New Inclusive Justice Taskforce targets fairer treatment for vulnerable individuals across legal processes
Singapore is taking a decisive step toward a more compassionate justice system by addressing the often-overlooked needs of people with invisible disabilities and mental health conditions.
A New Push for Inclusive Justice
On Jan 8, Singapore’s Ministry of Law announced the formation of the Inclusive Justice Taskforce, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening support for individuals with invisible needs within the criminal justice system. These include people with mental health conditions, autism, intellectual disabilities, and other non-visible challenges who may be accused of crimes, victims, or witnesses.
Reviewing the System End to End
The task force will examine the entire criminal justice process, from the pre-offending stage and police investigations to court proceedings, sentencing, and post-sentencing rehabilitation. According to the Ministry of Law, the goal is to assess existing safeguards, identify gaps, and propose practical reforms that improve fairness and accessibility at every stage.
Leadership and Broad Representation
The 20-member task force is co-chaired by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Social and Family Development Eric Chua and veteran lawyer Peggy Yee, a long-time advocate for people with invisible disabilities. Members span public agencies and the private sector, including legal professionals, law enforcement officers, policymakers, healthcare experts, social service leaders, and caregivers.
Voices from Law, Healthcare, and Social Services
Notable members include Deputy Principal District Judge Kessler Soh, Chief Public Defender Wong Kok Weng, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Zhang Weihan. The social service sector is represented by leaders from Minds, SPD, and Rainbow Centre, alongside medical experts from the Institute of Mental Health and advocates from non-profits supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. Caregivers’ perspectives are also formally included.
Building on Existing Measures
The announcement builds on earlier initiatives such as the Appropriate Adult Scheme for Persons with Mental Disabilities, introduced in 2015, and the Mandatory Treatment Order launched in 2011. While these measures provide support during investigations and allow treatment instead of jail time, experts say clearer pathways are needed, especially for minor offenses involving individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Calls for Clearer, Coordinated Pathways
Kelvin Koh, chief executive of Minds, highlighted the lack of structured diversion and rehabilitation options for cases that do not warrant full prosecution but still strain families and communities. He emphasized the need for early intervention, tailored programs, and stronger coordination across healthcare, social services, and law enforcement to prevent unnecessary incarceration.
Hope for Practical, Empathetic Solutions
Peggy Yee said many individuals with invisible needs struggle to advocate for themselves and require dedicated guidance when navigating the justice system. She expressed optimism that the task force’s diverse expertise will lead to creative, meaningful solutions that ease caregiver burdens and ensure interactions with the law are grounded in empathy and fairness. The initiative was first proposed at the Access to Justice Symposium in March 2025, where Law Minister Edwin Tong reaffirmed the government’s commitment.
The Inclusive Justice Taskforce marks a significant shift toward a more humane and coordinated criminal justice system in Singapore. By bringing together legal, medical, and social perspectives, the initiative has the potential to reshape how vulnerable individuals are treated, offering lessons for broader regional cooperation and policy innovation that resonate beyond national borders, including across Indonesia and Singapore.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , CNA (2026)
Keywords: Inclusive Justice Taskforce, Invisible Disabilities, Mental Health Support, Singapore Law, Criminal Justice System
