§ 17. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his policy on use of the armed services to assist in defending and upholding human rights overseas. [61357]
§ Mr. George RobertsonHuman rights are at the heart of the United Kingdom's foreign policy. The Armed Forces have the support of foreign policy as one of their main objectives, particularly in promoting international peace and security. Among the means which we use to achieve this objective are activities under the new Defence Diplomacy Mission, which help to dispel hostility, maintain trust and assist in the development of56W democratically accountable armed forces. British forces also contribute to defending and upholding human rights through their involvement in a wide range of conflict prevention, peace support and humanitarian operations.