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Human
Rights &
Democracy
The 2019 Foreign
& Commonwealth
Cp 273 Office Report
Human Rights & Democracy
The 2019 Foreign &
Commonwealth Office Report
Presented to Parliament
by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
by Command of Her Majesty
July 2020
Cp 273
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report © Crown copyright 2020 This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. This publication is available at www.gov.uk/official-documents. Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at Communications Team, WH1.165, Multilateral Policy Directorate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH ISBN 978-1-5286-2051-2 CCS0320406130 07/20 Printed on paper containing 75% recycled fibre content minimum Printed in the UK by the APS Group on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office Designed in-house by the FCO Communication Directorate Cover images: A photojournalist documenting war and conflict, and a male photojournalist in a war zone. (iStock)
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report
Contents
Preface by the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab......................................................................... iv
Foreword by Minister of State for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime
Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict............................... v
CHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes....................................................... 2
Democracy and Democratic Freedoms............................................................................................................................2
Westminster Foundation for Democracy................................................................................................................................. 2
The Community of Democracies............................................................................................................................................. 3
Civil Society.....................................................................................................................................................................4
Freedom of Expression............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Human Rights Defenders........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Restrictions of Civil Society Space............................................................................................................................................ 5
Media Freedom...............................................................................................................................................................5
Gender Equality..............................................................................................................................................................8
Women and Girls’ Rights......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Girls’ Education....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Violence against Women and Girls.......................................................................................................................................... 9
Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI)........................................................................................................... 10
Women, Peace and Security...................................................................................................................................................11
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse...............................................................................................................................................12
Children and Armed Conflict..................................................................................................................................................12
Rights of the Child.................................................................................................................................................................12
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Rights...................................................................................................................13
Freedom of Religion or Belief........................................................................................................................................14
Post-Holocaust Issues...................................................................................................................................................16
Modern Slavery.............................................................................................................................................................16
Human Rights and the Private Sector...........................................................................................................................17
Business and Human Rights...................................................................................................................................................17
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights............................................................................................................... 18
Private Security Companies................................................................................................................................................... 18
Responsible Sourcing of Minerals.......................................................................................................................................... 18
The Kimberley Process.......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Transparency and Open Government.................................................................................................................................... 18
Death Penalty and Torture Prevention..........................................................................................................................19
Overseas Security and Justice Assistance......................................................................................................................20
Export Controls.............................................................................................................................................................20
Migration and Human Rights........................................................................................................................................21
Economic and Social Rights..........................................................................................................................................21
Women’s Economic Empowerment....................................................................................................................................... 21
Rights of People with Disabilities........................................................................................................................................... 22
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report
Rights of Older Persons......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Right to Health...................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Water, Sanitation and Land................................................................................................................................................... 23
Social Protection................................................................................................................................................................... 23
The Overseas Territories................................................................................................................................................23
Human Rights and Democracy Programmes.................................................................................................................24
Case studies of programme work supporting human rights and democracy......................................................................... 25
CHAPTER 2: Human Rights and the Multilateral System............................................................ 26
Human Rights at the UN...............................................................................................................................................26
Human Rights Council........................................................................................................................................................... 26
Country issues....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Thematic issues..................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Universal Periodic Review...................................................................................................................................................... 29
Treaty Monitoring Bodies and Special Procedures................................................................................................................. 29
Appointment of International Human Rights Ambassador..................................................................................................... 29
Security Council.................................................................................................................................................................... 29
UN Reform............................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Responsibility to Protect and Mass Atrocity Prevention.......................................................................................................... 30
Peacebuilding........................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Peacekeeping........................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Commonwealth............................................................................................................................................................31
Human Rights Institutions..................................................................................................................................................... 31
Social and Political Inclusion.................................................................................................................................................. 31
The Role of the Commonwealth........................................................................................................................................... 31
Europe..........................................................................................................................................................................31
European Union.................................................................................................................................................................... 31
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe..................................................................................................... 32
Council of Europe................................................................................................................................................................. 32
International Criminal Justice........................................................................................................................................33
Sanctions......................................................................................................................................................................34
CHAPTER 3: Consular Assistance............................................................................................... 35
Consular cases..............................................................................................................................................................35
Death penalty...............................................................................................................................................................35
Torture and mistreatment.............................................................................................................................................35
Overseas detainees.......................................................................................................................................................35
Forced marriage............................................................................................................................................................36
CHAPTER 4: Human Rights Priority Countries............................................................................ 37
Afghanistan..................................................................................................................................................................37
Bahrain.........................................................................................................................................................................38
Bangladesh...................................................................................................................................................................39
Burundi.........................................................................................................................................................................40
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report Central African Republic................................................................................................................................................41 China.............................................................................................................................................................................41 Colombia......................................................................................................................................................................43 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).............................................................................................................43 Democratic Republic of Congo......................................................................................................................................44 Egypt............................................................................................................................................................................45 Eritrea...........................................................................................................................................................................46 Iran...............................................................................................................................................................................47 Iraq...............................................................................................................................................................................48 The State of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories..........................................................................................48 Libya.............................................................................................................................................................................49 Republic of Maldives.....................................................................................................................................................51 Myanmar......................................................................................................................................................................52 Pakistan........................................................................................................................................................................52 Russia............................................................................................................................................................................53 Saudi Arabia.................................................................................................................................................................55 Somalia.........................................................................................................................................................................55 South Sudan.................................................................................................................................................................56 Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka....................................................................................................................57 Sudan............................................................................................................................................................................58 Syria..............................................................................................................................................................................59 Turkmenistan................................................................................................................................................................60 Uzbekistan....................................................................................................................................................................61 Venezuela.....................................................................................................................................................................62 Yemen...........................................................................................................................................................................63 Zimbabwe.....................................................................................................................................................................64
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report
Preface by the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab
As I write, the coronavirus
pandemic has magnified and
exacerbated some of the
world’s greatest challenges,
including to human rights
and democracy. But one
thing is clear: the UK
remains committed to
being a force for good in
the world, with democracy,
human rights, and the
international rule of law
acting as our guiding lights.
As outlined in this report, 2019 saw which emphasised the important of In September, we will be merging
some notable successes. I announced freedom of religion or belief for all. the Department for International
the UK’s intention to introduce our Development and the Foreign and
We will remain leading voices in the
own autonomous human rights Commonwealth Office, placing our
multilateral institutions that work to
sanctions regime, giving us the power world-class aid programme at the
uphold human rights, democracy,
to impose sanctions, with asset freezes beating heart of our foreign policy
and the rule of law. We will stand
and visa bans, on those involved decision-making. The new Foreign,
for election to the Human Rights
in the most egregious violations Commonwealth and Development
Council. And we are supporting
and abuses of human rights. Office will be a chance to tackle
the UK candidate, Judge Joanna
the world’s greatest challenges in
Alongside the Canadian government, Korner QC for judicial elections to
a modern and innovative way.
the UK hosted the first Global the International Criminal Court.
Conference for Media Freedom, bringing We will also be conducting the biggest
In 2020, we will carry on our vital
together participants from over 100 review of British foreign, defence and
consular work, assisting tens of
countries. We also launched the Media development policy since the end of the
thousands of British people around
Freedom Coalition to safeguard media Cold War. This strategic review, now
the world. We remain committed
freedom in participating countries, and ongoing, is aimed at bringing the UK’s
to fighting forced marriage,
encourage it in others around the world. strengths and expertise to bear on the
discrimination and the death penalty.
world’s greatest challenges, including
On gender equality, we championed And we are urging governments to
threats to universal human rights.
girls’ education through our global release arbitrarily detained UK dual
#LeaveNoGirlBehind campaign. We nationals, particularly in Iran. The global landscape may be forever
pursued our Women, Peace and Security changed by coronavirus. It has certainly
This crisis has shown that necessity is the
(WPS) agenda, through our diplomatic, shone a stronger light on the necessity
mother of invention. In the past months,
defence, and development efforts. And for greater international cooperation.
our international response to coronavirus
we have led global efforts to prevent And it has underscored the need for
has involved a cross-Whitehall approach,
and respond to conflict-related sexual British leadership, as doughty defenders
bringing together departments to
violence through the FCO’s Preventing of the rules-based international system,
support the most vulnerable countries,
Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative. human rights and democracy. So in 2020
develop a vaccine, keep supply chains
and beyond, we will continue to work
And we continue to defend Freedom open and procure vital Personal
alongside our international partners as
of Religion or Belief, accepting all the Protective Equipment. The success of
a global force for good, dedicated to
recommendations of the report by that integrated approach has shown
making a real and lasting difference to
the Bishop of Truro into the FCO’s how right it is to align our development
the poorest, the oppressed, and the
work to defend persecuted Christians, and wider foreign policy objectives.
most vulnerable throughout the world.
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report
Foreword by Minister of State for Human Rights, Lord
(Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister’s Special
Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
Respect for human rights
and democratic freedoms
underpins the UK’s foreign
policy. Events, both at
home and abroad, during
the last 12 months again
demonstrated that human
rights matter and we,
the UK, must always be
a strong advocate for
accountability and justice.
Every day, across the globe, UK Ministers Nations. I also pay tribute to many in or Belief. In July, at the second
and officials stand up for a set of the UK Parliament who rightly hold Ministerial Conference to Advance
universal rights that, if fully realised, our Government to account and Religious Freedom in Washington DC, I
would afford everyone, everywhere, campaign tirelessly for the fundamental announced that the Government would
dignity and allow people to flourish. The rights of others across the world. implement all of the recommendations
UK, whether through our diplomacy or from the Bishop of Truro’s review
We have continued our work across
our development programmes, seeks to into the persecution of Christians.
a broad spectrum of human rights.
promote our shared human values, from We have now implemented 11 of
We have worked closely with Nobel
championing freedom of expression the Bishop’s 22 recommendations
Laureates, Nadia Murad and Dr Denis
and the press, to equality of access to under the stewardship of Rehman
Mukwege, in particular, to develop
education, health and justice. It is these Chisti MP, who succeeded me as the
the Murad Code: a global standard for
very values that drive our campaign for PM’s Envoy in September 2019.
documenting the crimes of conflict-
an end to the abhorrent acts of torture,
related sexual violence. As the Prime In July, as part of our 2019 campaign
the abolition of the death penalty,
Minister’s Special Representative on to Defend Media Freedom, we co-
and the eradication of the scourge of
Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, hosted the first Global Conference for
modern slavery and human trafficking.
I was delighted to welcome Her Royal Media Freedom alongside Canada in
Our Annual Human Rights & Democracy Highness The Countess of Wessex London and appointed Amal Clooney
Report highlights the human rights as our new champion for the UK’s as our first Envoy in this area. The event
situation around the world in 2019, Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict attracted over 1,500 participants from
and the role we have played. Simply Initiative (PSVI), and the Women, Peace more than 100 countries, including 60
put, human rights matter. And so, and Security agenda. In October, Ministers. The High Level Panel of Legal
importantly, do those working to we also announced our first PSVI Experts on Media Freedom, headed by
defend them. As the UK’s Human Survivor Champions, Nadine Tunasi and Lord Neuberger, was established and
Rights Minister, I have been privileged Kolbassia Haoussou, who are helping we have now built a Media Freedom
and honoured to work with some to shape a survivor-centred approach Coalition, alongside more than 30 other
of the most inspiring Human Rights to our policy and programming. governments, committing to share best
Defenders (HRDs) and I pay tribute practice, and lobby on specific cases
Protecting the rights of people of
to their commitment and courage. around the world. This remains a priority.
all faiths or beliefs continues to be
I was therefore delighted that last
a top priority. Last year, we backed Across the spectrum of human rights,
July, we underlined our support for
the creation of a new International to end discrimination for all, we have
those partnerships by publishing ‘UK
Day to Commemorate Victims of sought to bring renewed focus to issues
Support for Human Rights Defenders’
Acts of Violence Based on Religion and build alliances. The UK took on
in all six languages of the United
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report
the role of chair of the Equal Rights UN’s human rights work in Geneva. control the virus have had profound
Coalition last summer and we have We have now launched our re-election effects on people’s freedoms and
ambitious plans to re-energise its work campaign for the 2021-23 term, focused rights. The crisis has had a particularly
and tackle injustices. As recent events on promoting inclusive democracies and significant impact on the most
have shown, the scourge of racism still freedom of expression, as we continue vulnerable and marginalised. For me,
plagues the world and we should renew to show leadership on the human rights COVID-19 has also served as a reminder
our commitment to tackling its root issues dominating the global agenda. to us all of the interdependency of
causes in our battle for equality. We We have pledged to strengthen our humanity. From our homes and our
continue to strive for the eradication work for gender equality, including towns, to nations and internationally,
of modern slavery by 2030. Our Call to the full, effective and meaningful the need for us to work together
Action to end Forced Labour, Modern participation of women in political, to overcome shared challenges has
Slavery and Human Trafficking has now economic, and social life. As part of never been greater. So, as we evaluate
been endorsed by over 90 countries, our commitment to these priorities, priorities and re-examine relationships
and we have appointed Jennifer we appointed Rita French in May 2019 to build back better and greener, it is
Townson as our new International to the new role of UK International vitally important that we, as citizens of
Migration and Modern Slavery Envoy. Ambassador for Human Rights. the world, not only reclaim our human
rights, but work to strengthen them.
2019 was the last year of our term as Looking back on 2019 provides a stark
an elected member of the UN Human reminder of just how much COVID-19 .
Rights Council (HRC). We continue to has changed our lives. Measures taken
actively shape the outcomes of the by states recently around the world toCHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes 2
CHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes
Democracy and
Democratic Freedoms
Democracy and respect for human
rights are fundamental values.
They are the foundations on which
strong institutions, responsible and
accountable government, a free
press, the rule of law, and equal
rights for all people are built.
In recent years, the global democratic
environment has altered, and the
pace of democratisation is slowing.
Evidence from Freedom House shows
that 2019 was the 14th consecutive
year of democratic decline.[1] The
growing influence and threat presented
by authoritarian states has continued Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab meets his Advisory Group on human rights, October 2019
to contribute to this decline.
One of the greatest threats to
democracy comes from hostile state One of the ways that the UK defends Westminster Foundation
activity in cyber space. In 2019, the democracy is through providing support for Democracy
then Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to electoral processes. In 2019, we Established in 1992, WFD is an arms-
delivered a speech that warned of the continued to provide technical and length body of the FCO dedicated to
damage which authoritarian states and financial assistance and observers supporting democracy around the
cyber-attacks do to the credibility of to election observation missions run world. With offices in 33 countries,
the democratic process.[2] Reflecting by the Organization for Security and WFD partners with UK political
the UK’s position as a global leader Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and by parties, parliaments, and institutions
in technology, we engaged partners the EU. For example, we funded the to help bolster and strengthen
across the UK government and civil participation of four long-term and human rights globally, by making
society on cybersecurity, disinformation, 36 short-term UK observers to the countries’ political systems fairer,
and the erosion of human rights election observation mission run by the more inclusive, and more accountable.
online. From 2017/18 until 2019/20, we Office for Democratic Institutions and WFD also recruits international
have spent £62 million, to reduce the Human Rights (ODIHR) to Uzbekistan election observers for the UK and
impact of Russian disinformation across for its parliamentary elections. We helps ensure that elections around
wider Europe, through our Counter followed Somalia’s preparations for the world are credible and inclusive.
Disinformation and Media Development elections in 2020/21, which could be
the first one-person-one-vote elections In October in the Western Balkans,
programme, funded by the Conflict,
held in the country since 1969. The WFD established the Human Rights and
Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). We
UK used our diplomatic influence to Gender Network of MPs (HUGEN) to
have also used our work as a member
support efforts to develop a democratic support parliaments across the region
of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC)
electoral model and to build political in reaching international standards
to defend a free, open, and secure
consensus. We also closely followed for human rights and gender equality.
internet, and to promote the protection
the elections in Guatemala and HUGEN supports human rights and
of human rights online in the same way
the Embassy participated in election gender equality through peer-to-peer
as they are protected offline. The Prime
monitoring during both rounds learning, sharing best practice, and
Minister, Boris Johnson, reinforced
of voting (June and August). improving parliaments’ oversight of
this message in his speech to the UN
the implementation of law and policies
General Assembly in September.[3]
related to gender and human rights
[1] https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2020/leaderless-struggle-democracy
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/deterrence-in-the-cyber-age-speech-by-the-foreign-secretary
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-to-the-un-general-assembly-24-september-20193 Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report
are being implemented. In Kenya, terrorism legislation into line with National Assembly, supporting a
WFD supported local disabled persons’ international human rights principles. research and library unit to enable
organisations in lobbying for disabled evidence-based debate among National
The UK government, continues to fund
people to be included in politics, Assembly members, supporting the
the ‘Inclusive and Accountable Politics’
leading to the creation of inclusive digitisation of parliamentary records
programme, delivered by WFD. The
disability laws that we expect to be and providing training to newly-
programme covers countries eligible for
enacted in 2020. In Uganda, WFD elected representatives.[4] In Nepal
Overseas Development Assistance. In
has worked with parliament, the youth WFD is providing support to some of
2019, £3.7m was spent on supporting
parliament, young MPs, and other the newly-elected female legislators.
greater inclusion of women and under-
youth-focused groups to support the Through the programme, WFD are
represented groups in formal and
representation and inclusion of young working with them both in their
informal political processes, improving
people. In March, WFD organised a parliamentary work as well as increasing
accountability through more robust
conference in Kampala that attracted their profile and strengthening networks
scrutiny of government performance,
over 200 participants from more amongst their constituencies.[5]
and generating evidence about the
than ten countries, and resulted
effectiveness of democracy support
in parliament looking into cutting
nomination fees, which are a big barrier
in different political contexts. The Community of
for young people entering politics. WFD is the lead partner of an Democracies
FCO-sponsored programme, the The Community of Democracies (CoD) is
During 2019, WFD adopted an
Commonwealth Partnership for an intergovernmental coalition of states
integrated approach to electoral
Democracy, which is helping 18 that aims to support democratic rules,
reform, engaging political parties,
Commonwealth countries to improve expand political participation, advance
parliaments, civil society organisations,
the representation of women, young and protect democratic freedoms,
and electoral bodies before, during,
people, people with disabilities, and and strengthening democratic norms
and after elections to help bolster
LGBT people in the democratic process. and institutions around the world.
democratic governance. The UK sent
WFD brings together parliamentarians
election observers to participate in The UK started the year as the chair
and civil society—on local, global,
six election observation missions: in of the Governing Council of the
regional, and in-country platforms—to
El Salvador, Nigeria, Senegal, CoD, concluding our six-month term
address complex problems and barriers
Malawi, Tunisia and Kosovo. in March. In 2019, the Governing
to political access, with input from
WFD delivered an independent members of these marginalised groups. Council expanded to include North
technical report to the national Macedonia and Georgia, while
WFD is also working to build Romania began its two-year role as
electoral commission of Democratic
capacity in new democracies such chair of the Presidency in September.
Republic of Congo ahead of the
as The Gambia, and supporting
January 2019 vote. The report set In January, we hosted the Governing
women parliamentarians in Nepal. In
out a list of recommendations to the Council in London to discuss the
collaboration with the Commonwealth
commission on how to use electronic importance of democratic participation,
Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK),
voting machines in a safe, effective, and devolution in the UK, media freedom,
WFD is working with The Gambia’s
transparent manner in the upcoming
election. WFD also worked with the
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German The Community of Democracies Governing Council, January 2019
political foundation, to help train
political party polling agents, providing
local partners with the skills needed to
support a credible electoral process.
In Indonesia, WFD helped local
and national government to apply
innovative techniques to review laws
intended to combat discrimination
and human rights violations in
local regulations, to make sure they
achieve their intended outcome.
This built on WFD’s previous support
for the House of Representatives
as they helped bring new counter-
[4] https://www.wfd.org/network/the-gambia
[5] https://www.wfd.org/2020/05/06/remote-learning-sessions-with-nepals-women-mpsCHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes 4
and democratic resilience. The Minister 106 internet shutdowns in India increasingly oppressive after large-scale
for Foreign Affairs for the Maldives, in 2019, according to the website anti-Government protests broke out in
Abdulla Shahid, spoke about his Internet Shutdown Tracker. The UK October. The last months of 2019 saw
country’s democratic journey. continued to support Access Now acts of intimidation by Iraqi security
and their #KeepItOn campaign, which forces against journalists and media
The UK provided financial support for
brings together a coalition of over organisations, and the suppression
the CoD’s fact-finding missions. The
200 organisations from 75 countries of information including the internet.
aim of the fact-finding missions is to
in a global effort to counter internet Over 500 people were killed in the
open dialogue with countries seeking
shutdowns. We also continued protests, with many thousands injured.
to strengthen their democracies. This
to work closely with the Freedom In October, the Foreign Secretary,
included a mission to Mali in July,
Online Coalition (FOC), a partnership Dominic Raab, made clear to the former
and to The Gambia in November.
of 30 governments committed to Iraqi Prime Minister Abdul-Mehdi that
During the missions, representatives
advancing internet freedom. In the UK condemned these actions.
of Governing Council member states
May, we joined the organisation
and of the International Steering We continued to advocate the right
in releasing a joint statement on
Committee (representing national and to freedom of expression at the
defending civic space online.
regional NGOs) met representatives UN Human Rights Council (HRC).
of government and local civil society. Freedom of expression continued to In July, the UK co-sponsored a joint
These missions will be followed in decline in Egypt. At the end of 2019, statement[7] alongside Canada and
2020 by a fact-finding mission to over 500 websites remained blocked, the Netherlands, reiterating our
Armenia, and a publication setting and 26 journalists were in prison. On 24 commitment to defending the right to
out the democratic landscape in these November, security forces raided one freedom of opinion and expression.
countries, as well as recommendations of the last independent news outlets,
for the Governing Council to implement Mada Masr. The UK was the first
in support of democratic governance country to comment publicly later that
Human Rights Defenders
in Mali, The Gambia, and Armenia. day. All staff members from Mada Masr Human rights defenders (HRDs) play
were subsequently released. In South an essential and courageous role in
Sudan, a systematic clampdown on the promoting and protecting democracy,
Civil Society media, censorship, shrinking civil rights respect for human rights, and the rule
space, enforced disappearances, and of law. They fight every day to protect
arbitrary arrests continued to restrict human rights for all, often putting
Freedom of Expression
freedom of expression severely. The themselves, and their loved ones, at
Freedom of expression is essential to UK continued to support initiatives great risk in doing so. According to the
any functioning democracy. Citizens that improved and defended the legal NGO Frontline Defenders, 304 human
must be able to discuss and debate protection of human rights. In May, rights defenders were killed in 2019
freely, challenge their governments, the Myanmar government pardoned alone.[8] It is right that we recognise and
and make informed decisions on the two Reuters journalists, who had support the excellent work they do.
issues that affect them. However, been imprisoned for over 500 days for
In his annual report, the then UN
according to the NGO Article 19, 5.5 investigating military atrocities. The UK
Special Rapporteur on the situation of
billion people are now living in countries was a prominent advocate on behalf of
HRDs, Michel Forst, highlighted the
that have seen an overall decline in the two journalists, and welcomed the
continued “systematic discrimination,
freedom of expression over the last government’s decision. Nevertheless,
marginalisation and repression”
decade, with freedom of expression the space for free expression in
that many women HRDs (WHRDs)
now at a ten year low[6]. In 2019, at Myanmar continued to shrink in 2019.
face as a result of their work (10).[9]
least 213 internet shutdowns were
In Cuba, freedom of expression In 2019, WHRDs continue to face a
documented, up from 196 in 2018,
continued to be subject to restrictions, growing threat online, with online
greatly restricting freedom of expression
with reports of arbitrary arrests. The smear campaigns and defamation
and freedom of peaceful assembly and
Cuban government continued to use aiming to intimidate and shame them
association for many people around
short-term detentions as a tool to and deter them from their work
the world at democratically critical
stem dissent. The UK raised human being a daily occurrence for many.
times. In Kashmir, the Government
of India detained political leaders rights concerns directly with the Cuban
In July, we published the document ‘UK
and restricted protests, and telephone government, including at ministerial
Support for Human Rights Defenders’ to
and internet services. There were level. In Iraq, the environment for
emphasise the UK’s support for HRDs.
journalists and the media became
[6] https://www.article19.org/resources/global-expression-report-2018-19-global-freedom-of-expression-at-a-ten-year-low
[7] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/un-human-rights-council-41-joint-statement-on-freedom-of-expression
[8] https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/global_analysis_2019_web.pdf
[9] https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G19/004/97/PDF/G1900497.pdf5 Human Rights and Democracy: The 2019 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report
[10] To produce the document, we concerned by the use of anti-terror conduct in managing peaceful
consulted a number of partner NGOs, legislation to restrict the legitimate demonstrations. In Syria, the regime
British embassies and high commissions, activities of HRDs. As observers, we continued to exert pressure on civil
and HRDs themselves. The document attended the trials of a number of society activists. This included refusing
is available in all six UN languages. journalists and HRDs, and raised key to grant civil society organisations legal
issues with the Turkish authorities. status. The space for civil society in
Three years on from the signing of the
Libya became increasingly restricted.
peace deal, Colombia continued to The UK co-sponsored the UN General
Presidency Council Decree 286 (2018)
struggle to protect HRDs. According to Assembly resolution on HRDs during
continued to limit the activity of civil
the UN[11], there were 108 confirmed its 74th Session. The resolution’s
society groups, prohibiting them from
killings in 2019. The UK directly aims were to create stronger global
receiving international donations and
supported approximately 450 at-risk standards of support for HRDs, promote
from engaging in activity related to
HRDs in 2019, through training to the legitimacy of HRDs, and protect
political, military, or security matters.
improve protection and security, as them against threats, harassment,
Over a 30 month period finishing
well as legal support to fight impunity reprisals, and killings. The UK Mission
in March 2020, the UK provided
in cases of attacks. In Brazil, the work to the UN also worked with the
£2.75 million in funding from the
and safety of HRDs remain under International Service for Human Rights
Conflict, Stability and Security Fund
threat, especially for those focusing on to provide training and opportunities
(CSSF) to build the capacity of local
land conflicts, environmental harms, for HRDs from around the globe. This
civil society partners across the
and the rights of indigenous people. included the opportunity to conduct
east, west, and south of Libya.
Through our bilateral programme, the advocacy at the UN in New York,
UK contributed to the protection of, and engage with UN mechanisms. The UK continued to support civil
and respect for, HRDs in the Brazilian society activists including through
state of Pará by improving access to funding for civil society organisations
security measures and strengthening
Restrictions of Civil and women’s groups, and for those
community self-protection networks. Society Space pursuing justice and accountability.
A vibrant and diverse civil society In 2019, DFID provided £1.9m in new
In Afghanistan, HRDs continued to
enables all people—including those funding for two consortia to work
face a high level of threat to life and
who find themselves socially, politically, with local CSOs in six countries, to
liberty from both state and non-state
and economically marginalised within increase effective approaches to
actors. The British Embassy in Kabul
society—to express their priorities, building free and open societies in
undertook a range of programmes
aspirations, and concerns, and is an developing and fragile countries.
that aimed to protect vulnerable
groups and support those working essential component of any healthy Peaceful protests that took place
to defend human rights. Meanwhile democracy. In 2019, the role of during the revolution in Sudan
in Nicaragua, we remained civil society organisations (CSOs) in 2019 were met with a violent
concerned by the continuing reports in amplifying grass root voices was response from security services. The
of harassment of HRDs, restrictions increasingly challenged, and open then Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt,
imposed on freedom of expression, civic space was faced growing threats condemned the violence, and the then
curtailment of political rights, and around the world. The CIVICUS Minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin,
the imprisonment of opponents of Monitor[12] rated civic space as ‘open’ summoned the Sudanese Ambassador
the regime. We continued to press in just 43 of 196 countries, assessing 42 after the violent attack on 3 June.
for an end to abuses, a resumption as ‘Narrowed’, 49 as ‘Obstructed’, 38 The UK welcomed the subsequent
of dialogue, and the unconditional as ‘Repressed’ and 24 as ‘Closed’[13]. political changes that the protestors
release of all political prisoners. The In Vietnam, those peacefully exercising called for, and supported Sudan in its
UK encouraged Thailand to uphold their constitutional rights were transition to a democratic future.
its commitment to creating genuine subjected to violence, harassment,
political space following long-awaited and detention by government forces.
elections in March. There was concern The UK encouraged Vietnam to Media Freedom
over the treatment of HRDs, including improve protection of the rights to The UK ran a major international
through the Strategic Litigation Against freedom of expression and freedom campaign in 2019 on Media Freedom.
Public Participation (SLAPP), and over of peaceful assembly by reviewing This reflected growing concern about
the disappearance of Thai, Lao, and existing legislation, and by publishing constraints on free and independent
Vietnamese dissidents in neighbouring and implementing clear and transparent media around the world, with 2018
states in the region. In Turkey, we were guidelines on security personnel having been the worst year on record
[10] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-support-for-human-rights-defenders
[11] https://www.hchr.org.co/documentoseinformes/informes/altocomisionado/A_HRC_43_3_Add.3_AdvanceUneditedVersion-2019-2.pdf
[12] https://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/reports-publications/4192-global-monitor-report-twice-as-many-people-live-in-repressed-
countries-compared-to-a-year-ago
[13] https://monitor.civicus.org/watch-listCHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes 6
Special Envoy for Media Freedom Amal Clooney addresses the Global Conference for Media Freedom,
Global Conference on Media Freedom, London, July 2019 the UK announced plans to develop its
own domestic National Action Plan.
Protecting Independent Media
for Effective Development
(PRIMED) programme: the UK
government announced new funding
to promote media freedom in
developing countries including £12
million for a consortium led by BBC
Media Action to help existing media
improve their business models, working
in Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Sierra
Leone. The programme supports
media organisations to develop
better business models, for example
by helping them to cut production
costs and find new funding streams.
In addition to the Global Conference
for violence and abuses against Committee took place in November, in London, a wide range of other
journalists. In July the first Global where priorities for the fund were set, media freedom events took place. At
Conference for Media Freedom took with the first call for bids to enable the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting
place in London, co-hosted by the organisations to receive financial in April, Canadian Foreign Minister,
UK and Canada. It attracted over assistance for projects in line with the Chrystia Freeland announced Canada’s
1,500 participants from over 100 fund’s goals closing in May 2020. partnership on the campaign and
countries, with 60 ministers attending. launched the High Level Panel of Legal
High Level Panel of Legal
Several initiatives were launched: Experts. The then Foreign Secretary,
Experts: an independent panel of
Media Freedom Coalition: 33 distinguished international lawyers, Jeremy Hunt, attended and spoke at
countries signed the Global Pledge[14] focused on improving legal protections the World Press Freedom Day event
on Media Freedom and formed the for journalists and for a free and in May, hosted by the Government
Media Freedom Coalition, committing independent media. The panel was of Ethiopia, with UNESCO and the
to raise media freedom, share best convened by Amal Clooney and chaired African Union. There he announced
practice, and lobby on specific cases by the former President of the UK a Chevening Africa Media Freedom
around the globe. The Coalition was Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger of Fellowship for 60 African journalists.
then formally launched at an event Abbotsbury. It met for the first time In September, the Organization
in the margins of the UN General at the Global Conference for Media for Security and Co-operation in
Assembly (UNGA) in September which Freedom, and again in December. Europe (OSCE)’s Human Dimension
was chaired by Amal Clooney, the The panel is working on producing Implementation Meeting featured
Foreign Secretary’s Special Envoy on a series of papers to provide advice events focused on media freedom
Media Freedom, and co-hosted by to governments on legislation and the safety of journalists. On 2
Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon and and other measures. The first two November, the UK participated in a
key international partners. In 2020, reports will be on the use of targeted UNESCO-led event in Mexico to mark
the Coalition will develop a rapid sanctions to protect journalists[15], the International Day to End Impunity
response mechanism to respond to and on the creation of a visa system for Crimes against Journalists. In New
attacks on, or killings of, journalists, for states to provide safe refuge York, we co-sponsored the International
and to emerging situations of concern. for journalists. Further papers will Press Institute’s roundtable discussion
be published throughout 2020. with members of the UNGA Third
Global Media Defence Fund:
administered by UNESCO, the fund’s International Task Force on Committee to give greater profile
aim is to ensure effective legal National Action Plans: led by to the issues of attacks on, killings
assistance and support to civil society UNESCO with contributions from and intimidation of journalists. The
and journalists, including training for multilateral and regional organisations, UK also co-sponsored a side-event
journalists. The UK committed £3 as well as civil society, to support at the International Humanitarian
million over a period of five years, and engage countries in developing Law Conference, held in Geneva in
with a further $1m contribution National Action Plans for the safety December, on the importance of
from Canada. The first Steering and protection of journalists. At the protecting journalists in conflict.
[14] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-pledge-on-media-freedom/global-pledge-on-media-freedom
[15] The panel published its first report on targeted sanctions to protect journalists on 13th February 2020You can also read
