Human rights

As a member of the United Nations it is our obligation to promote: 'the universal respect for, and observance of the human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion'.

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the core international human rights treaties provide the basis for our work.

We work through the UN (and its bodies), international institutions like the EU and with other countries to promote ratification and implementation of these treaties.

We believe there are strong links between human rights and conflict. If we want to prevent conflict we must promote human rights, democracy and good governance.

Annual FCO human rights reports

The annual report provides an overview of the main challenges to human rights around the world and explains our activities and policies to address those challenges.

Download the full 2007 FCO Human Rights Report [216 pages]

It covers the period from late Aug 2006 - 31 Dec 2007.

Previous annual reports are available in the Human Rights Report section.

Human Rights and Conflict

We believe that societies that respect and promote human rights will be less vulnerable to conflict and more able to peacefully resolve disputes - lack of respect for human rights is at the heart of many conflicts.

Effective and sustained post-conflict resolutions need to ensure the human rights of all peoples are respected and promoted - groups such as minorities, women, children and the disabled can be particularly vulnerable.

The UK, like Brazil, is currently also an elected member of the UN Human Rights Council - find out more about this work.