Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the killing of 321 human rights defenders in 2018; and what plans they have to undertake a strategic review of how human rights defenders can be given more (1) support, and (2) protection.

The British Government is appalled by the reported killing of 321 human rights defenders (HRDs) in 2018. On Human Rights Day in December 2018, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the UN Declaration on HRDs, I made a commitment to ensure HRDs and others are fully aware of the support the UK offers to human rights defenders.

The UK published the document 'UK Support for Human Rights Defenders' in July 2019, making it available in all six UN languages to ensure its widest reach. It sets out our ongoing dedication to supporting and protecting human rights defenders worldwide. Our work to support human rights defenders across our global diplomatic network includes attending trials, making public statements, raising cases privately with the host government, and lobbying for safe and open space within which civil society and human rights defenders can operate freely. Our diplomatic network will always take into account the local context and regularly engage with NGO representatives and human rights defenders to discuss the challenges human rights defenders face and how the UK can help overcome them. The UK will continue to strongly support the rights of human rights defenders worldwide to enable them carry out their work safely and without fear, and regularly assesses how we can enhance our ability to make a positive different. The FCO's work to support human rights defenders is kept under review by consulting embassies and high commissions annually.