Singapore signs pact against racial discrimination
(Straits Times) – Singapore has signed a global agreement to eliminate discrimination based on race, colour, descent, nationality or ethnic origin.
Its move on Monday will eventually put it alongside 177 countries when it ratifies the United Nations pact, a step it is expected to take in 2017.
Yesterday, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu said signing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination “further entrenches our commitment to this end, to unequivocally show that racial discrimination has no place in Singapore”.
Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob told The Straits Times that the signing is a significant move, and will enhance Singapore’s standing in the international community.
It also attests to the strength of race relations in Singapore, as member states must submit regular reports and be subject to UN scrutiny, she said, adding: “We are already practising the principles enunciated under the convention, so signing it is a logical step.”
Ms Fu said Singapore’s fundamental approach to nation-building has been one where every citizen matters, regardless of race, language or religion – and this will continue.
