UPR Sexual Rights Database

UN Compilation:
Para 45) CEDAW remained concerned that the State continued to be a destination and transit country for trafficking in women and girls for purposes of sexual and labour exploitation.

National Report:
Para 111) The retention of section 377A of the Penal Code was thoroughly and passionately debated in Parliament in 2007. In 2013, two legal applications were made to challenge the constitutionality of section 377A and the Court of Appeal upheld its constitutionality in both cases. This is a sensitive issue in multi-religious Singapore and the decision to retain section 377A of the Penal Code was a carefully considered and finely balanced decision taken by Parliament. Segments of Singapore society continue to hold strong views against homosexuality for various reasons including religious convictions and moral values. Petitions to repeal section 377A were often met with counter-petitions.

Para 112) While section 377A is retained, the Government does not proactively enforce it. All Singapore citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, are free to lead their lives and pursue their activities in their private space without fear of violence or personal insecurity. Members of the LGBT community are also not discriminated against in schools or the workplace. The Government does not discriminate against persons seeking a job in the civil service on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Para 113) We believe that each country should be allowed to deal with such sensitive issues in its own way, taking into account its evolving social and cultural context. Our approach seeks to accommodate the sensitivities of different communities so that there is room for all to exist harmoniously together. We believe this to be a pragmatic and reasonable compromise in the current circumstances.

Stakeholder Summary:
Para 4) Joint Submission 5 (JS5) stated that Singapore had avoided to enact specific legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

National Report:
Para 53) Women are better represented and occupy important positions in the public, corporate and civil society sectors today, although representation at the higher corporate levels can be further improved. The Public Service tries to lead the way on this front. As of 2014, women constituted 56.7% of the Civil Service. 6 of the 23 Permanent Secretaries and 9 of the 32 Deputy Secretaries were women. Women made up 23% of the judges in the Supreme Court, and 48%, 69% and 48% of the total number of judicial officers in the State Courts, Family Justice Courts and Supreme Court respectively. Half of the officers in the Foreign Service are women. We now have many inspiring examples of women in leadership positions in public life. Singapore's first female Speaker of Parliament, Madam Halimah Yacob, was appointed in January 2013. There are currently one female Minister, four female Senior Ministers of State, and one female Parliamentary Secretary in the Government. 2 out of our 5 mayors are women.

National Report:
Para 60) Singapore is fully committed to our obligations under the CRC. We are currently considering accession to the OP-CRC-SC. Like the other treaties we accede to, we want to ensure that necessary legislation and resources are in place at the time of accession so that our obligations can be implemented immediately.