FIDH Statement at UN Human Rights Council
On 28 September 2026, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) delivered a formal statement during the Interactive Dialogue for the adoption of Singapore’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The organization voiced strong criticism against the Singaporean government for missing an opportunity to address international concerns and for rejecting significant recommendations aimed at improving the human rights situation within the country.
Dispute Over Treaty Compliance and Capital Punishment
The FIDH rejected the government’s assertion that its domestic outcomes align with international human rights treaties, describing the claim as false. The federation argued that Singapore selectively adopts treaty provisions that suit its political agenda while ignoring inconvenient obligations. A primary point of contention was the death penalty. While the government maintained that capital punishment is reserved for the “most serious crimes,” the FIDH countered that this interpretation contradicts authoritative international law. Under established standards, drug trafficking does not qualify as one of the most serious crimes warranting execution.
Highlighting the discrepancy between official rhetoric and reality, the statement noted that the government claims to impose the death penalty “with a heavy heart.” This characterization was deemed inconsistent with recent data showing that 36 individuals have been executed since 2025, marking the highest documented number in Southeast Asia over that period. Furthermore, 19 executions occurred in the current year alone, representing the highest annual figure in more than two decades.
Restrictions on Peaceful Assembly
The statement also addressed the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. Although the government cited international law to justify restrictions, arguing that exercisers of this right must respect others, the FIDH pointed out that such omissions ignore the requirement that any limitations must be necessary and proportional. In practice, the federation asserted that peaceful protesters, including human rights defenders, face unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions, including criminal penalties.
To illustrate this point, the FIDH cited recent actions under the Public Order Act, where 11 people were charged merely for participating in small, symbolic peaceful gatherings over the past few weeks. The organization concluded by calling on the Singaporean government to immediately end the use of the death penalty, align its legal framework with international human rights standards, and ratify all core international human rights treaties.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
