Timeline Status for Multi-Agency Task Force on Invisible Disabilities in Justice System
Ministry of LawSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the timeline and status of the multi-agency task force supporting persons with invisible disabilities in the justice system as raised by Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik. Minister Edwin Tong Chun Fai responded that the Inclusive Justice Taskforce was formally launched on 8 January 2026, co-led by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua and Ms Peggy Yee. This multi-disciplinary group studies how to support individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions interacting with the criminal justice system as accused persons, victims, or witnesses. The task force has begun a consultative review to ensure practical recommendations and will provide progress updates in due course. This initiative aims to strengthen legal inclusivity alongside existing efforts such as criminal legal aid and partnerships with social service agencies.
Transcript
37 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Law (a) whether the multi-agency task force to support persons with invisible disabilities in the justice system has been convened; (b) if not, what is the expected timeline for its formation; and (c) if it has been convened, when will the task force publish its findings and recommendations.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: On 26 March 2025, the Ministry first announced its commitment to a taskforce to better support persons with “invisible disabilities” in the criminal justice system at the inaugural Access to Justice Symposium hosted by Pro Bono SG. The organising committee for the Symposium was led by Ms Peggy Yee, Managing Director of PYLegal LLC and advocate for persons with “invisible disabilities”.
Since then, the Ministry has been working with Ms Yee and other key stakeholders and community partners on foundational steps for the taskforce's work: bringing together representatives with the right expertise and experience, identifying the taskforce's preliminary scope and the potential areas that it may study and establishing the necessary administrative and support structures.
The formal launch of the Inclusive Justice Taskforce was announced on 8 January 2026.1
The taskforce is co-led by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Social and Family Development Mr Eric Chua and Ms Yee. It comprises a multi-disciplinary group of representatives from across the private and public sector, including lawyers, policymakers, law enforcement officers, social service professionals, healthcare experts, community partners and caregiver representatives.
It will examine how our society can better support individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions who are at risk of offending or may interact with Singapore's criminal justice system, including accused persons, victims and witnesses. A thorough and consultative review process will be undertaken to ensure that the taskforce's recommendations are well-considered and practical.
The taskforce has started its work and will provide an update on its progress or recommendations in due course.
The Ministry looks forward to the taskforce’s contributions as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen our legal system and advance access to justice to all, including those who are vulnerable.
This launch is the latest instalment in the Ministry's extensive efforts to ensure that our legal system remains effective, accessible and inclusive. These include our efforts to make laws, legal processes and Court procedures easier to understand and navigate, the provision of civil legal aid and criminal defence aid to lower-income beneficiaries by the Legal Aid Bureau and the Public Defender's Office, and our partnerships with Pro Bono SG, the legal fraternity and social service agencies to provide more holistic socio-legal support to those in need.