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Singapore's Representation at the UN Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Type: Press Releases

Topic(s): Disability Services

Published on 16 June 2023

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]
16 JUNE 2023

SINGAPORE’S REPRESENTATION AT THE UN CONFERENCE OF STATE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

1     Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to achieve an inclusive society at the 16th Conference of State Parties (COSP) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It was held from 13-15 June 2023 in New York. Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, and Culture, Community and Youth, delivered Singapore’s National Statement at the COSP16.

2     The National Statement highlighted Singapore’s approach to fulfil our international obligations under the CRPD. SPS Chua shared that, “Singapore is committed to building an inclusive society, where persons with disabilities are empowered and enabled to participate fully.”

3     He pointed out that Singapore had released successive national roadmaps – the Enabling Masterplans, including the recent Enabling Masterplan 2030. The masterplan guides Singapore’s efforts to implement policies and initiatives aligned with the Convention and build an inclusive society. Key areas of Singapore’s progress included those in the areas of employment and transport:
• Close to 100% accessibility of public sector buildings, 
• Providing job matching services and 
• Supporting employers in hiring and integrating employees with disabilities through wage offsets and job redesign grants.

4     SPS Chua also acknowledged that Singapore would do more to enable persons with disabilities to live within the community. An upcoming initiative would be to design alternative housing and care models so persons with disabilities can age in place in their communities, with the proper infrastructure and social support.

5     At the COSP16, Singapore co-hosted a side event with Canada, the UK, and the Ford Foundation. SPS Chua highlighted Singapore’s efforts to enable persons with disabilities to find gainful employment, and the measures undertaken to encourage and support employers to hire persons with disabilities. He added that the Government works closely with the people and private sector to create more inclusive hiring practices. 

6     Singapore’s delegation included officials from the Ministry of Social and Family Development, technology analyst from SG Enable Mr Chong Kwek Bin and national para-athlete Ms Joan Hung. Mr Chong participated as a panellist at a roundtable on digital accessibility. He shared his views and expertise alongside a panel of experts from Rwanda, Hungary, Greece, and the International Telecommunication Union. Ms Hung represented Singapore in roundtable discussions on under-represented groups of persons with disabilities and ensuring equal access to and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services for persons with disabilities. 


ISSUED BY
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT