 98. Costa Rica underscored social and development policies to address inequality, while expressing concern  about  restrictions  on  peaceful  demonstrations  and  freedom  of expression. 99. Cuba  welcomed  efforts  to  strengthen  social  protection  and  improve  health  care, including the  Progressive  Wage  Model  and  MediShield  Life,  and  the  national  action  plan for the elderly. 100. Cyprus  welcomed  reforms  to  enhance  social  protection,  particularly  for  the  elderly and low-income earners, and to improve health care and housing. 101. The Czech Republic appreciated the responses to its advance questions. 102. The Democratic People’s Republic  of  Korea  welcomed  efforts  to  strengthen  social protection, health care and care for the elderly, and to protect women and girls, children and persons with disabilities. 103. Denmark asked what concrete steps had been taken to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 104. Ecuador  welcomed  efforts  to  promote  intercultural  and  religious  harmony,  and  to protect the rights of older persons and persons with disabilities. 105. Egypt  welcomed extensive social protection measures for older persons and groups with limited income in areas of housing, education and health. 106. Ethiopia  appreciated  the  efficient  health-care  systems,  lifelong  learning  and  access to education, and improved social protection. 107. Fiji welcomed efforts to strengthen social cohesion, the national action plan against human trafficking, and the amendment of laws related to gender equality. 108. Finland  welcomed  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with Disabilities and  the  International  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Racial Discrimination. It encouraged decriminalization of consensual sexual activity and revoking censorship guidelines  discriminating  against  lesbian,  gay,  bisexual,  transgender  and intersex persons. 109. Singapore planned ahead to meet the needs of an ageing population and advocated a more  positive  view  of  older  persons. To improve  health-care  affordability,  Singapore enhanced its MediShield Life scheme in 2015 to provide universal health coverage for life, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions. 110. The  vision  of  Singapore  was  to create “A Nation for All Ages”. It launched an action plan  for  successful  ageing  in  August  2015  to  create  a  conducive  workplace  for  all ages, and reorganize its health-care system to place more emphasis on prevention and make the delivery  of  health-care  services  more  appropriate  for  the  ageing  population,  make  its city infrastructure more senior-friendly, and provide a greater range of social activities  for its seniors. A/HRC/32/17 11 111. Singapore  invited  the  Independent  Expert  on  the  enjoyment  of  all  human  rights  by older persons to visit. 112. Singapore improved  welfare  provisions to vulnerable groups and timely protection, while ensuring  they  felt  safe  in  their  environment. The poor  received  additional  cash assistance above subsidies available to all citizens. Timely and flexible assistance  avoided the “cliff effect”. Singapore established  24  Social  Service  Offices,  and  there  were  more than 400  civil  society  organizations  where  people  could  get  early  help. This also  enabled the Government to receive regular feedback to adjust policies to evolving needs. 113. The  enabling  master  plan  (2012—2016)  made  Singapore  a  friendlier  and  more accessible place  for  persons  with  disabilities. Transport and  infrastructure  were  more wheelchair-accessible, and  spending  in  special  education  schools  increased  by  50 per cent in the previous five years. 114. Singapore  was  strongly  committed  to  its  obligations  under  the  Convention  on  the Elimination of  All  Forms  of  Discrimination  against  Women. To promote  shared  parental responsibilities, fathers  received  up  to  two  weeks’  paternity  leave,  and  working  mothers could share a week’s maternity leave with husbands. Singapore also took a gender-sensitive perspective on issues such as health. 115. Singapore planned to enact the Vulnerable Adults Act in 2016 to protect adults who suffered from  or  were  at  risk  of  abuse,  neglect  or  self-neglect. Singapore also  planned  to amend the Mental Capacity Act to protect the dignity and interest of individuals who lacked the mental capacity to make informed decisions on their own. 116. Responding  to  questions,  Singapore  stressed  that  corporal  punishment  of  young persons was  the  last  resort. It was  subject  to  stringent  safeguards,  after  counselling  and alternative disciplinary methods had repeatedly failed. 117. Singapore  planned  to  consider  extending  the  care  and  protection  provisions  under the Children and Young Persons Act from 16 to 18 years of age. 118. Singapore  underscored  that  its  racial  and  religious  harmony  was  the  result  of continuing  efforts  by  the  Government,  community  organizations  and  citizens. Its Constitution affirmed  that  all  citizens  were  equal  before  the  law  regardless  of  race, language or  religion. The Presidential  Council  for  Minority  Rights  scrutinized  bills  to ensure  that  they  did  not  unfairly  discriminate  against  any  race  or  religion. Singapore implemented an Ethnic Integration Policy to ensure a balanced mix of ethnic communities in public  housing,  and  made  English  the  working  language  so  as  not  to  favour  any particular ethnic  group. Group Representation  Constituencies  also  ensured  that  minorities would always be represented in Parliament. 119. The Government regularly engaged ethnic and religious community leaders through the National  Steering  Committee  on  Racial  and  Religious  Harmony. The Inter-Racial  and Religious Confidence  Circles  in  every  constituency  brought  together  different  ethnic  and religious leaders  to  organize  common  activities  and  nurture  trust. Singapore intended  to ratify  the  International  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Racial Discrimination in 2017. 120. Its Constitution enjoined the Government of Singapore to care for the interests of the Malays, the indigenous people of Singapore who were overwhelmingly of the Muslim faith. The Administration  of  the  Muslim  Law  Act  in  1968  established  the  Islamic  Religious Council of  Singapore,  Syariah  Court  and  Registry  of  Muslim  Marriages,  which  worked closely together to ensure that the practice of Muslim law in Singapore was progressive and responsive to  evolving  social  contexts,  while  adhering  to  the  principles  of  Islam. The madrasas provided an academic education within an Islamic environment. A/HRC/32/17 12  121.  Singapore explained how it created better skills, better jobs and better careers as the best form  of  welfare  for  its  workers. It recently  implemented  the  SkillsFuture  initiative  to develop  an  integrated  system  of  education,  training  and  career  progression,  and  foster lifelong learning. It provided  grants  and  subsidies  for  training  and  support  for  leadership development, and  fostered  collaboration with employers and unions to meet industries’ future manpower needs. 122. The Workfare Income Supplement Scheme  was a targeted scheme that helped low-income  workers  be  self-reliant  through  continued  employment  through  cash  supplements, retirement savings top-ups, and up to 95 per cent subsidies for training courses. For sectors facing depressed  wages,  the  Progressive  Wage  Model  set  out  training  requirements  in exchange for higher wages. Those efforts contributed to social mobility. 123. Singapore  had  one of world’s highest migrant worker concentrations. One in three persons in  its  workforce  was  foreign. Singapore valued  their  contributions  and  was committed to safeguarding their well-being and rights. 124. Surveys  showed  most  migrant  workers  were happy  with their  work conditions, and would recommend  to  their  families  and  friends  to  work  in  Singapore. Laws such  as  the Employment Act  provided  them  the  same  avenues  of  justice  as  locals. Additional safeguards were  provided  through  the  Employment  of  Foreign  Manpower  Act  and  the Employment Agencies  Act. Those mandated,  for  instance,  that  employers  give  payslips, and that the withholding of passports against workers’ wishes was  illegal. Fees that Singapore employment agencies could charge workers were also limited. 125. The  Government  shared  complaints  with  relevant  embassies  in  Singapore  for investigations by local authorities. Singapore had taken a range of actions against more than 2,000 errant  employers  in  2015. Every complaint  of  abuse  reported  was  investigated. Singapore was working with civil society to reach out to foreign workers about their rights and where they could seek help. 126. Singapore  noted  that  all  types  of  foreign  worker  housing  must  adhere  to  rules  on safety and well-being. The longer-term direction was to improve workers’ living conditions towards larger dormitories with full facilities. 127. Singapore  introduced  a  weekly  rest  day  for  foreign  domestic  workers,  and  the maximum penalties  for  abuses  of  such  workers  under  its  Penal  Code  were  1.5  times  the norm. The Government worked with civil society to provide skills training on workers’ rest days. 128. France  welcomed  the  accession  of  Singapore  to  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of Persons  with  Disabilities  and  the  signature  of  the  International  Convention  on  the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. 129. Georgia  highlighted  policies  to  enhance  social  protection,  especially  for  low-  and middle-income citizens,  and  steps  to  improve  education  and  health  care. It welcomed  the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities while encouraging ratification of the remaining international instruments. 130. Canada acknowledged accession to the Palermo Protocol. 131. Ghana  welcomed  the  Inter-agency  Task  Force  on  Trafficking  in  Persons  and  the National Family Violence Networking System. 132. Greece  highlighted  the  progress  in  access  to  education  for  all,  women’s empowerment in  public,  corporate  and  civil  society  sectors,  and  the  protection  of  child victims of violence. A/HRC/32/17 13 133. Haiti welcomed progress in achieving ethnic diversity, social harmony and an open immigration policy. 134. The Holy See noted the Inter-Agency Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, and the national plan of action on trafficking in persons. 135. Honduras welcomed the ratification of the Palermo Protocol. 136. India  welcomed  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with Disabilities, the  high  representation  of  women  in  public  life,  and  recent  legislative initiatives aimed at preventing trafficking in persons. 137. Indonesia  encouraged  Singapore  to  consider  developing  a  comprehensive  human rights national  action  plan  and  strengthening  national  human  rights  institutions  in conformity  with  the  principles  relating  to  the  status  of  national  institutions  for  the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). 138. The  Islamic  Republic  of  Iran  appreciated  efforts  in  education,  public  health  and protection of the elderly. 139. Iraq urged ratification of the remaining core international human rights treaties. 140. Ireland  noted  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with Disabilities, the signature of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial  Discrimination,  and  the  national  action  plan  on  trafficking  in  persons. Ireland expressed concern about the resumption of executions in 2014 and reports of restrictions on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. 141. New  Zealand  acknowledged  that  judges  were  allowed  to  exercise  discretion  in imposing the death penalty in some cases. 142. Italy  welcomed  measures  to  strengthen  social  protection  and  investments  aimed  at improving  education,  health  care  and  housing,  and  the  commitment  of  Singapore  to advancing the rights of women and the situation of the elderly. 143. Jamaica welcomed the advances in social cohesion achieved through the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. 144. Japan  welcomed  measures  to  provide  financial  support  for  lower-income  citizens, improve education and health care, promote the rights of persons with disabilities, improve working environments and respond to the challenges of the ageing society. 145. Kazakhstan  welcomed  the  progress  in  social  protection,  health,  education,  housing and women’s rights, and the policy of  ensuring  equal  standing  and  opportunities  to  all citizens. 146. Kenya  welcomed  the  progressive  social  policies  that  promoted  harmony  and  social inclusion. 147. Kuwait noted achievements in education, health care and the rule of law. 148. Kyrgyzstan  noted  ethnic  and  religious  diversity  in  Singapore. It also  welcomed policies to promote and protect human rights. 149. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed the progress in social protection, social harmony, building a fair and inclusive society, gender equality, education and health-care services, and freedom of expression. 150. Latvia  welcomed  measures  to  strengthen  social  protection,  in  particular  to  ensure access to quality education for all, enhance  gender equality, provide universal  health care, and strengthen child protection. A/HRC/32/17 14  151.  Lebanon welcomed achievements in education, housing and health care. 152. Libya  welcomed  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with Disabilities and  the  creation  of  a  government  agency  to  create  employment  opportunities for persons with disabilities, and efforts to raise awareness on religious tolerance and social harmony. 153. Malaysia  noted  enhanced  socioeconomic  protection  for  low-  and  middle-income households through  improved  access  to  quality  education,  housing  and  health  care. It welcomed the programmatic strategies to provide care for an ageing population. 154. Maldives welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the signature of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial  Discrimination,  accession  to  the  Palermo  Protocol,  and  efforts  to  strengthen  the national legislation on trafficking in persons. 155. Mauritius  noted  the  enabling  master  plan  for  persons  with  disabilities,  the Prevention of  Human  Trafficking  Act,  accession  to  the  Palermo  Protocol,  and  the  Inter-Racial  and  Religious  Confidence  Circles  Steering  Committees  to  promote  inter-faith  and inter-racial harmony. 156. Mexico  welcomed  the  ratification  of  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  Persons  with Disabilities. 157. Montenegro  welcomed  the  National  Family  Violence  Networking  System,  and asked about  plans  to  criminalize  domestic  violence  and  marital  rape,  and  ensure  that  the definition of rape covered any non-consensual sexual act. 158. Morocco welcomed the progress in education, health and housing, as well as various initiatives to  promote  and  protect  the  rights  of  children,  persons  with  disabilities  and victims of human trafficking. 159. Myanmar  welcomed  the  progress  in  social  protection;  health  care;  the  rights  of women,  children  and  persons  with  disabilities;  care  for  migrant  workers  and  their  well-being; and preserving social harmony. 160. Namibia welcomed efforts to improve the lives of citizens in all stages, such as the increased spending  on  education  and  support  of  low-income  Singaporeans  through  the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme. 161. Uruguay  welcomed  social  policies  for  vulnerable  sectors  while  expressing  concern about criminalization of homosexual relations. It positively noted that the death penalty was no longer mandatory for some offences. 162. In  closing,  Ms.  Chan  said  that  Singapore  would  examine  each  comment  and question carefully to consider how to further improve its efforts to realize human rights. 163. She added that Singapore had a strong position on gender equality and would strive to do better. Singapore would actively review the need to repeal marital rape immunity. 164. Ms.  Chan expressed appreciation for many delegations’  acknowledgement  of  the good work by Singapore in strengthening social protection and social harmony. 165. Singapore  would continue  to  consult its citizens and civil society. It would  have to chart  its  own  course  and  adapt  its  policies  to  remain  relevant  in  the  ever-changing  social, economic and political circumstances to serve Singaporeans best. A/HRC/32/17 15  II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 166. The  following  recommendations  will  be  examined  by  Singapore,  which  will provide responses  in  due  time,  but  no  later  than  the  thirty-second  session  of  the Human Rights Council in June 2016. 166.1 Consider  the  ratification  of  the  international  human  rights instruments, to which it is not yet a party (Nicaragua); 166.2 Continue  its  accession  to  the  core  international  human  rights instruments (Azerbaijan); 166.3 Consider  ratifying  the  human  rights  treaties,  to  which  Singapore  is not yet a party, especially the International Covenants (Costa Rica); Promptly undertake the  necessary  procedures  for  ratification  of  the  core  human  rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International  Covenant  on  Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights  (Japan); Consider ratifying  other  core  human  rights  treaties  such  as  the  International Covenant on  Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights  and  the  International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Mauritius); 166.4 Ratify  more  human  rights  treaties,  especially  the  International Covenant on  Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights  and  the  International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Israel); 166.5 Sign and ratify the human rights instruments already accepted in the previous review (Uruguay); 166.6 Consider  ratifying  the  International  Convention  on  the  Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Ghana); 166.7 Ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Georgia) (Kenya) (Morocco) (Russian Federation); 166.8 Ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, signed in 2015 (Senegal); Complete the Convention’s ratification process (Turkey); Ratify the Convention at the earliest opportunity (Australia); Work  towards  ratifying  the  Convention,  which  it  signed  in  2015 (Zimbabwe); 166.9 Ratify  all  core  human  rights  treaties  to  which  it  is  not  yet  a  party, including the  International  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of Racial  Discrimination;  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political Rights; the  International  Covenant  on  Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights; and the Convention against Torture (Latvia); 166.10 Ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and consider ratifying the  International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Slovakia); 166.11 Become  a  party  to  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political Rights and its Optional Protocols (Sweden); 166.12 Facilitate  acceding  to  both  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and Political Rights  and  the  International  Covenant  on  Economic,  Social  and Cultural Rights  (Republic  of  Korea);  Consider  acceding  to  the  International ** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited. A/HRC/32/17 16  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political  Rights  and  the  International  Covenant  on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Thailand); 166.13 Consider  ratifying  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political Rights (Ghana); 166.14 Fulfil its international obligations by ratifying as a matter of priority the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights  and the  International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (France); 166.15 Ratify  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political  Rights (Montenegro) (South Africa); 166.16 Ratify other core international human rights treaties, particularly the International Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political  Rights;  the  International Covenant on  Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights;  the  International Convention on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Racial  Discrimination;  the Convention against  Torture;  and  the  Optional  Protocol  to  the  Convention  on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Slovenia); 166.17 Ratify  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political  Rights  and its Optional Protocols and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol (Finland); 166.18 Ratify  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political  Rights  and its Second  Optional  Protocol;  the  International  Covenant  on  Economic,  Social and Cultural  Rights  and  its  Optional  Protocol;  as  well  as  the  Convention against Torture (Portugal); 166.19 Take  appropriate  measures  towards  acceding  to  other  core international human rights instruments, namely the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; and the Convention against Torture (Kazakhstan); 166.20 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil  and  Political  Rights  aiming  at  the  abolition  of  the  death  penalty (Montenegro); 166.21 Establish  a  formal  moratorium  on  the  death  penalty,  with  a  view  to ratifying  the  Second  Optional  Protocol  to  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil and Political Rights (Australia); 166.22 Consider  ratifying  the  International  Covenant  on  Economic,  Social and Cultural Rights (Ghana); 166.23 Consider the possibility of acceding to the International Covenant on Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights;  the  International  Convention  on  the Protection of  the  Rights  of  All  Migrant  Workers  and  Members  of  Their Families; and  the  Optional  Protocol  to  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  the Child on the sale of children (Egypt); 166.24 Consider  ratifying  the  International  Covenant  on  Economic,  Social and Cultural Rights; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the Second Optional Protocol thereto (Namibia); 166.25 Remove  its  reservations  to  the  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All Forms of  Discrimination  against  Women  and  sign  its  Optional  Protocol (Sweden); A/HRC/32/17 17 166.26 Accede to the Convention against Torture (New Zealand); Ratify the Convention against Torture (South Africa) (Switzerland); 166.27 Consider ratifying the Convention against Torture (Ghana); 166.28 Consider ratifying the Convention against Torture, the International Convention on  the  Protection  of  the  Rights  of  All  Migrant  Workers  and Members of Their Families, and ILO Convention 189 (Philippines); 166.29 Intensify  its  efforts  to  ratify  the  Convention  against  Torture (Denmark); 166.30 Initiate  the  procedures  aimed  at  ratifying  the  Convention  against Torture (Chile); 166.31 Ratify  the  Convention  against  Torture  and  its  Optional  Protocol (Cyprus) (Lebanon); 166.32 Ratify the Convention against Torture and Optional Protocol thereto, as well  as  the  International  Covenant  on  Civil  and  Political  Rights  and  the International Covenant  on  Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights  (Czech Republic); 166.33 Take  concrete  steps  towards  the  abolition  of  the  death  penalty  and corporal punishment,  including  ratifying  the  Convention  against  Torture  and its Optional Protocol (Sweden); 166.34 Sign and ratify the Convention against Torture and the International Convention for  the  Protection  of  All  Persons  from  Enforced  Disappearance (France); 166.35 Complete  the  process  of  accession  to  the  Optional  Protocol  to  the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children (Kyrgyzstan); 166.36 Ratify  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  the  Child,  in  particular  its Optional Protocol on the sale of children (Senegal); 166.37 Withdraw  reservations  and  declarations  made  on  the  occasion  of accession  to  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  the  Child  and  gradually incorporate its provisions into domestic law (Uruguay); 166.38 Accede  to  the  Optional  Protocol  to  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of the Child on the sale of children (Ecuador); Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on  the  Rights  of  the  Child  on  the  sale  of  children  (Australia) (Paraguay); 166.39 Consider accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children (Albania); 166.40 Continue to work towards completion of necessary internal processes so that it may accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children (Bahamas); 166.41 Speed  up  the  consideration  of  accession  to  the  Optional  Protocol  to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children (Belarus); 166.42 Consider accession to the International Convention on the Protection of the  Rights  of  All  Migrant  Workers  and  Members  of  Their  Families  (Peru); Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Ghana); A/HRC/32/17 18  166.43  Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Algeria) (Ecuador); 166.44 Sign  and  ratify  the  core  international  human  rights  instruments, including the  International  Convention  on  the  Protection  of  the  Rights  of  All Migrant Workers  and  Members  of  Their  Families,  the  Convention  against Torture, the  International  Convention  for  the  Protection  of  All  Persons  from Enforced Disappearance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Sierra Leone); 166.45 Take  efforts  toward  the  accession  of  international  human  rights instruments, including  the  International  Convention  on  the  Protection  of  the Rights of  All  Migrant  Workers  and  Members  of  Their  Families  and  the Convention against Torture (Indonesia); 166.46 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Ghana); 166.47 Ratify the Convention against Discrimination in Education (Benin); 166.48 Consider  favourably  accession  to  the  Rome  Statute  of  the International Criminal  Court  (Peru);  Consider  ratifying  the  Rome  Statute  of the International Criminal Court (Ghana); 166.49 Accede  to  the  Rome  Statute  of  the  International  Criminal  Court (Poland); Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Benin) (Botswana) (France)  (Latvia);  Become  a  party  to  the  Rome  Statute  of  the International Criminal Court (Austria); 166.50 Accede  to  and  fully  align  its  national  legislation  with  the  Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Cyprus) (Portugal); 166.51 Ratify core international human rights instruments, in particular the Rome Statute  of  the  International  Criminal  Court,  the  International Convention on  the  Protection  of  the  Rights  of  All  Migrant  Workers  and Members of  Their  Families  and  the  Optional  Protocol  to  the  Convention against Torture (Honduras); 166.52 Take measures to ratify ILO Conventions 111 and 189 and to amend the labour  legislation  so  that  it  also  apply  to  foreign  domestic  workers  and ensure that  such  workers  are  entitled  to  adequate  wages,  decent  working conditions, benefits and access to complaint and redress mechanisms (Brazil); 166.53 Review  its  policy  with  respect  to  the  ratification  of  ILO  Convention No. 111 (Trinidad and Tobago); 166.54 Ratify ILO Conventions Nos. 87, 111, 169 and 189 (Benin); 166.55 Ratify the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Protocol to it, as well as the Convention against Torture (Ukraine); 166.56 Continue  to  ensure  the  implementation  of  ratified  human  rights treaties (Pakistan); 166.57 Take further steps in order establish an independent national human rights institution giving emphasis to the protection of women’s rights (Greece); 166.58 Continue to improve its legal instruments in the field of human rights and social protection (Tajikistan); A/HRC/32/17 19 166.59 Further  implement  international  human  rights  norms  into  the national legislation (Uzbekistan); 166.60 Enact  comprehensive  legislation  prohibiting  discrimination  in employment on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status or disability (Canada); 166.61 Review  laws  and  regulations  that  call  for  immediate  and  automatic deportation of migrant workers on health grounds (Uganda); 166.62 Align its legislation to the definition of discrimination against women in accordance with Article 1 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination  against  Women,  and  adopt  laws  and  policies  for  the  full participation of women in both public and private decision spaces (Paraguay); 166.63 Continue  incorporating  the  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All Forms of  Discrimination  against  Women  into  its  domestic  legal  system  to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women (Serbia); 166.64 Consider  incorporating  into  its  legislation  a  definition  of discrimination against women (Timor-Leste); 166.65 Continue  efforts  to  harmonize  its  legislation  and  ensure  equality between men  and  women,  particularly  in  marriage  and  family  relations (Botswana); 166.66 Place high priority on the full incorporation of the Convention on the Elimination of  All  Forms  of  Discrimination  against  Women  into  the  domestic legal system (Greece); 166.67 Consider  adopting  laws  and  policies  on  the  promotion  of  the  full participation of women under equal conditions in decision-making in all sectors of public, political and professional life (Plurinational State of Bolivia); 166.68 Abolish section 377 A of the Penal Code (Norway); 166.69 Take  necessary  measures  to  eliminate  legislation  that  criminalizes same-sex relations and to repeal section 377 A of the Penal Code (Slovenia); 166.70 Decriminalize  consensual  homosexual  relations  between  adults (Spain); 166.71 Revoke  legal  provisions  criminalizing  sexual  activity  between consenting adults (Sweden); 166.72 Repeal  laws  that  criminalize  homosexuality  (United  Kingdom  of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); 166.73 Repeal  the  anti-sodomy  law,  which  criminalizes  the  private consensual conduct of gay men (United States of America); 166.74 Formally  repeal  section  377  A  of  the  Penal  Code  criminalising homosexual acts (Austria); 166.75 Take the necessary measures to eliminate legislation and policies that criminalize, in a direct or an indirect way, same sex relations and discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (Brazil); 166.76 Eliminate  provisions  in  national  legislation  that  discriminate  against women and  other  groups  such  as  lesbian,  gay,  bisexual,  transgender  and intersex persons, including revising the section 377 A of the Penal Code (Czech Republic); A/HRC/32/17 20  166.77  Repeal  section  377  A  of  the  Penal  Code  to  decriminalize homosexuality (France); 166.78 Consider de-criminalizing same-sex relations (Greece); 166.79 Enact  a  national  migrant  legislation  to  protect  the  rights  of  migrant workers and  ensure  that  migrant  workers  who  wish  to  pursue  claim  against employers are not forced to repatriate without access to justice (Afghanistan); 166.80 Abolish corporal punishment as a legal penalty, in particular caning (Switzerland); 166.81 Establish  both  domestic  violence  and  marital  violence  as  crimes under domestic law in accordance with international standards (Paraguay); 166.82 Criminalize  gender  violence  and  modify  the  definition  of  rape  to define it as non-consensual sex within or outside marriage (Spain); 166.83 Criminalize  explicitly  domestic  violence  and  marital  rape  and  make sure that the definition of rape is in line with international standards, and take steps to  facilitate  the  reporting  of  domestic  and  sexual  violence  and  protect victims (Belgium); 166.84 Continue  working  on  the  legislation  on  domestic  violence  crimes, particularly regarding  the  inclusion  of  a  definition  of  sexual  violence  that  also encompasses any non-consented sexual act within marriage (Colombia); 166.85 Introduce legislation to make marital rape illegal in all circumstances (Canada); 166.86 Decriminalize  defamation  and  make  it  a  civil  offence  in  accordance with international standards (Belgium); 166.87 Ensure  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  right  to  freedom  of  expression  and to peaceful  assembly  and  revise  its  national  legislation,  inter  alia  the  Internal Security Act and the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, in order to eliminate media censorship  and  prevent  self-censorship,  in  this  regard,  protect  bloggers from persecution and harassment for the exercise of their human rights (Czech Republic); 166.88 Review  media  laws  to  align  them  with  international  human  rights standards on freedom of expression (Latvia); 166.89 Adopt  legislative  measures  to  permit  the  realization  of  peaceful demonstrations and promote freedom of expression (Costa Rica); 166.90 Review  existing  legislation  to  enhance  the  exercise  of  the  right  to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly (Italy); 166.91 Consider  the  necessary  legislations  and  policies  to  effectively guarantee the  protection  and  promotion  of  freedoms  of  expression,  peaceful assembly and association (Mexico); 166.92 Review  the  use  of  anti-defamation  laws  and  the  registration  process for civil society and associations to ensure that such laws are consistent with the right to  freedom  of  expression,  association  and  peaceful  assembly,  and  do  not constitute a de facto ban on peaceful public demonstrations (Canada); 166.93 Enact  a  law  that  protects  migrants,  refugees  and  asylum  seekers (Congo); A/HRC/32/17 21 166.94 Adopt  a  comprehensive  legislation  that  guarantees  the  protection  of the rights of migrant workers (Honduras); 166.95 Repeal  the  law  that  deports  foreign  workers  suffering  from  sexually transmitted diseases (Congo); 166.96 Review  the  nationality  law  to  provide  persons  born  to  Singaporean mothers before 15 May 2004 an opportunity to acquire Singaporean nationality (Kenya); 166.97 Enact  new  legislation  for  providing  early  intervention  and  better protect vulnerable adults from abuse and harm due to neglect and self-neglect (Albania); 166.98 Consider  enshrining  in  law,  protection  for  rights  for  16-  to  18-year-olds, either by amending the Children and Young Persons Act or through other legislation (Jamaica); 166.99 Strengthen  the  role  of  the  Inter-Ministerial  Committee  on  Human Rights to  allow  for  the  adapting  of  human  rights  policies  to  meet  the  national concerns in a changing global economic and social environment (Barbados); 166.100 Continue  to  strengthen  its  human  rights  mechanisms  and  consider establishing a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles (Nepal); 166.101 Take  steps  to  establish  a  national  human  rights  institution  in accordance  with  the  Paris  Principles  (Poland);  Consider  establishing  an independent  national  human  rights  institution  in  accordance  with  the  Paris Principles (Timor-Leste);  Consider  to  establish  a  national  human  rights institution in line with the Paris Principles (Malaysia); 166.102 Seriously consider establishing an independent national human rights institution with  a  wide  mandate  to  protect  and  promote  human  rights, especially in cooperation with civil society (Republic of Korea); 166.103 Establish  an  independent  national  human  rights  institution  for  the protection and promotion of the rights of women (Uganda); 166.104 Establish  a  national  human  rights  institution  in  accordance  with  the Paris Principles (Costa Rica); 166.105 Continue the progress in the human rights policies, and focus on the practices adopted  in  various  sectors  concerned  with  the  advancement  of  the country such as education, health and care for the elderly (Bahrain); 166.106 Provide the Office for Women’s Development  with  the  necessary resources to promote gender equality in all policy areas (Fiji); 166.107 Adopt a National Action Plan to implement the Guiding Principles on Business  and  Human  Rights,  as  recommended  by  the  Working  Group  on Business and Human Rights (Netherlands); 166.108 Take  steps  to  carry  out  recommendations  with  regard  to  the implementation of  commitments  under  the  Convention  on  the  Rights  of  the Child (Slovakia); 166.109 Continue  commendable  efforts  to  establish  the  principle  of  social harmony among the members of the community (Oman); A/HRC/32/17 22  166.110  Continue  to  implement  policies  for  the  development  of  its  people under the Sustainable Development Goals (Pakistan); 166.111 Continue  its  efforts  to  enhance  religious  tolerance  and  maintain peaceful co-existence among followers of different religions (Qatar); 166.112 Continue  its  efforts  aimed  at  strengthening  the  principles  of  social justice, and enhance social cohesion (United Arab Emirates); 166.113 Further  its  endeavours  with  regard  to  the  smooth  and  productive activities of  the  Inter-Racial  and  Religious  Confidence  Circles  Steering Committees, and  continue  its  efforts  to  strengthen  social  harmony  in  the country (Azerbaijan); 166.114 Further  introduce  effective  measures  to  enhance  gender  equity,  and to create  practical  facilities  for  persons  with  disabilities  to  effectively participate in the labour market (Viet Nam); 166.115 Continue  taking  effective  policy  and  other  measures  to  build  a  fair and inclusive society (Bhutan); 166.116 Aim  at  enhancing  social  cohesion  through  laws  and  policies  to  meet the changing political, economic and social demands of the people to safeguard social harmony (China); 166.117 Continue  preserving  social  harmony,  as  a  diverse  cultural  and linguistic nation, to build a fair and inclusive society (Ethiopia); 166.118 Continue  its  efforts  in  education,  knowledge  and  public  health,  and achieve religious  tolerance  and  social  cohesion  as  it  represents  an  important basis to strengthen the principles of human rights (Iraq); 166.119 Continue  with  efforts  related  to  the  enhancement  of  harmony between various religious and ethnical sects (Libya); 166.120 Continue  efforts  to  maintain  harmony  among  ethnic  and  religious groups in society (Morocco); 166.121 Raise the level of human rights awareness in society (Bahrain); 166.122 Continue  its  engagement  with  Governments  and  civil  society organizations on  initiatives  that  help  promote  and  protect  human  rights (Philippines); 166.123 Carry  out  general  awareness-raising  campaigns  aimed  at  combating discrimination in all its forms (Chile); 166.124 Continue  with  the  actions  of  the  Inter-ministerial  Committee  on Human  Rights,  which  provides  follow-up  to  human  rights  recommendations (Paraguay); 166.125 Continue its engagement with the Human Rights Council by bringing into domestic  law  the  recommendations  accepted  in  its  first  universal  periodic review process (Barbados); 166.126 Extend  a  standing  invitation  to  the  Human  Rights  Council’s Special Procedures (Poland);  Extend  a  standing  invitation  to  all  special  procedures (Honduras); Extend  a  standing  invitation  to  all  special  mandate  holders (Latvia); 166.127 Consider issuing a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders (Slovenia); A/HRC/32/17 23 166.128 Reinforce the effective protection of the elderly people (Tajikistan); 166.129 Continue  to  take  measures  to  protect  the  rights  of  the  elderly  and persons with disabilities (Uzbekistan); 166.130 Deepen the legal initiatives  and their enforcement aimed at ensuring a legal  and  de  facto  situation  that  guarantees  the  human  rights  of  migrants (Peru); 166.131 Continue  providing  migrants  and  their  families  access  to  education, health care, and housing at par with its citizens (Philippines); 166.132 Continue its ongoing efforts to promote and protect economic, social and cultural  rights  of  migrant  workers  in  Singapore,  including  efforts  to enhance  reach  out  to  migrant  workers  on  their  employment  rights, responsibilities, and their avenues of recourse (Sri Lanka); 166.133 Take  the  necessary  steps  to  prohibit  employers  from  withholding their foreign workers’ passports, travel documents, and work permits as well as to improve access to comprehensive and affordable health services (Thailand); 166.134 Improve  the  situation  of  work  migrants  by  enabling  them  to  easily switch employers  and  to  have  access  to  decent  housing. The provisions  of  the Employment Act should also apply to foreign domestic workers (Germany); 166.135 Protect the legitimate rights of foreign workers in Singapore and help them get the necessary vocational training (China); 166.136 Continue  safeguarding  the  well-being  and  rights  of  migrant  workers in Singapore and reach out to migrant workers to ensure that they understand their employment rights and responsibilities (Cuba); 166.137 Strengthen measures to protect the human rights of non-citizens and migrant workers to prevent their exploitation and discrimination (Mexico); 166.138 Continue efforts at protecting migrant workers and members of their families from exploitation (Myanmar); 166.139 Adopt  measures  to  protect  the  human  rights  of  migrants,  in particular foreign domestic workers through the revision of the legislation that establishes deportation  in  case  of  pregnancy  or  diagnostic  of  sexually-transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS (Colombia); 166.140 Continue  to  promote  and  protect  migrants  and  their  rights,  in particular while countering terrorism (Bangladesh); 166.141 Continue  ensuring  the  rights  of  women  and  girls  through  their empowerment and participation in society (Nicaragua); 166.142 Support  the  social  integration  of  women  in  all  spheres  of  life (Tajikistan); 166.143 Take  further  steps  to  improve  equality  between  women  and  men (Timor-Leste); 166.144 Strengthen  its  awareness-raising  programmes  to  more  effectively address gender  disparities  and  discrimination  against  women  (Trinidad  and Tobago); 166.145 Continue  efforts  to  eliminate  discrimination  against  women (Uzbekistan); A/HRC/32/17 24  166.146  Continue  its  commitment  to  the  principles  of  gender  equality  and non-discrimination and  maintain  the  dialogue  with  the  Committee  on  the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Barbados); 166.147 Intensify  efforts  to  eliminate  all  forms  of  discrimination  against women, among  other  measures,  to  promote  their  empowerment  and participation in public life (Mexico); 166.148 Enhance efforts to promote  gender equality and combat all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls (Italy); 166.149 Pursue  its  efforts  to  providing  women  and  children  with  all  their rights (Kuwait); 166.150 Allow  single  mothers  to  enjoy  the  same  benefits  as  married  mothers (Haiti); 166.151 Assess  benefits  and  social  support  for  single,  unwed  mothers,  to ensure  that  the  current  system  does  not  foster  multi-generational  social exclusion (Jamaica); 166.152 Continue  to  take  measures  to  combat  racial  discrimination  (Russian Federation); 166.153 Promote  and  protect  the  rights  of  indigenous  peoples,  peasants  and other people working in rural areas (Plurinational State of Bolivia); 166.154 Remove discriminatory media guidelines to provide a more balanced representation of  lesbian,  gay,  bisexual,  transgender  and  intersex  persons (Canada); 166.155 Continue  to  promote  awareness  programmes  on  HIV/AIDS,  and enhance cooperation  with  civil  society  to  address  the  stigma  faced  by  persons with HIV/AIDS (Malaysia); 166.156 Re-establish the moratorium on executions with a view to its abolition (Spain); Re-establish  a  moratorium  on  executions  with  a  view  to  the  complete abolition of the death penalty (Netherlands); Re-establish a moratorium with a view to abolishing the death penalty (Sierra Leone); Re-establish a moratorium on executions  with  a  view  of  abolishing  the  death  penalty  (Slovenia); Re-establish a  moratorium  on  executions  in  line  with  General  Assembly resolutions and  with  a  view  to  abolishing  the  death  penalty  completely (Finland); Re-establish  a  moratorium  on  executions  with  a  view  to  abolishing the death  penalty  (Holy  See);  Re-establish  a  moratorium  on  executions  with  a view to a complete abolition of the death penalty (Honduras); 166.157 Re-establish a moratorium on executions, with a view to the complete abolition of the death penalty, and prohibit the imposition of the death penalty against persons  with  mental  and  intellectual  disabilities  (South  Africa); Prohibit the  execution  of  persons  with  mental  and  intellectual  disabilities (Spain); 166.158 Establish  a  moratorium  on  executions  with  a  view  to  abolishing  the death penalty  (Norway);  Establish  a  moratorium  on  executions  with  a  view  to formally  abolishing  the  death  penalty  (Portugal);  Establish  a  moratorium  on the death penalty (Switzerland); Establish a  moratorium on executions, with a view  to  abolishing  the  death  penalty  (France);  Establish  a  moratorium  of capital  executions  with  a  view  to  fully  abolish  the  death  penalty  (Italy); A/HRC/32/17 25 Establish as soon as possible a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to its complete abolition (Mexico); 166.159 Enhance its efforts to abolish the death penalty (Panama); 166.160 Consider  establishing  a  formal  moratorium  on  executions  of  those sentenced to death (Argentina); 166.161 Eliminate  the  mandatory  character  of  the  death  penalty  with  a  view to abolishing  capital  punishment  altogether. In the  meantime,  establish  a moratorium on executions (Germany); 166.162 Advance  towards  the  definitive  abolition  of  the  death  penalty, adopting during this process a general moratorium on its application (Chile); 166.163 Take  further  action  so  as  to  completely  abolish  the  death  penalty after lifting in 2014 its de facto moratorium imposed in 2011 (Greece); 166.164 Introduce  further  measures  to  restrict  the  use  of  the  death  penalty and consider  the  re-establishment  of  the  moratorium  on  executions  as  first steps towards eventual abolition of the death penalty (Ireland); 166.165 Consider  taking  steps  to  eliminate  all  mandatory  death  penalty sentences, and  impose  a  moratorium  on  the  application  of  the  death  penalty with the view of abolishing it (Namibia); 166.166 Modify  domestic  law  with  a  view  to abolishing  the  mandatory  death penalty and,  during  this  process,  establish  a  general  moratorium  on  already existing death sentences (Uruguay); 166.167 Abolish the death penalty (Paraguay); 166.168 Go further and abolish the death penalty in practice and in law (New Zealand); 166.169 Eliminate  the  mandatory  character  of  caning  as  a  first  step  with  a view to abolishing this practice altogether (Germany); 166.170 Put an end to the practice of corporal punishment (France); 166.171 Cease the use of caning as a form of punishment (New Zealand); 166.172 Abolish  the  punishment  of  caning,  particularly  those  who  have exceeded the period stated in the Visa or the residency (Lebanon); 166.173 Ensure that nobody can be detained without trial and revise relevant laws (ISA, CLTPA, MSA, UPA) accordingly (Germany); 166.174 Continue efforts to protect children against violence (Algeria); 166.175 Take  additional  measures  to  protect  child  victims  of  violence (Kyrgyzstan); 166.176 Raise the minimum age to 18 of young people  eager to join the army (Haiti); 166.177 Harmonize the definition of the child in domestic law and put an end to the voluntary recruitment of minors into the army (Belgium); 166.178 Continue to exert efforts to combat trafficking in persons through the implementation of  the  Prevention  of  Human  Trafficking  Act  in  accordance with its obligations under the Palermo Protocol (Qatar); A/HRC/32/17 26  166.179  Take  adequate  measures  to  prevent  trafficking  in  women  and children and  to  strengthen  the  protection  of  victims  of  human  trafficking (Serbia); 166.180 Consolidate  the  progress  already  made  in  the  fight  against  human trafficking by  guaranteeing  the  prosecution  and  punishment  of  the perpetrators and the protection and rehabilitation of victims (Spain); 166.181 Continue efforts to combat human trafficking and to protect victims of such crimes, especially women and children (Sri Lanka); 166.182 Ensure  proper  investigation,  prosecution  and  adequate  sanctions  in all  cases  of  human  trafficking,  including  through  the  training  of  relevant personnel (Turkey); 166.183 Continue  to  develop  strategies  to  promote  public  awareness  of  the issue of trafficking in persons (Bahamas); 166.184 Continue  enhancing  its  efforts  to  combat  trafficking  in  persons,  and protecting the victims (Cuba); 166.185 Further strengthen its measures to combat all forms of trafficking in women and children and protecting and rehabilitating its victims (Egypt); 166.186 Allocate adequate resources to train the relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act (Fiji); 166.187 Continue its efforts to guarantee the protection and rehabilitation of the  victims  of  trafficking  in  persons,  especially  for  women  and  children  (Holy See); 166.188 Take  measures  in  the  legislative  sphere  and  policy  measure  to strengthen mechanisms for combating trafficking (Honduras); 166.189 Strengthen  its  efforts  for  protecting  victims  of  trafficking  in  persons and organize  awareness-raising  programmes  in  favour  of  public  on  issues related to combating human trafficking (Islamic Republic of Iran); 166.190 Continue combating trafficking in persons, and provide protection to its victims (Lebanon); 166.191 Preserve  its  criminal  justice  system  to  reinforce  rule  of  law (Bangladesh); 166.192 Take  appropriate  measures  to  establish  equal  choice  of  jurisdiction between Sharia courts and family courts (Argentina); 166.193 Adapt its legislation to ensure that all arrested and detained persons can swiftly  appear  before  a  judge  and  in  conformity  with  international  law (Switzerland); 166.194 Replace the Internal Security Act and the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions)  Act  with  laws  that  mandate  that  an  accused  person  has  a  trial  in court (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); 166.195 Adopt  legislation  to  ensure  that  all  cases  of  arrest  and  detention without warrant,  also  those  under  the  Internal  Security  Act,  are  subject  to speedy, independent and regular judicial review (Austria); 166.196 Harmonize  domestic  law  regarding  the  minimum  age  of  criminal responsibility, and raise it (Uruguay); A/HRC/32/17 27 166.197 Maintain  its  effective  protection  for  the  family  as  the  natural  and fundamental unit of the society (Egypt); 166.198 Continue  improving  all  the  conditions  for  worship,  and  strengthen awareness and dissemination of the values of tolerance and peace (United Arab Emirates); 166.199 Preserve  its  social  harmony  through  retaining  its  existing  legal provisions that  allow  various  religious  populations  to  live  and  practice  their religion without stigma (Bangladesh); 166.200 End  the  practice  of  using  defamation  lawsuits  and  other  legal  and administrative actions to censor, fine, and imprison individuals for speaking or writing on  political  issues,  and  remove  all  discriminatory  media  guidelines (United States of America); 166.201 Ensure freedom of assembly and association, freedom of opinion and expression, including  on  the  Internet,  and  protect  freedom  of  the  press (France); 166.202 Ensure  that  freedom  of  opinion  and  expression  are  encouraged  and protected, including  for  individuals  and  organizations  communicating  via online public platforms (New Zealand); 166.203 Consider  alternative,  effective  interventions  for  persons  who  violate national laws  or  norms  regarding  religious  or  cultural  sensibilities  through publication or posting of offensive material (Jamaica); 166.204 Take  appropriate  measures  to  ease  restrictions  on  freedom  of expression and freedom of the media (Japan); 166.205 Reform the regime of defamation offences, which has a chilling effect on freedom of expression (France); 166.206 That  relevant  laws,  including  the  Public  Order  Act  and  the  Public Entertainment and Meeting Act not be invoked to curtail the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, including that of civil society (Ireland); 166.207 Establish  an  independent  electoral  commission  with  a  mandate  to determine  constituency  boundaries  and  monitor  election  fundraising  and campaigning (United States of America); 166.208 Continue expanding the participation of women in the national public life (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela); 166.209 Strengthen efforts to promote women’s participation in public life, particularly at the higher corporate levels (Bahamas); 166.210 Encourage  women’s  political  participation  and  increase representation of women in decision-making (Maldives); 166.211 Continue  its  efforts  so  as  to  realize  the  right  to  work,  including through technical and vocational education and training (Egypt); 166.212 Initiate a national dialogue on a universal minimum wage (Haiti); 166.213 Include domestic work among the fields covered by the Employment Act, which would significantly improve the situation of many migrant workers (Austria); A/HRC/32/17 28  166.214  Continue  increasing  the  benefits  of  its  social  services  for  the population to  obtain  a  greater  efficiency  of  its  excellent  social  welfare  system (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela); 166.215 Continue its ongoing efforts and commitment to uphold the lives of its people through  the  provision  of  best  education,  housing  and  medical  care (Cambodia); 166.216 Continue  implementing  its  social  policies  and  programmes  with  a view to strengthening social harmony, in particular to help the elderly and the low-income citizens (Cambodia); 166.217 Allocate sufficient funds and undertake effective measures to provide adequate assistance to the elderly people (Viet Nam); 166.218 Accelerate the building of more general and community hospitals and clinics under the Healthcare 2020 Master plan (Zimbabwe); 166.219 Explore the expansion of health and safety regulations to cover non-medical  practitioners  and  conduct  regular  monitoring  of  their  activities (Jamaica); 166.220 Improve  access  to  education  and  health-care  services  of  vulnerable people, including  women  and  children  from  low  and  middle  income  families (Lao People’s Democratic Republic); 166.221 Continue  to  provide  the  subsidies  and  financial  support  through  its MediShield Life  Policy  for  all  its  citizens  and  permanent  residents,  especially the elderly and needy (Brunei Darussalam); 166.222 Continue  to  develop  inclusive  education  and  strengthen  life-long education (Belarus); 166.223 Take  further  steps  to  ensure  its  people,  especially  children,  will continue to enjoy access to affordable education (Brunei Darussalam); 166.224 Continue developing programmes aimed at providing equal access to quality  education  for  vulnerable  groups,  with  a  special  emphasis  on  the inclusion of  persons  with  disabilities  and  children  under  poverty  conditions guaranteeing gender equality (Chile); 166.225 Adopt  further  measures  to  ensure  the  full  enjoyment  of  rights  of persons  with  disabilities,  particularly  in  education  and  access  to  services (Israel); 166.226 Continue  the  efforts  aimed  at  providing  more  opportunities  to persons  with  disabilities  and  enabling  them  to  become  an  integral  part  of  the society (Oman); 166.227 Continue  its  efforts  to  improve  health  care,  education  and  care provided for persons with disabilities (Saudi Arabia); 166.228 Ensure  that  the  Compulsory  Education  Act  provides  for  children with disabilities (Uganda); 166.229 Continue  its  strive  to  build  an  inclusive  society  where  persons  with disabilities are  given  every  opportunity  to  become  integral  and  contributing members (Islamic Republic of Iran); 166.230 Continue  to  ensure  care  services  and  equal  access  of  employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (Lao People’s Democratic Republic); A/HRC/32/17 29 166.231 Continue and strengthen efforts to integrate children with disabilities to mainstream education (Maldives); 166.232 Take appropriate measures to ensure that mandatory basic education includes children with disabilities (Kuwait); 166.233 Continue  to  adopt  measures  to  provide  for  adequate  treatment  to refugees,  in  particular  through  the  adoption  of  procedures  or  protection mechanisms to  refugee  claimants,  especially  non-accompanied  boys,  girls  and adolescents (Colombia); 166.234 Enact  laws  covering  the  right  of  children  to  acquire  nationality,  in particular  those  born  in  Singapore  who  cannot  obtain  another  nationality (Panama); 166.235 Raise awareness on the impact of climate change (Haiti); 166.236 Intensify  fighting  radicalization  and  terrorism  at  its  early  stage  to sustain the enjoyment of human rights and basic freedoms of all Singaporeans (Ethiopia). 167. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole. A/HRC/32/17 30  Annex Composition of the delegation The delegation of Singapore was headed by Ambassador-at-Large Chan Heng Chee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and composed of the following members: • Mr.  Foo  Kok  Jwee,  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and  Plenipotentiary,  Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations; • Ms.  Vanessa  Chan,  Director-General,  International  Organisations  Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; • Ms. Thian Yee Sze, Director-General, Legal Group, Ministry of Law; • Mr.  Alvin  Lim,  Divisional  Director,  Workplace  Policy  and  Strategy  Division, Ministry of Manpower; • Mr.  Lim  Shung  Yar,  Director,  Community  Relations  and  Engagement  Division, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; • Ms.  Janice  Tan,  Director,  International  Relations,  International  Cooperation  & Partnerships Division, Ministry of Home Affairs; • Ms.  Gwenda  Fong,  Director,  Successful  Ageing,  Ageing  Planning  Office,  Ministry of Health; • Ms.  Ang  Bee  Lian,  Director,  Social  Welfare,  Ministry  of  Social  and  Family Development; • Ms.  Chetra  Sinnathamby,  Director,  Content  &  Standards  (Films,  Video  Games  & Arts), Media Development Authority; • Ms. Diane Tan, Acting Director, International Legal, Ministry of Law; • Mr. Steven Pang, Deputy Director-General, International Organisations Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; • Mr.  Jonathan  Han,  Deputy  Permanent  Representative,  Permanent  Mission  of Singapore to the United Nations; • Mr.  Jason  Tan,  Counsellor  (Legal),  Permanent  Mission  of  Singapore  to  the  United Nations; • Mr  Melvin  Yeo  Tsin  Yaw,  Senior  Deputy  Director-Designate,  Community Relations, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; • Ms.  Sarala  Subramaniam,  Deputy  Senior  State  Counsel,  International  Affairs Division, Attorney-General’s Chambers; • Mr. Ni De’ En, Deputy Director, NS Policy, Ministry of Defence; • Ms  Sharifah  Farah  Binte  Syed  Mahamood  Aljunied,  Deputy  Director,  Curriculum and Youth Development, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS); • Mr. Gerard Vinluan, Deputy  Director, Communications and International Relations Division, Ministry of Social and Family Development; • Ms.  Yeo  Wen  Qing,  Deputy  Director,  International  Cooperation,  Public  Health Group, Ministry of Health; A/HRC/32/17 31 • Ms.  Linda  Lee,  Senior  Assistant  Director,  Communications  and  International Relations Division, Ministry of Social and Family Development; • Ms.  Joy  Boo  Jia  Wen,  First  Secretary,  Permanent  Mission  of  Singapore  to  the United Nations; • Ms. Delphia Lim, Assistant Director, International Legal, Ministry of Law; • Ms.  Jasmine  Pang  Xueqin,  Senior  Manager,  Community  Relations,  Ministry  of Culture, Community and Youth; • Ms.  Ong  Rui  Lin,  Senior  Manager,  Workplace  Policy  and  Strategy  Division, Ministry of Manpower; • Ms.  Kristy  Lim,  Senior  Manager,  International  Cooperation  &  Partnerships Division, Ministry of Home Affairs; • Ms. Arvinder Kaur, Assistant Manager, Community Relations, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; • Ms.  Ann-Margaret  Mathew,  Desk  Officer,  International  Organisations  Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; • Ms.  Grace  Zhu  Manyun,  Desk  Officer,  International  Organisations  Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; • Mr. Bryan Lim, Country Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. =See also=

=References=
 * The original PDF of this document published by the United Nations Human Rights Council:.

=Acknowledgements=

This article was written by Roy Tan.