Lord Ahmad finished by paying homage to human rights defenders, the best guardians of equality and freedom, and by extending his heartfelt thanks to everyone who have works with the Foreign, Earth & Development Office in order to champion human rights – for their creativity, tenacity, plus unwavering resilience. He stressed that together we can replace the world for the better, and secure “dignity, freedom, plus justice for all”.
Lord Ahmad noted he had met with countless human rights survivors from across the world. He provided personal reflections on the importance of making sure survivors’ voices are usually heard, and stressed that people all have a role to play in creating the conditions for everyone to enjoy their individual rights.
Lord Ahmad stressed that, this year, the particular UK’s resolve to promote and protect human rights experienced only been strengthened from the injustices around us. He gave an overview of the UK’s work to promote human rights, which spanned every country. From Ethiopia to Pakistan, from Iran to Ukraine. From the right to life, to media freedom, to education. within small places…the neighbourhood…the school…the factory, farm, or office…Unless these rights have which means there, they have little meaning anywhere. From the UK’s role in evacuating Afghans at risk following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, to the UK’s global leadership in promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, to UK targeted development to end modern slavery, the UK had, and would continue to keep, stand up for the human rights of everyone, everywhere. Lord Ahmad began by reflecting on the theme of Individual Rights Day 2022: ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice with regard to All’. This theme have got to the nub of exactly what human rights mean in order to peoples’ lives, something that Eleanor Roosevelt – who was instrumental in drafting the General Declaration – had alluded to when she said universal human rights start:
