PRESS RELEASE : 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights commemoration event: UK pledge announcement [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

Statement delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at the UDHR commemoration event in Geneva.

Thank you, Deputy High Commissioner.

The United Kingdom is delighted to have submitted five pledges.

First, to support the vital work of Human Rights Defenders, through funding their work, monitoring their cases and raising concerns with other governments.

Second, to advance equality by increasing our support to LGBT organisations, to persons with disabilities, and to women and girls through bilateral aid.

Third, to prioritise the right to freedom of religion or belief and to strengthen international coalitions seeking to uphold this right.

Fourth, we will support survivor-led organisations and civil society working to end modern slavery in our funding to international programmes.

And fifth, we will work towards raising the standards of public and private security organisations through greater adherence to voluntary standards.

Thank you.