On 9 January 2026, the UK Government published the Guiding Principles on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, with the announcement issued by the British Embassy in Guatemala City. Presented as a global statement of approach, the principles set expectations for how UK diplomats and programme teams will support individuals and organisations facing risk because of their human rights work. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-strengthens-its-commitment-to-protecting-human-rights-defenders))
Although the communication landed in January, the underlying policy paper was added to GOV.UK on 17 December 2025 by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The page describes the document as an accessible companion to a wider guidance and expertise offer for embassies and high commissions, intended to clarify the UK’s support to defenders and the rationale for that support. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guiding-principles-on-supporting-human-rights-defenders))
Substantive principles are set out in the four‑page document. Officials are instructed to apply a ‘do no harm’ approach; avoid transactional relationships with defenders; engage proactively with a diverse range of people, including women, LGBT+ people and those from marginalised groups; assess compounding risks; and recognise that psychosocial support can be protective. The principles also reaffirm attention to business and human rights issues and reference the UK’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan 2023–27. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
The guidance lists public acts that UK missions can deploy where safe and agreed: specific public statements, meetings and events including at senior level, awards, trial observation and detention visits. Each action should follow consultation with the individual at risk and a case‑by‑case assessment of potential consequences for them and their networks. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
For immediate threats, posts are advised to verify information from reputable sources and, with the defender’s explicit consent, connect them to local, regional or international protection mechanisms. For sustained pressure, the document encourages longer‑term, flexible funding to build organisational capacity and resilience, alongside efforts to create an enabling environment for human rights work. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
Delivery will rely on existing FCDO systems. The policy page highlights a comprehensive support offer to missions and notes UK participation in the Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund, which provides emergency assistance to at‑risk civil society. In a related commitment, the UK announced an additional £1 million to Lifeline in 2024 and is co‑chairing the fund, signalling an intention to keep rapid‑response support available. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guiding-principles-on-supporting-human-rights-defenders))
The principles sit alongside earlier material. The 2019 ‘UK support for human rights defenders’ paper, last updated in 2021, remains on GOV.UK and outlines practical measures such as trial monitoring and emergency grants. The 2025 principles provide a concise articulation of approach and are intended to be read alongside more detailed internal guidance to posts. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-support-for-human-rights-defenders?utm_source=openai))
For NGOs and legal professionals, the priorities are operational. Establish secure channels to brief UK missions on cases, document informed consent for any third‑party referrals, and prepare case files that support trial monitoring or diplomatic representations. The FCDO paper also points to external mechanisms that may be relevant, including Front Line Defenders, ProtectDefenders.eu, the Urgent Action Fund and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))
While the initial announcement was issued by the British Embassy in Guatemala City, with Honduras also referenced, the principles are global in scope. Posts are encouraged to enable safe participation by defenders in multilateral settings, including by helping to meet costs where this would otherwise prevent meaningful engagement. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-strengthens-its-commitment-to-protecting-human-rights-defenders))
The framework is anchored in the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and reflects the UK’s stated commitment to support defenders to work effectively, peacefully and safely. In practical terms, it links diplomatic advocacy, programme funding and referral pathways to strengthen protection while minimising unintended risks. ([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69429aa58f4636fa2c547d8a/31.70_FCDO_HRD_report.pdf))