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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child |
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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a comprehensive charter on the rights of children, setting minimum standards that governments should meet in providing healthcare, education, legal and social services in their countries. The 54 articles of the convention affirm four basic principles, namely: a child's right to survival; a child's right to development; a child's right to be protected; and a child's right to participate actively in his/her community.
Singapore acceded to the UNCRC on 2 October 1995.
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Best interests of the Child - Turning Principle into Practice |
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The UNCRC affirms the need for the best interests of the child to be the primary consideration in decisions and actions affecting the child. Singapore's commitment to working in the best interests of the child is best exemplified through our Statement on the Best Interests of the Child, which has been embraced by the many organisations working with children in Singapore today.
The statement reiterates that services and programmes should be designed and administered in the best interests of the child, with respect for the fundamental rights of each child.
As part of our work in publicising the UNCRC, MCYS also produces child friendly collaterals, such as the UNCRC booklet to educate children and their caregivers on the concept of children's rights. Drama, storytelling and postcards are also some of the different means through which children are introduced to the principles of the UNCRC. |
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Initial Report and Oral Presentation to the Committee on the Rights of the Child |
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Singapore submitted its Initial Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in November 2002. The Initial Report lists the legislative, judicial, administrative and other measures adopted by Singapore to give effect to the provisions of the UNCRC.
Singapore presented its report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on 26 September 2003, at the 34th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Singapore delegation was led by then Minister of State for the Ministry of Community Development and Sports, Mr Chan Soo Sen, and comprised representatives from the Inter-Ministry Committee on the UNCRC and the Singapore Children's Society. More information on the oral presentation can be found in MCYS' press release and the Committee's press release on the Oral Presentation. Mr Chan delivered the introductory statement. The report was well received by the Committee, in particular Singapore's progress for children in the areas of education health and housing. (See the Committee's Concluding Observations on Singapore's Initial Report). |
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Periodic Report |
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As State Party to the convention, Singapore is obligated to provide periodic updates on key developments promoting and protecting the rights of children Singapore is currently preparing its 2nd and 3rd Periodic Report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.
For more information on the UNCRC and children's rights, please visit www.unicef.org |
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