Maruah Singapore

MARUAH has published a position paper on voter confidence in ballot secrecy during elections in Singapore.

The paper studies the extent of voter confidence in ballot secrecy in Singapore elections and offers way to ensure that secrecy can be enhanced. On the basis of empirical evidence gathered from two surveys, MARUAH is setting out the view that a significant share of Singapore voters – approximately 10% – still cast their vote in fear that their ballots may be traced back to them by the authorities. This erodes the legitimacy of Singapore’s elections, undermines the standing of Parliament and violates the spirit of the 1971 declaration of Commonwealth principles signed by Singapore.

MARUAH sets out recommendations to address this problem so as to defend the perceived integrity of Singapore’s elections and to strengthen political stability by widening social acceptance of electoral outcomes.

MARUAH Position Paper on Improving Citizen Confidence in the Secrecy of the Ballot
ANNEX A – Country comparison
ANNEX B – Photographs

Today is International Migrants Day. In 2000 the UN General Assembly proclaimed 18th December as International Migrants Day to raise attention to the rights of the large and increasing number of migrants in the world. In 1990 the General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

In Singapore, MARUAH, a human rights organisation, observes International Migrants Day by commenting on the treatment of foreign workers by employers in Singapore in general, in light of the recent incidents of foreign workers refusing to work. In particular, we encourage Singaporeans and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to give full effect to the new policy of giving a Day Off to foreign domestic workers starting in the 1st week of January 2013. Read the rest of this entry »

We refer to the recent denial of entry of the MV Nosco Victory carrying 40 people rescued off the coast of Myanmar.

MARUAH, a human rights group, would like to praise the Captain of the MV Nosco Victory Mr Nguyen Dinh Hoa for rescuing the Rohingyas at sea, saving many lives and observing the honour code among seafarers.

We would also like to make three points for Singaporeans and the Singapore authorities to consider. Read the rest of this entry »

Today is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. MARUAH, as a human rights organisation, stands in solidarity with human rights defenders and sex workers worldwide to observe and commemorate this day, dedicated to the protection of the rights, safety, and dignity of sex workers.

Sex workers in most parts of the world are in a marginalised and discriminated segment of society. Their rights as sex workers include the right to safe sex, right to fair wages, right to protection from abuse, right for sex work to be recognised and be seen as work, right to form associations for mutual support and protection, and the right to not be discriminated against.

In Singapore, despite the presence of licensed brothels, there is a growing community of sex workers who are freelancing. They risk being exploited. MARUAH would like to raise awareness to their plight, even though they are operating outside the licensed brothels.

Some among them as well as those working in licensed brothels may be forced or sold into prostitution. These women and men, usually young, who are identified as trafficked persons, must be given protection, and they should not be criminalised and re-victimised by the authorities, in the process.

We note that the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a core human rights treaty that all ASEAN states have signed and/or ratified. We therefore believe that it is important for Singapore to be a leader within the ASEAN family by upholding the values and obligations of the CRPD. In the spirit of greater participation and civic involvement, MARUAH, as a group focusing on the mainstreaming of human rights, and our main partner, the Disabled People’s Association (DPA) organised a consultation in February 2012 on areas where more can be done to support the rights of persons with disabilities in Singapore.

This consultation process involved persons with disabilities, including persons with sensory disabilities and physical disabilities, as well as other concerned members of the public. Following this consultation, MARUAH and DPA formulated a position paper and met with the Ministry Of Community Development, Youth and Sports [now known as the Ministry of Social and Family Development] (MSF) to highlight areas where improvements can be made to better fulfil the letter and spirit of the CRPD.

We, the participants of the 2nd consultation on the CRPD held on 1st December 2012, organised by MARUAH and DPA, would like to make the following points in this public statement. Read the rest of this entry »

MARUAH has released the following media release.

Also see links below

1. media report on MARUAH media release
2. UN website on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
25 November 2012

On 17 December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women; it was the same date as the brutal assassination in 1960, of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

Women’s organisations as well as human rights activists around the world have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981.
In Singapore, MARUAH joins women’s organisations in remembering this day and calls on all Singaporeans in whatever strata of society to eschew all forms of violence against women here. We call for the strengthening of civil and social safeguards to prevent violence against women and for increased awareness that violence against women is unacceptable and deplorable. Read the rest of this entry »

Bus captain in trouble for insulting a transgender woman

MARUAH applauds Ms. Leona Lo for taking action against the SBS bus driver who verbally abused her because of her sexual orientation. Discrimination of any form is unacceptable and it is important that they are reported and addressed immediately.

Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states

“No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with…attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”

MARUAH commends Ms. Leona Lo for handling the situation with grace and for her efforts in raising awareness of the struggles faced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

PRESS STATEMENT

20 September 2012

Reference: Archbishop Clarifies Retraction of Letter to Group

MARUAH, a human rights NGO, is a partner with Function 8, in particular for the June 2nd 2012 event to mark the 25th Anniversary of the alleged Marxist Conspiracy. MARUAH’s position is that it is timely for a Commission of Inquiry to be set up to review the detentions under Operation Spectrum.

Read the rest of this entry »