News

The UN Human Rights Day is commemorated around the world every year on the 10th of December. This year, UNI Apro celebrated Human Rights Day at the Seminar entitled “Contemporary Perspectives on Economic & Social Rights” organised by the EU Delegation to Singapore.

The event was attended by Ambassador Dr Michael Pulch, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Singapore and Ambassador Prof Chan Heng Chee, Singapore Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

Sitting on the first panel discussion on advancing labour rights in the modern economy, UNI Apro Regional Secretary Christopher Ng said that the image of trade unions in Asia is often tarnished by false accusations from adversaries fanned by the press, which further discredits the credibility and sincerity of trade unions.

The Regional Secretary reminded participants that "trade unions advocate for social justice and internationally-recognized human and labour rights" and added that "UNI Apro and our affiliates advocate social dialogue and a partnership-based industrial relation approach so as to achieve an inclusive society with decent jobs and social security for all."

Christopher also noted that the workforce is increasingly mobile, and trade unions have to find creative ways to represent and ensure that these workers are provided with fair working conditions.

Also on the panel discussing the topic of advancing labour rights in the modern economy was Alex Au from Transient Workers Count Too, and Ang Yiet from Membership, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Singapore.

Dr. Cesare Onestini, EU Visiting Fellow at the LKY School of Public Policy, Mr. Thierry Schwarz, Director of the Political and Economic Department in the Asia-Europe Foundation, and Dr. Yeo Lay Hwee were moderators leading panel discussions on advancing labour rights in the modern economy, the challenges of healthcare, aging and disability, and the necessary partnership between states and the civil society.