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<p>The UK is committed to supporting all human rights defenders, including women
human rights defenders. It is a key element of our work to promote universal human
rights. The FCO and DFID work closely together to support human rights defenders.
In our statement at the Human Rights Council in response to the Special Rapporteur's
report on Human Rights Defenders, the UK acknowledged the stark challenges facing
women human rights defenders. In November 2018, we co-sponsored a new UN resolution
on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association which urged States to 'pay particular
attention to the safety and protection of women and women human rights defenders from
acts of intimidation and harassment'. In 2017, we co-sponsored the UN resolution on
Human Rights Defenders to strengthen support for them and the work they do. Throughout
2019 our network of embassies and high commissions will continue to work with human
rights defenders, using the UK Guidelines to inform their work. This includes taking
into account groups who may face additional risks, such as women and those defending
the rights of women. Our work to support human rights defenders can include attending
trials, raising cases privately with the host government, making public statements,
and lobbying for safe and open space for civil society and human rights defenders
to operate. The FCO believes that a decentralised, flexible approach through the Guidelines
allows UK diplomats to apply them in the local context of the country to which they
are accredited.</p>
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