Balance social harmony with human rights, says ex-judge

Human rights, including the freedom of expression, have to be balanced with social harmony, said a former judge at an event to mark Human Rights Day on Saturday.

In his speech, Mr Richard Magnus said that his past experience as a trial judge in sedition cases gave him an opportunity to witness the psychological effects of hate speech on people.

'As citizens in a society, we must be able to empathise with others, especially the marginalised,' said Mr Magnus, who is Singapore's representative to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

The event, organised by local human rights group Maruah, was held at the Blujaz Cafe in Bugis.