This report examines the Government's record in relation to securing the human rights of British citizens and others overseas and its work in promoting human rights in other countries. The report covers rendition, allegations of UK complicity in torture, transfers of detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan and the regulation of private military and security companies. It also provides an examination of the international human rights framework and human rights abuses in individual countries of concern including Burma, China, Colombia, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Zimbabwe and also in the UK's overseas territories.

The FCO departmental report and resource accounts 2008-09 published as HC 460-I,II (ISBN 9780102961614)

This report covers the period 1 January to 31 December 2008. It provides an overview of the main challenges to human rights around the world and explains the government's activities and policies to address those challenges. Chapters covering policy goals are: counter-terrorism, weapons proliferation and their causes; promoting a low carbon, high growth economy; preventing and resolving conflict; developing effective international institutions. Key human rights themes include equality, democracy, the rule of law. Other chapters cover: the British overseas territories and human rights of British nationals abroad; and a review of countries of concern, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.