Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to incorporate commitments to improve support and protection for human rights defenders into G7 statements on the promotion of "open societies".

The UK strongly supports human rights defenders worldwide. We know human rights defenders form an integral part of civil society, as representatives and key enablers of civic space. The G7 Foreign and Development Communique and the G7 Leaders' Open Societies Statement acknowledges the importance of human rights defenders in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. G7 members have committed to condemn the intimidation and harassment of, and violence against, journalists, many of whom act as defenders when reporting on human rights abuses. The G7 has also committed to support initiatives such as the Global Media Defence Fund, which supports projects that bolster journalists' legal protection and/or enhance media freedom through investigative journalism or strategic litigation.