Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

We encourage governments to see human rights defenders as legitimate actors
working in the interests of their countries. Our support can have a real and positive
impact, particularly in countries where they face an unfriendly or intimidating
government. In 2010, ministers raised individual cases of persecution or
harassment, for example when Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Henry
Bellingham called upon the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to
ensure a full, proper and transparent investigation into the death of the human rights
defender, Mr Floribert Chebeyain. This ministerial support is underpinned by our
embassies and high commissions. In Belarus, the Embassy worked with the EU
and the US to urge the government to uphold the rights of those detained on political
grounds following the flawed elections on 19 December. William Hague urged the
Belarusian authorities to ensure that all detainees were given access to adequate
medical care and legal representation. He also called on President Lukashenko and
his government to engage in a dialogue with political parties, NGOs and civil society
with a view to allowing them to fulfil their role in a democratic society. Some political
activists have since been released.
In Colombia indigenous and Afro-Colombian human rights advocates are routinely
subjected to threats and intimidation. Many organisations have told us that visible
contact with our Embassy improves their security. The Embassy has therefore set
out a high-profile programme of support which has included visits to threatened
communities in remote parts of the country such as Chocó and Nariño to draw
attention to their plight. Jeremy Browne visited Cartagena in August and met
representatives of the Association of Displaced Afro-Colombians. He condemned
threats against them and gave his public support for the organisation and its work.
Freedom of expression
Freedom of expression is fundamental to building democracy by allowing citizens to
challenge their government and make informed decisions. Journalists, bloggers and
media organisations must therefore be allowed to work freely and safely in line with
international standards.
In the first half of 2010, Reporters Without Borders handled the cases of more than
50 journalists who had fled their home countries. The organisation also reported a
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