News

Singapore To Accede To Hague Convention On Civil Aspects Of International Child Abduction 
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 - 08:00 PM

Singapore plans to accede to the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Acceding to the Convention underscores Singapore’s commitment to managing such situations in the best interests of children. Accession to the Convention is aligned with our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Singapore became a party to in 1995.

2. The Hague Convention ensures clear procedures that facilitate the expeditious return of a child wrongfully removed from his/her State of habitual residence, in breach of a custody or access order of that country. It is the key international convention guiding the management of situations involving international parental child abduction.

3. Under the Hague Convention, the courts would be obligated to return an abducted child to the State of his habitual residence. MCYS would be appointed as the Central Authority to work with Central Authorities in other signatory States to ensure the implementation of the Convention amongst signatory States.

4. Globalisation and increased international mobility have given rise to trans-border family disputes. As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore is committed to doing its part to minimise the harmful effects of such family disputes on children. Accession to the Convention will help Singapore to fulfill such a commitment.

5. Singapore is targeting to lodge our instrument of accession this year.