FCDO - Human Right and Democracy
Human rights violations and the lack of rule of law create unstable, less prosperous societies, increasing risks to safety worldwide, including for British citizens. The struggle to protect and promote human rights is crucial, as their inadequate protection fuels a cycle of insecurity, instability, and poverty. Countries that respect human rights, especially gender equality, tend to be more prosperous, democratic, and stable, with less corruption and extremism. The FCDO addresses the root causes of human rights abuses, strengthens institutions, promotes democracy, and upholds the rule of law. This work aligns with the UK’s strategic objectives and supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG16.
Objectives on Supporting Human Rights
The UK defends universal human rights, urging all states to fulfill international obligations. Key FCDO priorities include:
Combating modern slavery.
Advocating for religious freedom.
Supporting human rights defenders.
Promoting democracy and opposing the death penalty and torture.
Defending media freedom.
Supporting the International Criminal Court.
Promoting responsible practices in the global extractives and security sectors.
Strengthening human rights institutions in Europe.
Working with international partners, businesses, and civil society to support and promote responsible practice in the global extractives sector.
Opposing the death penalty and the use of torture as a matter of principle.
Programme Funding and Achievements
The FCDO’s human rights program, funded by a blend of ODA and non-ODA, supports projects in ODA-eligible countries. The programme allocated £6,032,000 for ODA and £1,953,000 for non-ODA in 2022-2023. Key achievements from 2021-2022 include research on eradicating modern slavery and strengthening the private security regulatory framework in Kenya.
