MARUAH

MARUAH is a Singaporean human rights non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights at national, regional, and international levels.

The term "MARUAH" translates to "dignity" in Malay, reflecting the organization's commitment to upholding the inherent dignity of all individuals.

Mission and Objectives

MARUAH's primary objectives include:

Raising Awareness: Enhancing understanding of human rights issues within Singapore and the broader ASEAN region.
Advocacy: Providing a civil society perspective on human rights matters and working towards the respect and upholding of human rights in accordance with international norms.
Education and Engagement: Facilitating education, participation, and engagement of individuals and organizations in human rights-related issues.

Role in ASEAN

MARUAH serves as the Singapore focal point for the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. This group comprises national representatives from the founding ASEAN member states—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—and is officially recognized in the ASEAN Charter as a stakeholder in ASEAN.

Activities and Initiatives

MARUAH engages in various activities, including:

Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Participating in the UPR process by submitting reports and engaging in dialogues to assess and improve Singapore's human rights record.
Advocacy on Legislation: Addressing concerns related to laws such as the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA), highlighting potential implications for civil society and public discourse.
Public Education: Organizing seminars, workshops, and discussions to foster a deeper understanding of human rights among Singaporeans.

Through these efforts, MARUAH continues to play a vital role in advocating for human rights and fostering a culture of dignity and respect within Singapore and the ASEAN region.