Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

carried out in a way that is consistent with both our values and our human rights
obligations.
As a global player whose efforts are underpinned by strong support for international
humanitarian law and human rights law, the UK is well placed to help secure a more
stable world. The National Security Strategy also makes clear that the Government
will stand up for “the rule of law, democracy, free speech, tolerance and human
rights”. This is not just because it is the right thing to do, but because if these values
are upheld globally, the UK is also safer. This applies in particular to countries at
risk of, or suffering from, conflict. Human rights are intrinsically interlinked with every
step of the conflict cycle. A lack of respect for human rights can often be a trigger for
violent conflict. The most serious human rights abuses occur during conflict. And as
countries emerge from conflict, perpetrators need to be brought to justice and state
institutions such as the police, army and judiciary need to be re-built to serve the
interests of the people and prevent violence from re-occurring.
The Government will publish its Building Stability Overseas Strategy in spring 2011.
This will explain how we will work with colleagues across government and in other
countries to tackle instability and prevent conflict, and work with others in fragile and
conflict-affected regions where we judge our interests are greatest and we have the
most chance of making a difference.
Countering Terrorism
On 26 January 2011, the Home Secretary announced the conclusion of the Counter-
Terrorism Powers Review. On the basis of the review, the Government will:
x replace control orders with a less intrusive and more focused regime. This
will be complemented by additional resources for the police and the Security
Service to enhance their investigative capabilities;
x reduce the maximum period allowed for detention of terrorist suspects before
charge from 28 days to 14 days;
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