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
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.
This document outlines the importance of HRDs to the UK, some of the many ways that the UK government can support them and the guiding principles that underpin these actions. It forms part of an ambitious package of support to HRDs. This includes a comprehensive guidance and expertise offer to British embassies and high commissions abroad on supporting HRDs which this new, accessible document accompanies.
The UK has also funded the Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund, which provided emergency support to HRDs and civil society at risk and is at the forefront of reviving the fund.