In 2004, TC will continue to stand and work for fair political competition, objective media reporting, abolishment of inhumane legislations (such as death penalty), and human rights education.
As 2003 draws to a close, the local political scene looks to taper off with human rights abuse allegations against a certain member of the opposition, in an otherwise insipid year. Domestic issues of increased retrenchment, increasing unemployment, rising transport and living costs have become staples on every Singaporean's palate. In the foreground, stark issues on national survival took center-stage and remained fresh on people's minds and lips – the ISA detention of Jemiah Islamiah (JI) members, the combat against SARS, the restructuring of CPF, the landmark free trade agreement with the US, and the subtle revolt by unionised SIA pilots.
Never mind the US-led illegal war on and eventual apprehension of the Iraqi despot, nor the changing of guards of Chinese and Malaysian leadership, nor the much awaited release and re-arrest of the fabled Burmese freedom-fighter. Singaporeans are definitely more concerned about their personal livelihood, security and health. Against this backdrop begged the question of how many Singaporeans are concerned and informed enough on 2003's developments in the local socio-political landscape. How many bothered to listen to the alternative side of the story?
Think Centre (TC) was in many ways concerned and involved enough to report objectively on some of these political developments. That aside, TC launched 2 major initiatives in this year – the formation of the Singapore Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) and the Human Rights Defender Award. Bringing together some prominent civil society activists into an informal grouping framework, TC hopes to kick start a much-needed vehicle to look into the human rights education and monitoring. To date, the HRWG has met and shared issues abnd even held its first forum on children rights in conjunction with Children's Day in October.
The inaugural Human Rights Defender Award was conferred upon JB Jeyaratnam at a special forum-cum-ceremony in conjunction with International Human Rights Day this month. At this occasion, the issues raised included the government's disregard of human rights, state curtailment of freedom of expression in art and the significance of civil society's role in human rights education and monitoring. In his acceptance address, JB Jeyaratnam called on Singaporeans not to lose their human rights to the State and unite in petitioning their MPs to recognize human rights.
All of us would have started drafting our New Year resolutions for 2004. Likewise for TC, we would not only be drawing up our wish list, but take the brave though at times difficult actions in making our wishes into realities. TC will continue to stand and work for what we believe in – fair political competition, objective media reporting, abolishment of inhumane legislations (such as death penalty), and human rights education (should be introduced at Primary School level).
TC will continue to promote and mainstream human rights especially the Universal Declaration on Human Rights [UDHR], the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW], the Convention on the Rights of the Child [CRC] and core labour rights. Think Centre hopes to work together with other civil society organisation and advocacy groups to promote Human Rights.
Think Centre hopes each Member of Parliament will read, understand and respect the UDHR, CEDAW, CRC and ILO's core labour rights. TC hopes that the relevant Ministries, especially the Ministry of education, Manpower, and Community Development, will actively promote and respect the UDHR, CEDAW, CRC and ILO's core labour rights.
Then again, is human rights on your New Year wish list yet?
