Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

In Thailand, under state of emergency legislation, the Thai government placed
significant restrictions on freedom of expression in 2010. Community radio stations,
newspapers and magazines which supported opposition groups were closed down
and thousands of websites were blocked. In November, our Embassy in Bangkok
hosted a freedom of expression seminar to encourage public debate with journalists,
university students, NGOs and government officials. In 2011 the Embassy will hold
a similar seminar in Chiang Mai and launch a web-based forum to facilitate public
discussion.
We also provided practical support to freedom of expression projects in 2010. In
Nigeria we promoted the use of community radio through nationwide training events
and provided support to local groups wishing to set up community radio stations.
The Nigerian government is now committed to introducing broadcast licences for
community radio services.
In Egypt there was a growth in the number of independent papers, many of which
were critical of the government. However, prosecutions of internet bloggers and
activists increased. At the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review in
June 2010 we called on Egypt to amend its penal code to ensure freedom of
expression for journalists, publishers and bloggers. In December 2010 we raised our
concerns with the Egyptian government regarding media restrictions in the run up to
the Parliamentary elections which took place on 30 November and 5 December.
Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law
The death penalty
Global abolition of the death penalty is a priority for the Government. We oppose the
death penalty because we consider that its use undermines human dignity, that there
is no conclusive evidence of its deterrent value, and that any miscarriage of justice
leading to its imposition is irreversible and irreparable.
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