Editorial

What exactly are “human rights”? The term has come under much public scrutiny after it was characterised as a way for foreign “fanatics” to impose their views unto Singapore. Is this the new form of colonialism by the West?

Notwithstanding the polemic views in this area, there is something universal about human rights. The best evidence of this is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which turns 60 this year. It arose out of a devastating world war and out of a common sentiment that if a state was left unchecked, it would exploit its citizens. In order to have freedom, peace and justice, human dignity and rights must be protected by the state.

Even so, foreign legal elements cannot simply be transplanted here. The legal context of Singapore is unique. Our distinct demographic, economic and security profile means that it is dangerous for us to claim that a certain right now exists and shall be interpreted using whatever foreign sources we can find. The right has to be harmonious with our laws or else we are not finding a solution but only admitting a new problem.

If we are to define “human rights”, it has to be our human rights, and not because someone else told us this is so or that it would be good for us. While foreign solutions can be persuasive, they must fit in the local context, and the only way we can find the best fit is through dialogue and a common appreciation that we are in this together as a nation. (Read the Print Version: Juris Illuminae Vol. 5 Issue 3 Print Edition)