Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

protect concepts or specific belief systems from criticism. Protecting religions in this
way risks considerably diminishing the right to freedom of expression, as it would
limit the ability to question, debate or criticise others’ religious beliefs. We believe
that international human rights law already strikes the right balance between the
individual’s right to express him or herself freely including through the manifestation
of religious beliefs, and the need for the state to limit this right in certain
circumstances, and are concerned that the concept of “defamation of religions” puts
in danger the very openness and tolerance that allows people of different faiths to
co-exist and to practise their faiths without fear. For these reasons we opposed the
resolutions tabled at the UN in 2010 which promoted this concept. We will continue
to do so in 2011.
Women’s rights
Discrimination and violence against women and girls occur in every country in the
world. By preventing women and girls from benefiting fully from health, education
and other services, gender inequality increases maternal mortality, vulnerability to
HIV and exploitation, and undermines global security and development. Gender
equality and women’s empowerment is a key priority for the Government. We
remain a driving force in advancing women’s rights internationally through our work
to eliminate discrimination and violence against women and girls and by encouraging
other countries to implement international gender equality commitments.
Women’s rights is an area where our domestic record can help promote our values
internationally. To coincide with the UN International Day for the Elimination of
Violence against Women on 25 November, the Government launched a new strategy
entitled “Call to End Violence against Women and Girls”, which for the first time
includes international work. The appointment on 25 November of Minister of
Equalities Lynne Featherstone as the government champion to tackle violence
against women and girls overseas further reinforced this commitment. Her role will
be to provide policy coherence and coordination across UK government
departments, represent the UK overseas and encourage all government ministers to
ensure that this issue remains high on their domestic and international agendas.
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