The Pragmatic Way to an Idealistic Goal
PAMELA YEO
Second Year NUS Law

It was particularly encouraging, if not uplifting, to see that the group U60SG has taken upon itself the task of being the spark to light the fire amongst Singaporeans in raising awareness of human rights. Singaporeans have oft been cast as apathetic not only in political matters, but also towards those who are less fortunate or those who have been deprived of their fundamental liberties. Pegged as pragmatists, it is easy to assume that Singaporeans could not care less about the ‘idealistic’ campaign of human rights activists. But with activities held by US60G to celebrate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the furtherance of the vision that is embodied by it, it is not too daring to hope that members of society will have a heightened sensitivity and awareness to the pervasiveness of human rights to matters close and far from home – from the anguish felt by opposition parties at the restrictions on their freedom of speech, to the ongoing Khmer Rouge Tribunal in Cambodia for the atrocities committed during the genocide. In time, encouraged by the steady supply of activities held by like-minded individuals, it is not an unattainable reality for Singaporeans to be taking practical action in support of the promotion and protection of human rights.