PRESS RELEASE : Human Rights Day 2023 and the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Summary of Lord Ahmad’s Speech [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 December 2023.

At an FCDO stakeholder event to mark Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Lord Ahmad gave a statement.

Lord Ahmad opened his address by reflecting on the importance of this landmark anniversary, and how, 75 years ago, the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a bold statement of intent and a formidable responsibility for the generations to follow.

The Minister quoted Martin Luther King Jr: ‘We are not makers of history, we are made by history’ – and reflected on the role the UDHR has played in protecting the vulnerable and cementing fundamental freedoms.

Lord Ahmad stressed that with the terrible challenges the world faces today – humanitarian crises, conflicts and more – we must carry the torch handed to us by those pioneers 75 years ago and do all we can to protect life and dignity.

Lord Ahmad discussed the global human rights landscape. On the deeply shocking recent events in Israel and Gaza, he raised the need to seek peace and a pathway to end this conflict, as well as avoid regional escalation. He also stressed the urgent need to ensure daily aid gets into Gaza as quickly as possible to tackle the humanitarian crisis, and noted that the UK has contributed another £30 million towards this.

Lord Ahmad also highlighted reports of appalling sexual violence committed by Hamas, and emphasised that reports must be fully investigated and documented, the perpetrators held accountable and survivors supported. He underlined the UK’s commitment to a viable Two-State Solution that must be delivered to provide peace, justice and security to Israelis and Palestinians alike.

On Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine, Lord Ahmad emphasised that the UK is determined to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, and survivors of some of the most hideous abuses are supported. He explained how UK funding has helped deploy Mobile Justice Teams to the scenes of potential war crimes, trained more than 150 judges and delivered 30,000 forensic medical kits for police officers investigating conflict-related sexual violence.

Lord Ahmad also gave an overview of the UK’s work to champion thematic human rights, including chairing the first High-Level Meeting of the International alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, to hosting the Global Conference for the International Day for the Universal Access to Information and continuing to grow the International Religious Freedom of Belief Alliance, as we promote the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.

Lord Ahmad underscored the UK’s unwavering support for human rights defenders who find their lives and livelihoods at risk due to their courageous efforts and announced the UK’s renewed funding commitment to the Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund, to support civil society organisations and human rights defenders in crisis.

The Minister also highlighted the recently published International Development White Paper, which sets out the UK’s vision for supporting open societies, with accountable, effective and inclusive institutions around the world over the next seven years.

Lord Ahmad closed by repeating the importance of the universality of human rights and called on everyone to come together in a spirit of unity ensure that the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are fulfilled always and everywhere.