Equality & non-discrimination

The 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights states that 'all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.' Ensuring the equality of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation, is crucial to the full realisation of human rights.

The FCO are working with our posts and with international institutions to promote:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights
Freedom of religion or belief
Women's rights and gender equality
Racial equality
Child rights
Rights of members of minority and indigenous communities
Rights of disabled people
Post-holocaust issues

LGBT rights

The UK believes that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are entitled to enjoy the full range of human rights

Freedom of religion

The UK condemns all instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief

Gender equality

Women around the world still face inequality in political, social and cultural spheres

Racism

The UK is committed to combating all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism

Child rights

The UK is working to encourage countries to fulfil their obligations to protect and empower children

Minorities and indigenous people

A young boy from the remote Turkana tribe in Northern Kenya (Getty images)

The UK recognises that indigenous individuals are entitled to the full protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms in international law

Disability rights

A student holds a placard during a Solidarity March for the civil rights of persons with disability (Getty images)

The UK is committed to promoting and protecting the full and equal human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities, and promoting respect for their inherent dignity

Post-Holocaust issues

The FCO works to deal effectively with post-Holocaust issues in a number of fora

Latest news

Foreign Office summons Syrian Ambassador over Homs siege
6 February 2012, 09:34 PST
The Syrian Ambassador to the UK was summoned to the Foreign Office this afternoon, where Permanent Under-Secretary Simon Fraser made clear the UK's condemnation of the atrocities being committed by the Syrian regime.
Explanation of UNSC Syria vote by Ambassador Lyall Grant
4 February 2012, 12:08 PST
Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Lyall Grant, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council Adoption of a Syria UNSCR, 4 February 2012.
Foreign Office Minister condemns Iranian harassment of BBC staff
3 February 2012, 09:19 PST
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said that such deplorable tactics illustrate the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, and the desperation of the regime to silence any independent voices.
Foreign Office Minister welcomes outcome of Khmer Rouge trial
3 February 2012, 06:31 PST
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has congratulated the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia on an "excellent outcome" for the case against Kaing Guek Eav, alias, Duch.
Jeremy Browne: "torture violates human rights and human dignity"
1 February 2012, 01:46 PST
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has written an article about the UK government's vision is for journalists, lawyers and activists to be treated fairly and to be able to speak freely in every country.
Foreign Secretary calls for zero tolerance on hatred and discrimination
27 January 2012, 02:29 PST
Holocaust Memorial Day is being marked by a campaign encouraging people around the world to speak out against hatred and discrimination.
UK concern at shootings in Tibetan areas of Sichuan
25 January 2012, 06:06 PST
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has urged the Chinese government to exercise restraint following reports that Chinese security forces opened fire on protesters.
Working with Colombia on human rights
24 January 2012, 09:47 PST
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt discussed human rights with Colombian Vice-President Angelino Garzon when they met on 23 January.