The report entitled Country Reports on Human Rights Practices is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State.

In the Preface to the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2003 Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State said: "The expansion of democracy and respect for human rights throughout the world is at the core of US foreign policy. The yearly release of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices is an occasion to assess the state of human freedom around the world and the challenges faced by those seeking to improve it.

"Putting together the Country Reports is a multi-stage process. Throughout the year, our embassies collect the data contained in it through their contact with human rights organizations, public advocates for victims, and others fighting for human freedom in every country and every region of the world. Investigating and verifying the information requires additional contacts, particularly with governmental authorities. Such inquiries reinforce the high priority we place on raising the profile of human rights in our bilateral relationships and putting governments on notice that we take such matters seriously. Compiling the data into a single, unified document allows us to gauge the progress that is being made. The public release of the Country Reports sharpens our ability to publicize violations and advocate on behalf of victims. And submission of the reports to the Congress caps our year-round sharing of information and collaboration on strategies and programs to remedy human rights abuses – and puts us on the path to future progress.

"We have found that reporting on human rights is useful not only for addressing violations by governments in power, but also for the recovery and reconstruction of societies where a repressive regime has departed the scene, " the secretary said.

Report on Singapore

After a brief introduction on Singapore, the report covers the following areas.

RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Section 1
Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom From:

a. Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life
b. Disappearance
c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
d. Arbitrary Arrest, Detention, or Exile
e. Denial of Fair Public Trial
f. Arbitrary Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or Correspondence

Section 2
Respect for Civil Liberties, Including:
a. Freedom of Speech and Press
b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association
c. Freedom of Religion
d. Freedom of Movement Within the Country, Foreign Travel, Emigration, and Repatriation

Section 3
Respect for Political Rights: The Right of Citizens to Change Their Government

Section 4
Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights

Section 5
Discrimination Based on Race, Sex, Disability, Language, or Social Status

Women
Trafficking in women occurred
Children
Persons with Disabilities
National/Racial/Ethnic Minorities

Section 6
Worker Rights
a. The Right of Association
b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively
c. Prohibition of Forced or Bonded Labor
d. Status of Child Labor Practices and Minimum Age for Employment
e. Acceptable Conditions of Work
f. Trafficking in Persons

Read the full report on Singapore.

The is also a report on Malaysia.

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