MFA Spokesperson's Comments on the United Nations General Assembly Vote to Suspend the Rights of Membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council on 7 April 2022

In response to media queries, the MFA Spokesperson said:

“Singapore abstained from the vote as we await the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry investigating alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine.

The Commission was mandated by Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution 49/1 on the “Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression”, which was adopted on 4 March 2022. Singapore was a co-sponsor of this HRC resolution. Singapore is gravely concerned and distressed by the reports and images from Bucha and other Ukrainian towns of high civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. We strongly condemn any violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and there must be accountability. We hence urge all parties to cooperate with the Commission, and allow it full and unhindered access so that it can gather evidence and conduct its work.

We reiterate our full support for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Singapore’s position on this has been clear and consistent from the beginning of this conflict. Our abstention on this particular resolution is consistent with our longstanding and steadfast support for the rules-based multilateral system and the due application of its mechanisms.

Singapore’s statement at the 11^th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 7 April 2022 is appended.”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

8 APRIL 2022

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SINGAPORE’S EXPLANATION OF VOTE AFTER VOTING ON RESOLUTION A/ES-11/L.4 ON

THE SUSPENSION OF THE RIGHTS OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON 7 APRIL 2022

1 I am taking the floor to explain my delegation’s abstention on the draft resolution on “Suspension of the Rights of Membership of the Russian Federation in the Human Rights Council”.

2 Singapore condemns the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and continuing attacks on Ukrainian cities, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the strongest possible terms.  We reiterate our full support for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.  Singapore’s position on this has been clear and consistent from the beginning of this conflict. This is why we co-sponsored and voted in support of UNGA Resolution ES-11/1 on the “Aggression against Ukraine”, and UNGA Resolution ES-11/2 on the “Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine”, and also co-sponsored HRC Resolution 49/1 on the “Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression”.

3 Singapore is gravely concerned and distressed by the latest reports and images from Bucha and other Ukrainian towns of high civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure. We strongly condemn any violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. In this regard, we urge the full and urgent implementation of ES-11/1, ES-11/2, and HRC Resolution 49/1. In particular, we note the establishment of an Independent International Commission of Inquiry to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights in Ukraine, and await the completion of its work and its findings. There must be accountability for any gross and systematic human rights violations that have taken place in the conflict in Ukraine. We urge all parties to cooperate with the Commission and allow full and unhindered access for the Commission to gather evidence and conduct its work. 

4 We must spare no effort to protect the civilian population in Ukraine, and to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need. We continue to call on the Russian Federation to cease its offensive military operations immediately, to remain engaged in meaningful negotiations with Ukraine, and to work towards a peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

5 Thank you.

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