Human rights abuses abroad – UK Government assessment

Progress assessment

Regression

There has been a sustained or severe regression in the enjoyment of human rights, or a significant reduction in human rights standards or protections in law or policy

The UK Government has continued to seek to limit its accountability for responding to allegations of human rights abuses and complicity abroad, including by introducing an absolute time bar on human rights claims related to overseas operations, and provisions intended to make it harder to bring criminal proceedings against military personnel accused of some offences overseas. There has been no overarching inquiry into the abuse of Iraqi civilians by UK armed forces, despite evidence that it occurred. Evidence also shows complicity of UK personnel in the mistreatment of overseas detainees.

Read more about the UK Government’s actions on human rights abuses abroad.

The assessment was made based on the evidence available up to 10/05/2021