Today is international Human Rights Day. Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.

Caroline said:

“This year’s Human Rights Day comes at a time when the rights we value are under threat both in Britain and abroad.

“Amnesty’s work puts a spotlight on how crucial Human Rights are to protecting people across the world. Take Waleed Abu Al-Khair for example. He was arrested in Saudi Arabia for exercising his freedom of expression through online activism. The result: he has been cruelly beaten and mistreated on various occasions in prison. Stopping that kind of repression must be a top priority for the Government in its diplomatic relations.

“Here in Britain the Government’s own actions suggest a deep contempt for our hard word human rights. Ministers’ attempt to dismantle the Human Right’s Act is an affront to our values. I’m also deeply concerned by the Investigatory Powers Bill which looks likely to seriously dent our right to communicate in private.

“I’m proud to be celebrating Human Rights Day alongside Amnesty International and people all over the world, and I’ll continue to push the UK Government to further protect hard won freedoms at home and abroad.”