Human rights: The cornerstone of strong and stable societies

This week, we celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a document which sets out the global community’s desire for a society that values all individuals.  

The UDHR has endured for 76 years, not out of a blind adherence to international obligations, but because signatories recognize that human rights are not just an end in themselves, but also the foundations of strong and stable societies.

Speaking on Human Rights Day this week, the United Kingdom’s Minister for Human Rights, Lord Collins of Highbury, reminded us that, fundamentally, human rights are about our inherent dignity. But he also noted that human rights, the rule of law and democratic governance are powerful enablers for the key missions of government.

In his speech, Lord Highbury set out the UK government’s five priorities on human rights.   

First, we will focus on defending civic space and fundamental freedoms, because one of the most important ingredients of a healthy democracy is a vibrant civil society and it enables people to hold their governments to account. This will involve supporting human rights defenders and media freedom.

The second priority is upholding the rule of law. This includes compliance with International Humanitarian Law. And of course, we cannot talk about that without mentioning Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is catastrophic and completely unacceptable. We will work tirelessly with international partners to bring about a ceasefire, release of hostages, get aid flowing and to create a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

The third priority is to champion equal rights for all. Stalling progress on the rights of women, girls, LGBT+ people and those belonging to other marginalized groups is troubling. We will advocate for the rights and freedoms of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights, at every opportunity.

The fourth priority is to support accountable, effective and inclusive institutions. We will strengthen institutions that contribute to peaceful, free and fair elections and work with partners to protect democratic processes and strengthen government legitimacy. 

The final priority is to respond to the global challenges such as climate or technology by prioritizing human rights and governance principles. 

As Lord Collins was making his speech in London, here in the Philippines, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin was launching the Philippines’ fourth Human Rights Action Plan (PHRP4) – the first in decades. It comes on the back of extensive consultations with civil society groups across the country. It is ambitious and comprehensive, and includes an important new “Nationwide Watch” – an initiative for monitoring of the Plan intended to involve all stakeholders who participated in the drafting and consultation process.

The UK welcomes the PHRP4 and strong focus on human rights. Indeed, we believe that such plans are necessary to continue to shine a light on ongoing human rights challenges and set an ambitious agenda that a government can be accountable for. National Human Rights Plans also raise awareness on human rights and promote a culture of respect for human rights. As such, we were proud to contribute to the consultations in collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights, and we will proudly support the PHRP’s publication, dissemination and the development of monitoring and evaluation tools with the stakeholders.  We will proudly work with the government and civil society partners to ensure that PHRP4 will be a living document – one that responds to the lived realities of environmental and rights defenders, journalists, labor leaders and of every single Filipino.  

And the UK will continue to work with the government of the Philippines and civil society partners to implement the plan. We already do so in a variety of ways. From working closely with law enforcement agencies to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and support victim survivors, all the way to supporting human rights defenders, environmental defenders, journalists and activists. We will work constructively with the Philippines to address reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. We will play our part to strengthen institutions that contribute to peaceful, free and fair elections, in particular in the BARMM.

Human rights are the cornerstone of our democracies and at the heart of the values we share with the Philippines. We know that strong political will is necessary to make progress. Together, we are determined to make that happen. 

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Laure Beaufils is the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Philippines.