30th July 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
In my last blog posting on the concept of “the common good”, I noted that the Archbishop of Canterbury had included UK efforts to tackle human trafficking as one of three specific areas in which, in his view, Her Majesty’s Government was working for the common good. 30 July is the UN World Day against […]
Read more on Human trafficking: responding to the Pope’s appeal | Reply (1)
21st July 2014
Brasilia, Brazil
For those of us who are involved with Human Rights – whether it is our job, or just a cause we support – there is always a tricky question to answer: how far should we go to defend these principles without imposing our values into different cultures and traditions? How much should we respect these […]
Read more on One girl, all girls | Reply
27th June 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Earlier this week I was in London to address an in-house training programme of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on religion and foreign policy. The course is aimed at British diplomats, but also public servants from other government ministries; there were a number of participants this week from the Ministry of Defence, and on […]
Read more on Should Diplomats study Religion? | Reply
26th June 2014
London, UK
Guest blog by the British Embassy Tunis, Tunisia The slogans of the 2011 Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia were ‘Freedom’ and ‘Dignity’. Tackling torture, widespread under the Ben Ali regime, was among the popular demands in the aftermath of the overthrow of Ben Ali. Respect for Human Rights is a key goal of Tunisia’s new democratic […]
Read more on Tunisia: helping put in place an Anti-Torture Culture to match the legislation | Reply (2)
8th June 2014
Brasilia, Brazil
Rape and sexual violence has been a part of war as far back as we know. It occurs both as a consequence of conflict but is also used as a weapon in itself. It is civilians (all sexes and ages) who suffer the most . We do not think this is inevitable. It’s time to […]
Read more on #TimeToAct | Reply
6th June 2014
Havana, Cuba
Before I joined the Foreign Office I spent many years working for humanitarian NGOs in central Africa – Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo – where I experienced first-hand the horrors of war and the devastation it can bring to communities, families and individuals. In those conflicts and others, one of the most […]
Read more on Let’s end this horror now | Reply (4)
16th May 2014
Madrid, Spain
It’s an important day for the British Government. We are working hard to uphold the rights and freedoms of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities across the world. We believe that countries must work together to address all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to promote […]
Read more on 17 May is IDAHOT: the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia | Reply (1)
8th May 2014
Bucharest, Romania
Today’s guest blogger is Kent Bolton, Hon. Secretary/Treasurer, RCHF (UK) and Hon. Treasurer for the sister foundation in the Netherlands, Stichting RCHF, who tells the story of one of the British volunteers making a difference in Romania. Here is his account: Brian Douglas first traveled to Romania in early 1994, delivering much needed aid, including […]
Read more on Great Britons in Romania – BRIAN DOUGLAS | Reply (1)
23rd April 2014
Madrid, Spain
I’ve blogged before about Business and Human Rights. Sustainable trade is vital for our economy, it supports employment and promotes British and global growth. But at the same time, human rights values are intrinsic to our foreign policy. So we will not promote trade at the expense of human rights. Our work on business and […]
Read more on Business and Human Rights is a top priority for the British Government | Reply (3)
17th April 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
At his General Audience on 16 April, Pope Francis urged the large crowd of pilgrims present to dedicate Holy Week to learning about the needs of others, especially those out of sight, “whom we often forget, who need our comprehension, consolation and help.” This is a message that applies as much to governments as individuals, […]
Read more on Dedicated to the needs of others | Reply
