UN Human Rights Council 47: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
This statement was delivered during the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
The Human Rights Council takes place in Geneva.
Thank you Madam President,
The United Kingdom would like to thank the Working Group for the presentation of its report today, and the insights it provides on arbitrary detention relating to drug policies. We further recognise the volume of communications and requests for action handled by the Working Group.
Arbitrary detention is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes and its use is a tool of political intimidation. Arbitrary detention not only violates human rights, but also undermines the trust in institutions that keeps societies safe and open.
We know that persons in marginalised and vulnerable situations, as well as human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists are more often arbitrarily detained, and that persons who are arbitrarily detained are vulnerable to other human rights violations.
This year, the United Kingdom has supported the Canadian-led Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State to State relations, and we have committed to working with the G7 and with other likeminded partners to end the practice.
Members of the working group, what steps can states take to share good practice and work together to end the practice of arbitrary detention?