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<p>The UK recognises the important work that human rights defenders (HRDs) do to protect
and defend the full range of human rights. Our network of embassies and high commissions
will continue to work with HRDs, using the recently updated UK Guidelines on Working
with Human Rights Defenders. We support HRDs in a variety of ways: sometimes through
financial support, but more often the value we provide is by getting to know prominent
HRDs and supporting them either publicly or privately. There is no single template
for doing this. It is for Heads of Mission to decide how to implement and use the
guidelines, in a manner appropriate to the local context. The UK will continue to
use the multilateral system to press for strong guidelines for the treatment of human
rights defenders by states. At the high-level meeting on HRDs at the UN of 18 December,
we called on governments to allow HRDs to fight for human rights; and enable civil
society to engage and challenge governments without fear. In November, we co-sponsored
a new UN General Assembly resolution on freedom of assembly and association, further
strengthening support for civil society and human rights defenders.</p>
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