International Human Rights Day

Opened the debate

Fabian Hamilton, chair of the all-party parliamentary human rights group and British group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, raised awareness about international Human Rights Day on December 10th. He highlighted the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasising the right to life and equality, and expressed deep concern over the killing of human rights defenders globally. Hamilton cited examples such as land and environmental activists being at risk due to exploitative companies, with Colombia having the highest number of deaths of land and environmental defenders in 2023. He also discussed issues like democratic back-sliding, transnational repression, and the treatment of women and girls under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, urging the Government for support and action.

Government Response

Minister Catherine West acknowledged the importance of Human Rights Day and celebrated the work of Parliamentarians for Peace. She highlighted the UK's commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law worldwide. The Government will act to protect and promote human rights by defending civic space, fundamental freedoms, upholding the rule of law, championing equal rights, supporting accountable institutions, and prioritising governance principles in response to shared global challenges. West also mentioned specific actions such as funding a programme against technology-facilitated gender-based harassment (£27 million), monitoring human rights violations (including Yasin Malik's situation), and working with international partners on accountability mechanisms for priority countries like Syria. She concluded by emphasising that defending and promoting human rights is at the heart of UK work.