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Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth
Press Statements

Singapore signs the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Sectors

Community

20 October 2015

Signing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) is part of the endeavour to enhance racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

  1. Singapore signed the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) on Monday, 19 October 2015 in New York. Singapore is expected to ratify the ICERD in 2017.

  2. The ICERD is a United Nations Convention that condemns racial discrimination based on race, colour, descent, nationality or ethnic origin, and calls upon states to pursue a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms.

  3. Singapore is committed to preserving a multiracial society where every person is equal, regardless of race, language or religion. Our historical memory of racial riots in the early years of our nationhood continues to guide our efforts in striving towards a society free of racism and racial discrimination. Social harmony is not taken for granted, and we have strived continually to strengthen inter-racial and inter-faith understanding and mutual respect. Signing the ICERD is part of this endeavour to enhance racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

  4. Singapore first confirmed her intention to consider acceding to the ICERD in 2011. We will work progressively towards the ratification of the ICERD in 2017. We will work with our stakeholders, including through public consultations, to fulfil our obligations. 

  5. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Ms Grace Fu said: “Over the last 50 years, we have built a Singapore where every citizen matters, regardless of race, language or religion. This has been our fundamental approach to nation-building and will continue to guide us into the future. Signing the ICERD further entrenches our commitment to this end, to unequivocally show that racial discrimination has no place in Singapore.”

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
20 October 2015

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