Lord Ahmad began by reflecting on the theme of Human Rights Day 2022: 'Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All'. This theme got to the nub of what human rights mean to peoples' lives, something that Eleanor Roosevelt - who was instrumental in drafting the Universal Declaration - had alluded to when she said universal human rights begin:
in small places…the neighbourhood…the school…the factory, farm, or office…Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.
Lord Ahmad stressed that, this year, the UK's resolve to promote and protect human rights had only been strengthened by the injustices around us. He gave an overview of the UK's work to promote human rights, which spanned every continent. From Ethiopia to Pakistan, from Iran to Ukraine. From the right to life, to media freedom, to education.
From the UK's role in evacuating Afghans at risk following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, to the UK's global leadership in promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, to UK targeted programming to end modern slavery, the UK had, and would continue to, stand up for the human rights of everyone, everywhere.
Lord Ahmad noted he had met with countless human rights survivors from across the world. He gave personal reflections on the importance of making sure survivors' voices are heard, and stressed that we all have a role to play in creating the conditions for everyone to enjoy their human rights.
Lord Ahmad ended by paying homage to human rights defenders, the ultimate guardians of equality and freedom, and by extending his heartfelt thanks to everyone who works with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to champion human rights - for their creativity, tenacity, and unwavering resilience. He stressed that together we can change the world for the better, and secure "dignity, freedom, and justice for all".
Read the Foreign Secretary's speech at the same event. You can also find out more about the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's reporting on human rights in our Human rights and democracy report 2021.
