Singapore
Report, 2008
The IBAHRI has released a report expressing concern about limitations on the freedoms of expression, assembly, and the press, and of the independence of the judiciary in Singapore. Investigations for the report began in the lead-up to the IBA’s 2007 Annual Conference in Singapore. Strong debate between the government and its critics took place during the IBA’s inaugural Rule of Law Day: an open public forum on human rights which was the first such discussion at an international conference in Singapore.
The report, Prosperity versus individual rights? Human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Singapore, makes 18 recommendations which the IBAHRI has urged the Singapore Government to implement as a matter of priority.
The IBAHRI report examines Singapore’s record on a range of human rights issues. These include freedom of expression (for example, the use of defamation legislation to hinder opposition activities, and restrictions on freedom of the press and the internet), the independence of the judiciary (there have been allegations of executive influence), and freedom of assembly.
Prosperity versus individual rights? Human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Singapore
In 2009, the Law Society president Michael Hwang revived the discussion regarding the 23-year-old curb on the Law Society speaking up proactively on legislation, as enshrined in Section 38 of the Legal Profession Act. References were made to the IBA report: