Singapore
As of early 2026, Singapore’s human rights landscape is defined by a "modernization with limits" approach. While the city-state has taken historic steps in social policy (such as decriminalizing gay sex), it has simultaneously intensified its use of the death penalty and expanded its digital surveillance and censorship toolkit.
1. The Execution Surge
The most critical human rights issue in Singapore in 2025 and 2026 is the dramatic increase in the use of capital punishment.
Record Numbers: Authorities executed 17 people in 2025, primarily for drug-related offenses. This represents the highest annual number of executions in Singapore in over 20 years.
Recent Cases: Executions have continued into 2026, with the most recent hanging occurring on February 13, 2026, involving a 62-year-old man convicted of heroin trafficking.
PACC Act: The Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases Act (PACC) is now in full effect, which human rights groups argue severely limits the ability of death row inmates to file last-minute appeals, effectively "fast-tracking" the path to execution.
2. Freedom of Expression and "POFMA"
The government continues to wield extensive legal powers to regulate speech, particularly online.
Censorship Laws: The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) is used frequently. In 2025, several international outlets (including Bloomberg) and local activists were served with "correction notices" regarding reporting on government real-estate transactions.
Foreign Interference (FICA): As of early 2026, the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act is fully operational. It allows the Ministry of Home Affairs to designate individuals as "politically significant persons" (PSPs), restricting their ability to receive foreign funding or engage with non-Singaporeans.
Public Assembly: Singapore maintains a near-total ban on protests outside of "Speakers' Corner" at Hong Lim Park. Even "one-person protests"—such as holding a sign—can lead to criminal charges under the Public Order Act.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights: Decriminalization vs. Constitutional Barriers
The situation for the LGBTQ+ community is a mix of legal relief and new constitutional hurdles.
Repeal of 377A: Since 2023, gay sex is officially legal. In early 2025, the government further expanded this by allowing same-sex partners access to certain "surviving family benefits" for victims of crime.
Constitutional Marriage Ban: Simultaneously with the repeal, the Constitution was amended to protect the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. This effectively blocks the judiciary from ever legalizing same-sex marriage, leaving the decision solely to Parliament.
Service Gaps: New legislation passed in 2025, such as the Assisted Reproduction Bill, specifically excludes same-sex couples from accessing surrogacy or certain fertility treatments.
4. Women’s Rights and Workplace Fairness
Singapore is moving toward stronger statutory protections for women, though social challenges remain.
Workplace Fairness Act (2025): Passed in January 2025, this landmark law prohibits discrimination based on sex, pregnancy, and caregiving responsibilities. However, activists note it specifically excludes protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Representation: In 2025, women secured over 30% of parliamentary seats, a historic high for the country.
Sexual Harassment: Despite legal gains, sexual harassment remains prevalent. Singapore has notably not yet ratified the ILO C190 convention, which provides a global framework for ending violence and harassment at work.
5. Migrant Worker Rights and Policy Shifts
Work Permit Reforms (2025–2026): Starting July 2025, the government removed the maximum duration cap for long-serving work permit holders, allowing experienced migrants to stay in Singapore until the retirement age of 63.
Healthcare & Insurance: As of 2026, minimum health insurance coverage for migrant workers has been raised to better cover medical and accident-related costs.
S Pass Thresholds: To manage foreign labor "quality," salary requirements for mid-skilled (S Pass) holders were raised in September 2025 to SGD 3,300–4,800, depending on age and sector.