08 April 2008
The UK's record on human rights is in the spotlight this week as it becomes one of 16 countries taking part in the first ever Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The process aims to improve human rights internationally by engaging all UN member countries in a dialogue on their domestic human rights record.
Justice Minister Michael Wills, who is leading the UK delegation, said:
'We are delighted to be one of the first countries to have the opportunity of discussing our approach to Human Rights before the Human Rights Council.
'It is in all our interests for countries to participate positively in this process to help make human rights a reality for people everywhere in the world.'
Foreign Office Minister for International Human Rights Lord Malloch-Brown said:
'We are committed to improving human rights globally and to making the Human Rights Council effective; this commitment is reflected in our approach to the Universal Periodic Review.
'As one of the first countries to go through this new review process, we have the opportunity to set the standards, to bring an open and honest approach.
'In meeting our Universal Periodic Review responsibilities, the UK will not avoid discussing the human rights challenges we face in our own country, and we hope this will set a precedent for others.'
Amnesty, Save the Children and Human Rights Watch are just some of the organisations who were consulted as part of the UK's preparations for this review.
States are reviewed once every four years. Each country submits a national report before taking part in a discussion with the Human Rights Council.
Notes to editors
1. For more information, contact the Ministry of Justice Press Office newsdesk on 020 7210 8822.
2. The UN Human Rights Council was tasked by the General Assembly to establish a process of Universal Periodic Review whereby every UN member state will undergo a scrutiny of their human rights record. The process will take four years, and begin with the founding members of the Council. 48 countries will be reviewed each year in three working groups each lasting two weeks. Every member and observer state of the UN Human Rights Council will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive dialogue with the state under review, address questions and comment on their human rights record. The debate will be broadcast live on the internet on 10 April at 8am GMT. A report of each review, which should provide an assessment of the human rights situation in the country and include conclusions and recommendations will then be adopted by the Human Rights Council.