The UK Government has set out new guiding principles for supporting human rights defenders, clarifying how British embassies and high commissions should act. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published the policy paper on 17 December 2025, with a news notice on 9 January 2026 issued by the British Embassy Guatemala City highlighting the approach in Latin America. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guiding-principles-on-supporting-human-rights-defenders))
The paper explains why defenders matter to UK policy and details the forms of assistance available. It forms part of a wider support package and accompanies additional guidance to posts. To aid implementation across the network, translations have been released in French, Russian, Simplified Chinese and Spanish. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guiding-principles-on-supporting-human-rights-defenders))
The principles ask officials to apply a do‑no‑harm approach and consult defenders before acting; avoid transactional relationships; engage a diverse range of defenders, including women, LGBT+ people and those from marginalised groups; and recognise compounding risks and wellbeing needs, including psychosocial support. They also reaffirm attention to defenders working on business and human rights issues. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
Operationally, missions may adopt public measures such as statements, open letters and press activity; convene meetings at senior level; nominate awards; monitor trials; and conduct detention visits. Posts are advised to agree actions with the individual at risk, assess potential reprisals and, where appropriate, cover the costs of attending events. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
Participation in multilateral forums is a specific focus. The UK undertakes to support safe, meaningful and inclusive involvement by defenders in international meetings, including practical steps to help with associated costs where needed. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
Where immediate risk is identified, the guidance stresses verifying information from credible sources, working with local, regional and international protection networks, and making referrals only with the explicit consent of the defender. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
For sustained protection, the document highlights the value of long‑term, flexible funding to build capacity and resilience among individuals, organisations and networks. It also notes UK support to the Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund, which issues rapid grants to civil society groups at risk; FCDO is recorded as a funder in official aid data. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guiding-principles-on-supporting-human-rights-defenders))
The principles are being disseminated across the Americas. In parallel, the British Embassy Guatemala City has invited proposals in Guatemala and Honduras under the Magna Carta Fund and an Equalities Enabling Fund, indicating allocations of £10,000–£150,000 and £10,000–£40,000 respectively, with projects required to qualify as Official Development Assistance. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/call-for-proposals-carta-magna-equalities-enabling-fund-2025-26?utm_source=openai))
For posts, the practical effect is clearer case management: consult the defender on publicity, document decisions, select proportionate public or private actions, and coordinate with partners. The guidance also signals that trial monitoring and detention visits can be used to support wellbeing and increase visibility where appropriate. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
For civil society organisations and legal representatives, the document clarifies referral routes and expectations on consent, confidentiality and safety. It signposts widely used services including Front Line Defenders, ProtectDefenders.eu, the Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism, the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund Safety Net, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, and Open Briefing’s Protection Ecosystem Map. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
The principles explicitly champion women human rights defenders and align with the UK’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan 2023–2027, which commits to supporting women’s meaningful participation and protection in conflict and security contexts. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
The publication includes a foreword from Chris Elmore MP, the Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State responsible for Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean, underscoring the intention to provide support both publicly and privately. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))