Human rights, democracy and rule of law: objectives 2017 to 2018
Published 16 February 2018
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-development-assistance-oda-fco-programme-spend-objectives-2017-to-2018/human-rights-democracy-and-rule-of-law-objectives-2017-to-2018
1. Overview
This programme promotes and defends human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This is not just about the principles enshrined in international law. Evidence shows that countries where human rights are respected tend to be more prosperous, democratic and stable. The FCO therefore supports work to tackle the root causes of human rights violations, strengthening institutions and governance, promoting and protecting human rights, and supporting democracy and the rule of law. This helps us to project our global influence and support the UK’s objectives under the National Security Strategy and UK Aid Strategy.
2. FCO objectives on Human Rights, Democracy & Rule of Law
The UK’s objective is to promote and defend a broad range of universal human rights, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments subsequently developed and adopted by states. The UK strongly encourages all states to abide by and fulfil their obligations under international law. We advocate for democracy and we are strong proponents of a rules-based international system in which human rights are protected.
3. Official Development Assistance and Human Rights, Democracy & Rule of Law
The National Security Strategy sets out how we will promote our values overseas and the UK Aid Strategy makes clear that we will promote the rule of law, property rights, a free media and open, accountable institutions.
The FCO supports human rights, democracy and the rule of law in a wide range of ODA-eligible countries, including the majority of the FCO’s Human Rights Priority Countries (HRPC’s) as identified in the Annual Human Rights Report. The FCO’s principle funding source for human rights and democracy work is the Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy. However, FCO Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law work is also supported by other FCO programme funding (as well as through cross-Whitehall programme funds, such as the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
4. Human Rights, Democracy & Rule of Law project objectives
Projects focus on a wide-range of human rights and democracy themes, reflecting the breadth of ambition set out in the objectives described above. Key workstreams include:
- promoting the right to freedom of expression
- supporting and defending lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights
- defending the right to freedom of religion or belief
- prevention of torture
- working for abolition of the death penalty
- supporting human rights defenders
- promoting development of democracy, including through the work of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy