Amnesty International Human Rights Day Parliamentary Reception

10 December is Human Right’s Day. Amnesty International held their  Annual Human Rights Day Parliamentary Reception, in celebration of International Human Rights Day.  

 Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Human Rights opened the event and introduced the  other speakers including Baroness Helena Kennedy, member of the Joint Committee on Human Rights and Monica Harding MP, (Lib Dem) who is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Human Rights (pictured above l-r).

Amnesty International reminded us of their recommendations on progressive foreign policy, urging the UK government to: 

• Demonstrate consistency with international law – in particular the UK’s obligations under international human rights, humanitarian, refugee and criminal law. For example, the UK consistently opposes the death penalty as a matter of principle but has not been a consistent supporter of international justice mechanisms to address mass atrocities
• Uphold principles of non-discrimination and equality – for instance, countering attacks on gender equality.
• Ensure there is meaningful participation and inclusion, with individuals and communities properly involved in decisions that affect their human rights.
• Ensure human rights accountability for policy and action, such as requiring human rights impact assessments prior to any trade agreements,
• Protect human rights at home in order to promote human rights abroad with credibility.