GovWire

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published its 2016 Annual Human Rights Report. The report covers the period from January to December 2016 and for the first time includes a dedicated section on modern slavery - a key UK government priority.

This report focuses on how the government is working to protect and promote human rights around the world. It also sets out our 30 Human Rights Priority Countries (HRPCs).

The key themes include:

• modern slavery
• rights of women and girls
• torture and the death penalty
• LGBT rights
• the increasing pressure faced by civil society organisations

The Minister for Human Rights, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, said:

In too many countries across the world, human rights and rule of law are neither respected nor valued as they should be.

Standing up for human rights is not only the right thing; it also helps to create a safer, more prosperous and progressive world.

This report documents the serious concerns we have about the human rights situations in a range of countries and also highlights our work protecting and promoting the value of universal rights and democracy.

Safeguarding, promoting and defending human rights internationally is an important UK priority and our Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy supports crucial frontline work.

British diplomats put human rights at the heart of everything they do, working in partnership with foreign governments and civil society particularly in our 30 HRPCs to promote safer, more inclusive, prosperous societies.

Video available here

Further information

• Human Rights & Democracy Twitter Q&A with Lord Ahmad - 27 July, 12:00-13:00 BST #AskFCO

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on Twitter @tariqahmadbt

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook

• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

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