MARUAH Singapore

Statement on International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a chance for us to remember the terrible consequences of depriving our fellow human beings of their dignity and rights.

In the popular imagination, slavery is often tied to the transatlantic slave trade that is rooted in the colonial experience. It would be foolish, however, to think that slavery is relegated to the past and alien from the world today. As the subjugation of workers in Dubai attests, slavery is still used by an elite class of people to pursue their own ends.

The need to always be vigilant against any exploitation of people can be seen in the United Kingdom’s recent passing of a modern slavery bill to hold corporations accountable for inhumane labour practices. The bill will ensure “that perpetrators convicted of slavery or trafficking face the toughest asset confiscation regime.” The maximum sentence for the most serious offenders has also been increased from 14 years to life imprisonment. These clauses are an important bulwark against the expansion of the slave trade.

What about Singapore? We might not have slavery here, but we do see systemic injustice against migrant workers. Most recently, it was revealed that foreign workers do not receive adequate nutrition. It is not acceptable that such an important part of a worker’s life be left to the discretion of employers. The Ministry of Manpower should implement rules to ensure that migrant workers are given proper food.

The new liquor laws [Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act], set to take effect on 1^st April 2015, further complicates our engagement with migrant workers. While the government has assured that the laws will be enforced fairly, the legal precedence for discrimination is incredibly troubling. By declaring Little India — a migrant worker hangout —  a liquor control zone, with additional regulations, we are set to segregate migrant workers from Singaporeans.

To stand against slavery and all the conditions that permit it to take root, we will have to make a concerted effort to improve the working conditions of our migrant workers.  Punitive measures alone will not do. Only then can we have a humane and multi-ethnic community that cherishes the contribution of everyone in society.

MARUAH extend its deepest condolences to the family of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. His passing is a loss to his family, to Singaporeans and others, globally.

As the founding father of Singapore, Mr Lee implemented many policies that led to the rise of Singapore as a global economic competitor. His willingness to make difficult decisions during difficult times helped Singapore in its formative years.

No doubt, as we take stock of Singapore’s history this SG50 year, Mr Lee’s contribution will be especially valued in this dedicated effort.

As a human rights group, as we admire this extraordinary man, we also hope that, going forward, Singapore politicians will open up more space for civil liberties of Singaporeans.

MARUAH would like to express our appreciation of Mr Lee’s leadership and commitment to Singapore. Once again, we offer our sincere condolences to the Prime Minister and his family during this difficult time.

May Mr Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace.

8th March is International Women’s Day.

It is a special time to recognise the contributions of women in Singapore and to also assess if we are fair to them and have observed their rights well. Read the rest of this entry »

It is exactly one year today that the riot in Race Course Road took place.

Foreign workers were apprehended, charged and sentenced. The police were taken to task over their preparedness to deal with a riot. A Commission of Inquiry (COI) was set up and the findings released in the middle of 2014. New laws restricting sale of alcohol, drinking of alcohol, gathering places have come into effect. Employers and foreign workers are being encouraged to find new recreational areas at or near their worksites.

Much has changed since 8th Dec 2013. As a human rights group, MARUAH would like to highlight and reiterate some fundamental issues that we cannot forgo, from a rights-based approach and from a perspective of dignity. Read the rest of this entry »