SINGAPORE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has launched an Inclusive Justice Taskforce to review how the criminal justice system can better support people with disabilities and mental health conditions.
The taskforce brings together members from the public and private sectors, including lawyers, policymakers, law enforcement officers, social service professionals, healthcare experts and community partners, the Ministry of Law said Thursday in a statement.
It will examine the full criminal justice process, from pre-offending and criminal investigations to court proceedings, sentencing and post-sentencing support, and assess existing measures to identify gaps and propose reforms.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Social and Family Development Eric Chua, one of the taskforce's chairpersons, said advocates for the disability and special needs community will also be included to ensure their perspectives are represented.
Peggy Yee, founding director of Singapore-based law firm PY Legal LLC and co-chair of the taskforce, said individuals with mental health conditions and disabilities "are often unable to advocate for themselves and would benefit from dedicated support in navigating the justice system." ■