Great Britain works hard to spread the values of human rights

The British Government, like Denmark, has made human rights a central theme of its foreign policy. The Foreign Office works through international forums and bilateral relationships to spread the values of human rights, civil liberties and democracy which we demand for ourselves. As a member of the United Nations it is our obligation to promote: 'the universal respect for, and observance of the human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion'.

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the core international human rights treaties provide the basis for the UK's engagement on human rights. We work through the UN (and its bodies), international institutions like the EU and bilaterally with other countries to promote ratification and implementation of these treaties. We believe that societies that respect and promote human rights will be less vulnerable to conflict and more able to peacefully resolve disputes. Denmark is one of our most like-minded partners, and we work closely together on some of today's most pressing human rights situations (such as Burma or Iran) and thematic issues (like disability or women's rights.)

FCO Human Rights Report 2008