Alarm bells are ringing for human rights defenders
22nd December 2025
The UK Government’s newly updated guidance on supporting human rights defenders is significantly weaker than the 2019 version — stripping out practical commitments at a time when defenders face escalating threats worldwide.
Key protections have been removed, including commitments to engage directly with defenders, raise cases with authorities, and ensure consistent, transparent support from UK embassies. This step back sits uneasily with the UK’s pledge to defend civic space as a UN Human Rights Council priority.
RSI has joined civil society organisations ABColombia Amnesty International UK Araminta CAFOD Fund for Global Human Rights Peace Brigades International UK in calling on the UK Government to urgently strengthen the guidance, consult defenders meaningfully, and ensure real implementation on the ground.
Read the statement below: