The UK plays a key role in the UN’s work on Human Rights as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The UK is standing for re-election to the UNHRC for 2017-19.

Launching the re-election bid, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Baroness Anelay presented five pledges outlining the UK’s commitment to upholding universal freedoms and human rights:

“Our pledges are grounded in UK priorities at home and abroad, and draw on a tradition of democratic and inclusive values: strengthening the protection of human rights in the UN’s work; translating the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development into action, leaving no one behind; making a stand for freedom of religion or belief at a time when too many are persecuted for their beliefs; working to end violence against women and promoting their full participation and leadership in political and economic life; and promoting open societies and challenging the threats to civil society.

“We stand for re-election to work with all those who stand for freedoms and uphold universal rights.”

Read the pledges