A group of individuals and civil society organisations have endorsed a statement, calling for compassion, dialogue, and mutual understanding on LGBTQ issues.
The full statement can be viewed at the link below.
A CALL FOR COMPASSION, DIALOGUE AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING ON LGBTQ ISSUES
http://compassion.marquee.by/statement/
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MARUAH invites you to join us for an interactive discussion on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The MDGs are 8 international development goals that were set in 2000 by the United Nations with the support of member states and various international organisations. Read the rest of this entry »
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MARUAH recently wrote a letter to the Thai ambassador in Singapore, and also the Thai representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission On Human Rights, regarding the current situation in Thailand.
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6th June 2014
HE. Marut Jitpatima
Ambassador
Royal Thai Embassy Singapore
HE. Dr Seree Nonthasoot
Representative of Thailand to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission On Human Rights (AICHR)
Respect For Human Rights And Democratic Values Is Paramount
MARUAH, a human rights organisation in Singapore, expresses grave concerns over the manner in which human rights are being gradually but systematically eroded since the military takeover and also over the suspension of the Thai Constitution. The imposition of martial law allows the military sweeping powers to restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution. Read the rest of this entry »
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MARUAH is concerned over the process and the reasons offered for terminating the services of Mr Roy Ngerng, a patient coordinator at the Communicable Diseases Centre at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
In TTSH’s Press Statement two reasons were cited for the termination. The first being that Mr Ngerng had used the hospital’s time and resources for personal interests and did not take heed of the warning letter given to him in May this year. The second reason was one of “conduct (that was) incompatible with the values and standards expected of employees”. While acknowledging that TTSH staff were free to pursue personal interests outside work, it was expected that “they must conduct themselves properly, honourably and with integrity” and “cannot defame someone else without basis, which essentially means knowingly stating a falsehood to the public.”
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also issued a Press Statement to support TTSH’s decision and to say that Mr Ngerng’s “actions show a lack of integrity and are incompatible with the values and standards of behaviour expected of hospital employees”. Read the rest of this entry »
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World Day Against Child Labour was started by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002 to draw attention to the need for political will to combat the scourge of child labour.
According to the ILO there are currently over 168 million child labourers all over the world. That is, globally an average of one in ten children is being exploited. They work in industries as diverse as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, fishing, retail, transportation, food and beverage and even hospitality. The majority of child labourers are involved in hazardous work or work that poses a risk to their health and safety.
In Singapore we are fortunate enough to be in environment where children are not exposed to such exploitation. But as consumers we need to be cognizant that eliminating child labour must become a priority for each and every one of us. The Asia and Pacific region alone has the largest number of child labourers at 78 million or 9.3% of the total child population. Read the rest of this entry »
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MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate use
21 May 2014
MARUAH is dismayed over the Prime Minister’s first step action of issuing a letter of demand to ‘Heart Truths’ blogger Mr Roy Ngerng, asking for an apology, a retraction of the blog post and compensation for damages and legal costs to the Prime Minister.
We are concerned that these actions on the part of the Prime Minister will further shrink the space for public discourse in Singapore. Robust debates, diverse views, critical inquiries, in addition to a healthy media landscape, are all critical to the development of a functional democracy. A healthy and engaged society calls for diverse, independent voices who will need the space to express their views and face sharp rebuttals if their views are found wanting or even false. These are the first steps to robust critical discourse: being transparent and open. Read the rest of this entry »
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The Council of the European Union has adopted the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression online and offline, thus bringing a new addition to the family of EU Human Rights Guidelines. With these guidelines, the EU reaffirms the pivotal role that freedom of opinion and expression play in a democratic society.
More details in the links below.
Press release [PDF]
EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline [PDF]
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Human Rights Are For Everyone = No Matter Who You Are Or Whom You Love
Today marks International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversity.
However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex people face discrimination at almost every stage, and in every facet of life, just for being who they are. Bullying in school, discrimination at work, stigmatisation and violence, are all very much realities for those in the LGBTQ community.
The law has been slow to grant protection to individuals on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and not enough amongst us, in society, are standing up to put an end to this discrimination. As a human rights organisation, MARUAH affirms the importance of recognising that human rights are universal and the need for anti-discrimination laws to safeguard the rights of at-risk communities.
Singapore remains at odds in its relationship with the LGBTQ community. Section 377A of the Penal Code which criminalises consensual gay sex continues to be in the books, yet every year the turnout at Pink Dot – the annual celebration of inclusivity, equality and freedom to love – gets bigger and bigger.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon raised a very important question in his statement in support of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. He asked:-
“Do we want to live in a world where love is targeted or where it is celebrated; where people live in fear or in dignity?”
At MARUAH we say “Dignity for All” because dignity ensures the fulfillment of human rights for each and every one of us, regardless of race, language, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
As we spend today reflecting on the need for dignity and equality for all, let us also consider how our actions as individuals can improve the situation.
Join us in speaking out against homophobia and transphobia, take the next minute or so to watch and share this video on how we as individuals can empower our communities and effect change.
Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O03jJ6JTyU
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The 2014 theme for World Press Freedom Day is “Media Freedom for a Better Future”.
The focus this year is on three inter-related themes
– the media’s importance in development
– the safety of journalists and the rule of law
– sustainability and integrity of journalism Read the rest of this entry »
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ASEAN Parliamentarians today praised Singapore for its consistent efforts to urge the Lao government to expedite its inquiry into the disappearance of civil society actor Sombath Somphone and urged other ASEAN nations to take a firm, united stand against the shortcomings of the Lao authorities’ investigation to date.
For more, please visit the link below
http://www.aseanmp.org/?p=3019
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