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Human Rights & Democracy The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report
Human Rights & Democracy The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs by Command of Her Majesty July 2021 Cp 458
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report © Crown copyright 2021 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, OSHR Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AH. ISBN 978-1-5286-2732-0 CCS0621833840 07/21 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 FCDO Communication Directorate Cover image: Play time in a primary school in Pakistan. Play is an important part of a child’s early development helping to mature their language and communication skills. In 2020, the UK worked closely with Pakistan to further access to education and realise gender equality.
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report Contents Preface by the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab....................................................................... iv Foreword by the Minister for Human Rights, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon...................... 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 Transparency and Open Government......................................................................................................................... 3 Civil Society................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Freedom of Expression.............................................................................................................................................. 3 Human Rights Defenders........................................................................................................................................... 4 Restrictions of Civil Society Space............................................................................................................................. 4 Media Freedom........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Freedom of Religion or Belief..................................................................................................................................... 7 Post-Holocaust Issues............................................................................................................................................... 9 Gender Equality........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Women and Girls’ Rights...........................................................................................................................................10 Violence against Women and Girls............................................................................................................................10 Women, Peace and Security.....................................................................................................................................11 Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative..........................................................................................................11 Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment............................................................................................12 Girls’ Education.........................................................................................................................................................12 Children and Armed Conflict.....................................................................................................................................13 The Rights of the Child..............................................................................................................................................13 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) Rights...................................................................................... 13 Modern Slavery..........................................................................................................................................................15 Human Rights and the Private Sector..................................................................................................................... 16 Business and Human Rights.....................................................................................................................................16 Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights..................................................................................................17 Private Security Companies......................................................................................................................................17 Responsible Sourcing of Minerals.............................................................................................................................17 The Kimberley Process.............................................................................................................................................17 Death Penalty and Torture Prevention..................................................................................................................... 18 Overseas Security Justice Assistance.................................................................................................................... 18 Export Controls......................................................................................................................................................... 19 Migration and Human Rights................................................................................................................................... 19 Economic and Social Rights.................................................................................................................................... 20 Women’s Economic Empowerment......................................................................................................................... 20 Rights of People with Disabilities.............................................................................................................................. 20 Rights of Older Persons........................................................................................................................................... 20
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report
Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health................................................................................................... 20
Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Land....................................................................................................................... 21
Social Protection...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Overseas Territories.................................................................................................................................................. 21
Human Rights and Democracy Programmes......................................................................................................... 22
Case Studies of Programme Work........................................................................................................................... 23
Chapter 2: Human Rights and the Multilateral System............................................................. 24
Human Rights at the UN........................................................................................................................................... 24
Human Rights Council............................................................................................................................................. 24
Country Issues......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Thematic Issues....................................................................................................................................................... 25
Universal Periodic Review........................................................................................................................................ 25
Treaty Monitoring Bodies and Special Procedures................................................................................................... 26
UN Security Council................................................................................................................................................. 26
Responsibility to Protect and Mass Atrocity Prevention............................................................................................ 26
Peacebuilding.......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Peacekeeping.......................................................................................................................................................... 27
Commonwealth......................................................................................................................................................... 27
Human Rights Council Joint Commonwealth Statement—a Commonwealth First.................................................... 27
Commonwealth COVID-19 and Racism Statements................................................................................................. 27
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.................................................................................................................. 28
Gender Equality and Inclusion.................................................................................................................................. 28
Europe....................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Council of Europe..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe............................................................................................... 29
European Union....................................................................................................................................................... 29
International Criminal Justice.................................................................................................................................. 30
Sanctions................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 3: Consular Assistance.................................................................................................. 32
Death Penalty........................................................................................................................................................... 32
Torture and Mistreatment......................................................................................................................................... 32
Overseas Prisoners.................................................................................................................................................. 33
Forced Marriage....................................................................................................................................................... 33
Chapter 4: Human Rights Priority Countries.............................................................................. 34
Afghanistan............................................................................................................................................................... 34
Bahrain...................................................................................................................................................................... 35
People’s Republic of Bangladesh............................................................................................................................ 36
Belarus....................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Central African Republic.......................................................................................................................................... 38
China.......................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Colombia................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.................................................................................................................. 42
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report Democratic Republic of Congo................................................................................................................................ 42 Egypt.......................................................................................................................................................................... 44 Eritrea........................................................................................................................................................................ 45 Iran............................................................................................................................................................................. 46 Iraq............................................................................................................................................................................. 47 The State of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories................................................................................. 48 Libya.......................................................................................................................................................................... 49 Mali............................................................................................................................................................................ 50 Myanmar (Burma)...................................................................................................................................................... 52 Nicaragua.................................................................................................................................................................. 54 Pakistan..................................................................................................................................................................... 55 Russia........................................................................................................................................................................ 56 Saudi Arabia.............................................................................................................................................................. 57 Somalia...................................................................................................................................................................... 58 South Sudan.............................................................................................................................................................. 59 Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka............................................................................................................ 61 Sudan......................................................................................................................................................................... 62 Syria........................................................................................................................................................................... 63 Turkmenistan............................................................................................................................................................. 64 Uzbekistan................................................................................................................................................................. 65 Venezuela.................................................................................................................................................................. 66 Yemen........................................................................................................................................................................ 67 Zimbabwe.................................................................................................................................................................. 68
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report
Preface by the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab
2020 was a very challenging year. In addition to its
grave health impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic has
accelerated a number of negative trends, including the
erosion of human rights and democracy in different
parts of the world. It has provided an opportunity
for unscrupulous and opportunistic governments to
increase repression and flout international law.
Against this backdrop, the UK played to end the practice of arbitrary
a critical role as a champion of open, arrests, detentions or sentencing.
democratic societies, human rights
We are ready to stand up for our
and the rule of law, including through
values in the face of human rights
our G7 Presidency and as co-chair of
violations, fraudulent elections and
the global Media Freedom Coalition.
attacks on democracy—for example
In September, we merged FCO in countries including Russia,
and DFID—bringing diplomacy and China, Myanmar and Belarus.
development together to maximise
We have continued to stand up Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, DPRK,
our impact, placing our world-class
for the rights and freedoms of the Belarus, Chechnya, Venezuela, The
aid programme at the beating heart
people of Hong Kong. We have Gambia and Pakistan. Our Global
of our foreign policy decision-
called out China’s egregious actions, Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime
making. Defending open societies,
alongside our international partners. launched in 2021 completes the UK’s
including human rights, is one of
We launched a new immigration Magnitsky sanctions framework.
the seven strategic priorities for our
route for British Nationals (Overseas) This will prevent corrupt actors
development work. The new Foreign,
providing many of those that feel from using the UK as a haven for
Commonwealth and Development
they need to leave with another dirty money, while combatting
Office is now working to tackle
option for doing so. We also took corruption around the world.
the world’s greatest challenges in
a number of further steps in 2020,
a modern and innovative way. In these challenging times, we
including suspending indefinitely our
will continue to bring to bear all of
We set out our vision for the new Extradition Treaty with Hong Kong
the diplomatic and development
department and for the UK’s role in and extending our arms embargo on
levers available to us to defend the
the world in the Integrated Review mainland China to cover Hong Kong.
international rule of law and the
of Security, Defence, Development
We have challenged and exposed rights and freedoms of the most
and Foreign Policy, titled ‘Global
human rights violations together oppressed and most vulnerable
Britain in a competitive world’. It
with our like-minded partners and around the world. This is the mission
is the most comprehensive and
through multilateral bodies, such of Global Britain as a force for good.
far-reaching foreign and security
as the Human Rights Council.
policy strategy published by a
Underlining our commitment to
British Government in decades.
upholding international laws and
We want to see a world that is safe for norms, the UK has been re-elected
open and free societies to thrive, and to the UN Human Rights Council,
we are confident and ambitious about and at the International Criminal
our role as a protector of human Court we have seen the elections
rights and a beacon of democratic of Joanna Korner as Judge and
sovereignty. That’s why we are Karim Khan as Chief Prosecutor.
leading campaigns on the freedom
With the UK’s Global Human Rights
of religion or belief, media freedom,
sanctions regime, we have imposed
Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict,
sanctions on the perpetrators. In
LGBT+ rights, and girls’ education.
2020 the UK imposed sanctions on
We have also joined with Canada and
individuals and entities in Russia,
over 50 other partners in working
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report
Foreword by the Minister for Human Rights,
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon
The Government’s Integrated Review of Security,
Defence, Development and Foreign Policy—our
vision for Global Britain—places a major focus on
championing human rights, democratic values, good
governance, the rule of law, and open societies. This
is central to our role as a force for good in the world.
This FCDO Annual Human Rights and more difficult, as they seek to
& Democracy Report looks at the defend and promote the rights of
human rights situation around the minority groups or indeed document
world in 2020. It demonstrates violations or champion reform. The
how the COVID-19 pandemic has FCDO continued to support human
exacerbated many human rights rights defenders in 2020, including
issues, and disproportionately by monitoring cases, observing
impacted marginalised and trials, and raising issues with host
vulnerable groups. It highlights governments, for example in Iran,
some of the actions we have taken, Colombia, Turkey and Thailand.
as a government and with our
The report covers many of the issues
partners, bilaterally and in multilateral focus. In June, the UK delivered a
on which we are most active. A free
fora, in support of human rights ground-breaking joint statement
and fearless objective media is vital
and those who defend them. at the Human Rights Council on
for accountability in all parts of our
behalf of 28 countries, urging China
This is the first report published by lives. Supporting press freedom and
to allow access for independent
the new Foreign, Commonwealth journalists has continued to be a
observers, including the UN High
and Development Office. It major priority for this government.
Commissioner for Human Rights.
therefore reflects the importance
Several new countries joined We continue to call for this access
and strength of diplomacy and
our Media Freedom Coalition in as a matter of great urgency.
development working side-by-
2020, swelling the alliance to 42
side to defend human rights and Studies show that the pandemic has
states, including all G7 countries.
democracy around the world. brought disproportionately heavy
Our High Level Panel of Legal
consequences for women and girls.
The 2020 report covers 31 Human Experts industriously worked on
To counter the surge in violence
Rights Priority Countries. The list ways to improve legal protections
against women during 2020, we
is reviewed periodically, taking into for journalists and independent
funded programmes in Kenya, Nepal
account the human rights situation, media. We continued to be the
and across the Western Balkans
the trajectory of change, and the lead contributor to the UNESCO
to make sure victims of violence
UK’s ability to make a positive Global Media Defence Fund.
could access help and refuge during
difference in each country. This Moreover, our programme to
the pandemic. We also kick-started
year, Burundi and Republic of strengthen media standards and
a global follow-up programme to
Maldives have been removed from protections continued to deliver
our highly successful ‘What Works
the list, while Belarus, Mali and results, for example in Ethiopia,
to Prevent Violence’ initiative.
Nicaragua have been added. Bangladesh and Sierra Leone.
In July, seven years of UK support to
There is no doubt that 2020 was Freedom of Religion or Belief
the Sudanese-led movement bore
a difficult year. The pandemic has (FoRB) has been another priority
fruit, when the Sudanese Government
strengthened the arm of authoritarian throughout the year. The report
outlawed female genital mutilation. In
rulers and we’ve tragically witnessed details how we have built new like-
October, to rally international support
a scaling up of egregious abuse of minded alliances and strengthened
for girls’ education, we developed
human rights. For those courageous existing ones. In December, the
two new targets for low and middle
and brave souls who call out Prime Minister appointed Fiona
income countries to meet by 2025:
such abuses, including human Bruce as his new envoy on FoRB.
to get 40 million more girls into
rights defenders, it has made their
Violations against Uyghur Muslims primary and secondary school; and
crucial role both more important
in Xinjiang have also been in sharp to get a third more girls reading by
Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report
the age of ten. All G7 countries have our new Global Human Rights I am proud of our record on human
now signed up to these targets. Sanctions Regime—a powerful rights, but this area of our work
new tool of deterrence and will always need to be sustained
We have continued to make good
accountability—and immediately as a priority as there remains so
progress on our Preventing Sexual
imposed sanctions against 49 much more to be done. With the
Violence in Conflict Initiative. In
individuals or entities involved in a UK successfully re-elected to the
June, I was part of the launch
range of human rights violations UN Human Rights Council for the
of the UK-backed Murad Code
and abuses around the world. 2021-23 term, we are well positioned
for global consultations. It will
to keep pursuing this work and
strengthen work with survivors to Human rights issues connect to
strengthening alliances to stand up
investigate, document and record many other areas of policy. For
for the persecuted and oppressed.
crimes. In November, I launched example, when making decisions
We are committed to continue
the ‘Declaration of Humanity’ and, on trading relations, our international
supporting vital programmes,
through it, successfully encouraged obligations and commitments,
and working with our partners
faith, belief and community leaders including on human rights, are always
to defend and promote human
to speak out on the issue and of paramount importance. We believe
rights around the world. Simply
denounce the stigma faced by that political freedom and the rule of
put it’s the right thing to do.
survivors of sexual violence. law are vital underpinnings for both
long term prosperity and stability.
Earlier and most notably in July,
the Foreign Secretary introducedCHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes 2
CHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes
Democracy and political institutions and promote political systems fairer, more
good governance. In Nigeria, inclusive, and more accountable.
Democratic Freedoms the UK funded and supported
Working closely with partners,
Promoting democracy and Nigerian civil society groups to
WFD helped parliaments operate
defending democratic freedoms observe voting during elections
effectively during lockdowns,
are fundamental to the UK’s in Edo and Ondo states. The UK
scrutinised government responses,
foreign policy. We believe that played a leading role, working
and ensured oversight of emergency
strong democratic institutions and with partners in the international
spending. Ensuring that COVID-
accountable governments, which community, to help ensure credible
related laws and policies were
uphold universal rights and the rule elections in Guyana in March.
gender-sensitive was a key goal
of law, are key building blocks for in WFD programmes, for example
secure and prosperous states. Westminster Foundation in Morocco and Malaysia.
We witnessed a number of for Democracy WFD helped young people get
challenges to democracy in the The Westminster Foundation for involved in politics in Nigeria[2],
world in 2020 exacerbated by Democracy (WFD) is an executive Uganda[3], North Macedonia[4]
the COVID-19 pandemic. There Non-Departmental Public Body and Bosnia and Herzegovina[5].
was further evidence of the focused on supporting democracy They worked with the parliament
retreat of democracy and a rise overseas. It is an important in Sierra Leone[6] to submit its
in authoritarianism. In 2020, the and distinctive part of the UK’s first report on implementing the
NGO Freedom House recorded a diplomatic and soft power efforts. UN Convention on the Rights of
decline in global freedom for the We continued to work closely with Persons with Disabilities, and the
15th consecutive year[1]. COVID-19 WFD during 2020, and funded their parliament of North Macedonia
brought the interdependence of work to bolster and strengthen to adopt the Declaration for Active
democracy and human rights human rights by making countries’ Political Participation of Persons with
into even sharper focus, with
governments using the crisis to
restrict civil liberties further and to
entrench repressive measures.
The UK continued to defend
democracy through support to
electoral processes. In 2020, the
UK funded observers to election
observation missions run by the
Organization for Security and Co-
operation in Europe (OSCE). In
Georgia, we funded three long-
term observers to parliamentary
elections in November; in Moldova
we funded two long-term observers
to presidential elections in
November; and eight to Ukraine
to observe the local elections in
October. Through our Embassies Hon. Timothy Amwayi, Member of Kakamega County Assembly,
and High Commissions, the UK Kenya, speaks at the Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy
(CP4D) closing conference, which was held in London on 4 March
continued to support democratic 2020. Copyright Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
[1] https://freedomhouse.org/article/new-report-global-decline-democracy-has-accelerated
[2] https://www.wfd.org/2020/11/20/young-parliamentarians-at-the-heart-of-advancing-youth-interests-in-nigeria
[3] https://www.wfd.org/2020/06/08/east-african-youth-call-for-involvement-in-navigating-the-covid-19-response
[4] https://www.wfd.org/2020/05/11/students-spending-lockdown-in-extra-curricular-classes-in-north-macedonia
[5] https://www.wfd.org/2020/06/12/cost-of-youth-emigration-from-bosnia-and-herzegovina-2
[6] https://www.wfd.org/network/sierra-leone3 Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report
Disabilities. In The Gambia, WFD support adherence to common General Assembly in September,
facilitated assessments[7] of the effect democratic values and standards Minister for Human Rights, Lord Tariq
which the COVID-19 response had as outlined in the 2000 Warsaw Ahmad of Wimbledon highlighted
had on women and disabled people. Declaration. The COD celebrated that the work of the OGP was now
its 20th anniversary on 26 June, more important than ever[12].
WFD launched a programme in
and signatories to the Warsaw
Bangsamoro[8] (in the Philippines)
Convention, including the UK, on 27
to help local government transition
June pledged to continue to uphold Civil Society
through a peace process, while
core democratic values. This included
working towards gender equality and
the right of every person to equal Freedom of Expression
good governance. In the Western
access to public service and to take
Balkans, WFD worked with the Freedom of expression is essential
part in the conduct of public affairs,
human rights and gender network to functioning democracies,
directly or through freely chosen
of MPs[9], supporting parliaments in and enables a full range of other
representatives. Signatories also
promoting human rights and gender human rights. People need to be
agreed to strengthen the institutions
equality. Through its environmental able to challenge and hold their
and processes of democracy.
democracy initiative[10], WFD provided governments to account through
technical assistance to parliaments in open discussion and debate. This
Pakistan and Indonesia to advance Transparency and allows innovation to thrive, ideas
the environmental protection agenda. Open Government to develop, and leads to more
WFD led the FCDO-sponsored The COVID-19 response and recovery secure and prosperous societies.
programme, the Commonwealth demonstrated that transparency, The right to freedom of expression
Partnership for Democracy, openness and freedom of the exists online as well as offline. The
which helped 18 Commonwealth press are crucial to preventing UK is committed to a free, open,
countries improve the corruption and supporting an peaceful and secure internet. In 2020,
representation of women, young effective COVID-19 recovery. The the NGO Access Now documented[13]
people, people with disabilities, and UK supported and promoted at least 155 internet shutdowns
the LGBT+ community. Successes transparency, accountability and in 29 countries, including during
included training 3,000 student participation, which are fundamental elections, so disrupting democratic
leaders in Ghana and supporting to open and inclusive societies. We processes. We continued to support
three disability rights bills in Kenya. continued to work through multilateral Access Now and its #KeepItOn
In October, WFD launched a new engagement and innovative campaign, which brought together
FCDO-funded programme with global projects to deliver this. a coalition of 243 organisations from
Kaleidoscope Trust, to tackle 105 countries to counter internet
discrimination against women, In 2020, the FCDO continued to
support the Open Government shutdowns. The UK also worked
girls, and LGBT+ people in 13 to defend a free, open and secure
Commonwealth countries. Partnership (OGP) globally through
a £12 million programme to drive internet though our membership
WFD also recruited international open government reforms in of the Freedom Online Coalition
election observers for the UK, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, (FOC), a partnership of 32 countries,
sending observers to participate Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South working to advance internet
in missions in a range of Africa and Sri Lanka. The OGP freedom. In May, the FOC issued
countries, including Kyrgyzstan, supported countries to integrate open a statement[14] on COVID-19 and
Kazakhstan and Moldova. government approaches into their internet freedom, expressing concern
COVID-19 responses and recovery. about the human rights implications
In Nigeria, the OGP worked with of some measures introduced by
The Community of governments in response to the
civil society organisations to establish
Democracies pandemic. In November, the UK and
citizen monitoring of economic
We continued to work with the stimulus and social protection Finland led a statement by the FOC
Community of Democracies (COD)— packages. Speaking at the OGP’s calling on governments to refrain
alongside 30[11] other states that Virtual Leaders’ Summit at the UN from conducting and sponsoring
[7] https://www.wfd.org/2020/12/14/learning-from-gambias-covid-19-response-and-its-impact-on-marginalized-groups
[8] https://www.wfd.org/network/bangsamoro-philippines
[9] https://www.wfd.org/2020/11/02/wfd-initiates-pls-processes-in-the-western-balkans-help-improve-legislation
[10] https://www.wfd.org/approach/environmental-democracy
[11] https://community-democracies.org/values/governing-council
[12] https://www.opengovpartnership.org/events/open-government-partnership-2020-virtual-leaders-summit
[13] https://www.accessnow.org/cms/assets/uploads/2021/03/KeepItOn-report-on-the-2020-data_Mar-2021_3.pdf
[14] https://freedomonlinecoalition.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/FOC-Joint-Statement-on-COVID-19-and-Internet-Freedom-1.pdfCHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes 4
disinformation campaigns, and to crucial to promoting the rights of their implementation of Colombia’s
take active steps to respect human fellow citizens and to contributing 2016 peace agreement. There
rights, democracy and the rule of law. to the long-term reform and were indications that the situation
development of their countries, by had worsened as a result of the
In Tanzania, there were increasing
documenting human rights violations COVID-19 pandemic, as illegal
restrictions on freedom of expression
and acting as agents of change. armed groups took advantage of it
around national elections: the UK
to increase their control over some
was deeply troubled by reports In 2020, HRDs played an
areas. In addition to the support
of violence and heavy-handed important leadership role in
provided to at-risk HRDs through
policing; arrest of opposition leaders; protecting democracy and civic
UK-funded programmes, a virtual
and a social media and internet space where governments used
visit by Lord Tariq Ahmad in October
slowdown. The Minister for Africa, COVID-19 to justify the restriction
allowed us to raise our concerns
James Duddridge, and officials of human rights and the rule of law.
with the Colombian government.
at the British High Commission in According to the NGO Frontline
Tanzania raised our concerns directly Defenders[15], at least 331 HRDs In Turkey, HRDs in particular
with the Tanzanian Government. In were killed in 2020 across the were targeted for their work, often
Rwanda, critical voices continued world. Other HRDs were threatened, under harsh counter-terrorism
to face heavy restrictions. The UK arbitrarily detained, placed under legislation. We attended trials of
raised concerns about specific surveillance or disappeared. high profile HRDs, and lobbied the
cases with the Government of Turkish government at ministerial
Our diplomatic network provided
Rwanda, underlining the need to level on individual cases.
support to HRDs, including by
allow opposing voices to hold the
monitoring cases, observing In Thailand, we continued to be
government to account. This included
trials, and raising issues with host concerned about the protection of
the case of Kizito Mihigo, a prominent
governments. We continued to HRDs in light of disappearances and
musician and reconciliation activist,
use the document ‘UK support for a resumption of the use of the lèse
who died in police custody in
Human Rights Defenders’ (published majesté law[17] and other charges
February. In Algeria, freedom
in July 2019[16]), which sets out our to limit freedom of expression. The
of expression continued to be
approach to engaging with HRDs, UK raised the issue with the Thai
subject to restrictions, with reports
and how we work with them to Government. We actively supported
of arbitrary arrests of journalists
further human rights globally. We civil society through project
and human rights activists. The
will continue to work closely with funding, direct engagement with
UK monitored cases closely, and
partners to consider what more activists and HRDs, and activities
underlined the importance of
can be done to support HRDs. in partnership with like-minded
freedom of expression regularly
Embassies. UK-funded programmes
with the Algerian government, In Iran, HRDs continued to be
supported training to equip HRDs
including with the Interior Minister, targeted and imprisoned for
with digital skills, and legislative
Tayeb Belaiz, in November 2020. helping the most vulnerable. On 22
reform to tackle strategic litigation
September, the FCDO summoned
against public participation.
the Iranian Ambassador and handed
Human Rights Defenders over a joint letter from the UK, French
Support for human rights defenders and German Foreign Ministers, Restrictions of Civil
(HRDs) is an important part of the expressing our concern about Society Space
UK government’s human rights the grave human rights violations
inside Iran. We drew particular 2020 was a difficult and challenging
work. Minister for Human Rights,
attention to the imprisonment of year for civil society amid the
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon
renowned human rights defender fallout from COVID-19, with high
reaffirmed this support in his
Nasrin Sotoudeh, and urged levels of polarisation, discontent
message on International Human
Iran to improve her treatment. and democratic backsliding. The
Rights Defenders Day on 9
CIVICUS Monitor[18] attested that
December, when he thanked HRDs
In Colombia, the situation continued 87% of the world’s population now
around the world for their courage
to be serious for HRDs. The UN live in countries rated as “closed”,
and unwavering determination in
confirmed that at least 120 HRDs “repressed”, or “obstructed”—an
fighting for human rights. HRDs play
had been killed in 2020, an increase increase of over 4% from 2019.
a crucial role, often at great risk to
on 2019, and called these killings Restrictions on civic freedoms
themselves, in defending the full
one of the greatest threats to the affected some groups more
range of human rights. They are
[15] https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/fld_global_analysis_2020.pdf
[16] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-support-for-human-rights-defenders
[17] A law banning all criticism of the monarchy.
[18] An independent research tool built by the CIVICUS global civil society alliance on the state of civil society freedom across the world. See:
https://monitor.civicus.org/about5 Human Rights and Democracy: The 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Report
than others, particularly women, of civil society, political and human India suspended operations after
youth, the LGBT+ community, rights activists, and increased its bank accounts were frozen for
and those working on labour threats against journalists. The allegedly breaching the Foreign
and environmental issues. Egyptian government restricted Contributions Regulations Act. In
civil society space further in Turkey, civil society continued to be
We were concerned about the
response to COVID-19 with regard to restricted, with many organisations
decline in civic space conditions in
association, assembly and protest. facing government investigation into
the Philippines due to the targeting
The government amended or their activities. The UK continued to
of HRDs and journalists and called
extended several laws on the closure promote and fund a variety of civil
out specifically the continued
of civic space targeting journalists, society organisations, as well as
actions against Maria Ressa. In
media and healthcare officials. In hosting them at the Embassy in panel
Iraq, 2020 saw a number of killings
September, Amnesty International discussions on issues such as media
Case Study: #ENDSARS Protests in Nigeria
In October 2020, there were protests in cities across The UK Government remains concerned by reports
Nigeria calling for an end to police brutality, prompted that the Nigerian authorities threatened protesters,
by a viral video which appeared to show Special Anti- panel members and members of civil society
Robbery Squad (SARS) officers shooting and killing groups, including through freezing some bank
a young man in southern Nigeria. The SARS police accounts and banning individuals from international
unit had already been at the centre of a number of travel. It is essential for accountability that an
allegations of police brutality. Protesters pushed for the environment is created where individuals feel free
unit to be disbanded, and called for wider police reforms to raise concerns, including through the panels.
and accountability. As the protests grew in number,
The UK government is a long-term supporter of police
there were some clashes between protesters and the
reform in Nigeria. Between 2016 and 2020, we provided
Nigerian security services, including the police and
training to the Nigerian police on human rights and
army. Protesters and civil society groups alleged that
community policing; strengthened accountability and
the Nigerian Army shot and killed a number of civilians
oversight bodies, for example through organising
during protests on 20 October in Lekki, Lagos State.
meetings which brought together civil society groups,
In response to the events in Lekki, the Foreign Secretary, the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission
Dominic Raab, issued a statement[1] calling for an end to and the police to resolve complaints; supported
the violence and for the Nigerian Government urgently police-community engagement through community
to investigate reports of brutality by its security services safety partnerships; and supported the development
and hold those responsible to account. Minister for of annual policing plans. This work was focused in
Africa, James Duddridge, made clear the Government’s Lagos, Borno, Enugu and Kano states, and the Federal
support for the right to peaceful protest. He spoke Capital Territory. As a result, relationships between
to Nigerian Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, to communities and the police started to improve in
express his deep concern at the violence and ask the these states, with communities and the police working
Nigerian Government for an account of events. British together to resolve safety and security issues.
High Commissioner in Abuja, Catriona Laing, also
We supported civil society efforts to secure the
raised the protests, and the need for those responsible
successful passage of the new Police Act, which
for events at Lekki to be held accountable, with
came into force in September 2020. The Act
representatives of the Nigerian Government, including
clearly set out the responsibilities for the police and
the President’s Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari.
provided for greater citizen protections. Implemented
We welcomed the Nigerian authorities’ subsequent effectively, the Act will be an important step towards
decision to disband SARS. We also welcomed their a more transparent and accountable police force.
establishment of judicial panels of inquiry in many
In 2021, we will continue to urge the Nigerian security
Nigerian states, including Lagos, to investigate alleged
services to uphold human rights and the rule of law
incidents of brutality by the security services, both
in all operations, investigate any incidents of brutality,
historic incidents and those that occurred during the
and hold those responsible to account. We will follow
protests. In November, the Minister for Africa also
the response to the panel’s findings closely. We will
spoke to the President’s Chief of Staff, to emphasise
work with our partners in support of more transparent
the importance of the panels, and to the Governor of
and accountable security services in Nigeria.
Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to stress the importance of
the police and military’s cooperation with the panels.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-protests-in-nigeriaCHAPTER 1: Human Rights and Democracy Priority Themes 6
freedom and legislation governing members, where terms of reference year programme, launched in 2019
internet management. In Indonesia, and priorities were unanimously and implemented by a consortium
the UK continued to monitor closely agreed, took place in January, and led by BBC Media Action, continued
the situation in the Papua region the Coalition thereafter issued a to work in Ethiopia, Bangladesh
and continued to lobby at ministerial number of statements on cases of and Sierra Leone to support media
level for access by international concern around the world, including organisations to protect and increase
journalists. The UK fully respects on the situation in Belarus[20]. their delivery of high-quality public
Indonesia’s territorial integrity, interest content. The programme
High Level Panel of Legal
including the provinces of Papua and mentored media organisations to
Experts: an independent advisory
West Papua. We continued to lobby help them develop better business
panel of 15 distinguished lawyers,
at ministerial level for access for models, identify new funding
focused on improving legal
international journalists to the region. streams, and strengthen engagement
protections for journalists and for a
with their audiences. It also worked
The UK supported civil society free and independent media. The
with a wide coalition of defenders of
activists, including through funding Panel’s first report[21]—on the use of
freedom of expression, to advocate
for civil society organisations and sanctions as a tool to protect media
change in the media environment,
women’s groups, and others freedom—was launched in February.
and better defend media freedom
pursuing justice and accountability. The UK’s global human rights
in these three countries.
Through UK Aid Connect, the FCDO sanctions regime, subsequently
supported local civil society in the launched in July, adopted a number The UK participated in a number
Middle East and North Africa in of the Panel’s recommendations of media freedom events during
navigating the increasingly repressive on how to use sanctions to protect 2020. As co-chair of the Coalition,
media environment in the context journalists. In November, the Panel the Foreign Secretary Dominic
of the pandemic. The UK funded published three further reports, on Raab presented the inaugural
the PROTECT[19] consortium to strengthening consular services to Canada-UK Media Freedom Award
combat closing civic space and journalists at risk, providing safe to the Belarusian Association of
tackle threats to media freedom in refuge for journalists, and advice Journalists in recognition of their
Kenya, Malawi and Myanmar. for promoting more effective continued commitment to journalistic
investigations into violations and ethics and principles in the face a
abuses against journalists[22]. sustained and brutal crackdown
Media Freedom on independent media in Belarus.
Global Media Defence Fund:
The UK continued its commitment to In December, he spoke at the
the UK leads and supports the
supporting media freedom in 2020, ministerial meeting of the World Press
UNESCO-administered Fund, aimed
working with media organisations Freedom Day Conference, where
at ensuring effective legal assistance
and civil society around the world he reaffirmed the UK’s commitment
and support to civil society and
to deliver projects to protect and to using its G7 presidency to
journalists, including training and
support journalists, including through champion media freedom.
media development. The UK has
the FCDO’s Magna Carta Fund committed £3 million over five years The UK was concerned by the
for Democracy and Human Rights to the Fund. The first tranche of attempts of some states to use
and the cross-Whitehall Conflict, projects supported by the Fund the COVID-19 pandemic to restrict
Security and Stability Fund. The UK’s launched in October, consisting press freedom and debate, abuse
work on media freedom focused of 110 proposals from all regions journalists and spread disinformation.
on several initiatives, including: of the world and targeting over 50 The UK remained concerned
Media Freedom Coalition: countries. These projects covered about the deteriorating situations
Afghanistan, Cyprus, Japan, an array of issues, including help in a number of countries where
Botswana, Belize, Australia, Spain to provide legal advice and safety journalists continue to be under
and Italy joined the Media Freedom training for journalists. The Fund also threat. In Egypt, for example, foreign
Coalition in 2020, bringing the total supports the work of the High Level journalists continued to face difficulty
membership to 42, including all Legal Panel, and offers support to obtaining press permits and, in
G7 countries. Coalition members countries in developing National March, the British correspondent
commit to raise media freedom Action Plans for media freedom. for The Guardian was expelled after
at home and abroad, share best claiming that COVID-19 cases were
Protecting Independent Media
practice, and lobby on cases. being underreported. In November,
for Effective Development
The first meeting of Coalition Minister for Human Rights, Lord Tariq
(PRIMED) programme: This four-
[19] The Protecting Rights, Openness and Transparency—Enhancing Civic Transformation (PROTECT) programme, implemented by a consortium
led by Article 19.
[20] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/belarus-joint-statement-by-media-freedom-coalition-on-the-detention-of-journalists
[21] https://www.ibanet.org/Media-Freedom-Sanctions-report-launch-2020.aspx
[22] https://www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretariat/Reports.aspx#enforcementYou can also read
