IFOR prepared a report on the right to conscientious objection to military service in Singapore. and submitted it to the 38th session Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council.
The session will take place in May 2021 and it will include the review of human rights in Singapore.
The main issue in this Country, related to this topic, is the fact that there is no recognition of the right to conscientious objection to military service in law and practice and thus objectors are prosecuted and detained.
The report submitted by IFOR addressed the non-recognition of the right to conscientious objection, persecution of conscientious objectors, underage recruitment and restrictions on civil society (with particular attention to freedom of opinion and expression, right to peaceful assembly, freedom of association).
Regarding the rights of the child, the document points out that
"Under the Voluntary Early Enlistment Scheme (“VEES”), children who have reached the age of 16 years and 6 months may be voluntarily recruited into the Singapore Armed Forces. Such voluntary recruitment is subject to documentary proof of age, the written consent of a parent or legal guardian, and the fully informed consent of the recruit."
The submission also includes suggested recommendations to change the status quo and ensure human rights.
You can download the complete Report here
You can find more details on the previews UPR of Singapore here
The Universal Periodic Review is a State-driven process, which provides the opportunity for each State to present what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their country and to fulfil their human rights obligations; the State under review will also report on the implementation of the previously accepted recommendations. UN Member States have the possibility to ask questions and make recommendations to the State under review. UPR Working Group consists of the 47 members of the Council, however any member state can take part in the discussion.
The review is based on information provided by the interested State, independent human rights experts and other stakeholders such as NGOs.
NGOs reports and proposed recommendations can be referred to by any of the States taking part in the interactive discussion during the review; it is therefore of vital importance to engage at the UPR and address specific issues which can be therefore part of the dialogue with the country under review.
IFOR focuses in particular on issues related to conscientious objection and to the militarization of society.
IFOR is currently running a particular conscientious objection project, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT), a grant-making Quaker trust. Among the main aims there are research work and redaction of thematic country-based reports to be submitted to the UN for the regular State reviews on human rights.
The right to refuse to kill, although it is a human right, it is not recognized in all countries and many objectors are persecuted.
IFOR is committed to support this right and make a lasting change in society, for peace. JRCT recognizes that "change can take many years to achieve and is willing to take the long view, and to take the risks".