Policy paper
Guiding principles on supporting human rights defenders
This document outlines the importance of human rights defenders to the UK and how the UK government can support them.
Documents
Details
This document sets out why human rights defenders, and the work that they do, is important to the UK. It also explains how the UK government may be able to support them.
Human rights defenders (HRDs) are defined by the United Nations as “people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights”. They play an essential role in promoting and protecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The UK is committed to supporting the rights of HRDs to conduct their activities, continue with their professions and voice their opinions, effectively, peacefully and safely.
Updates to this page
Published 17 December 2025