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Brits Hague: "A Humane Nation"

By jimstaro - Posted on 08 July 2010


A humane nation is a safer nation



Ethical arguments aside, there are three practical reasons for having a human rights-friendly foreign policy. First, promoting human rights and the rule of law is a good way of securing some of the UK's most important foreign policy objectives, including preventing armed conflict, political extremism and radicalisation, and fostering economic development and political stability.

Second, championing respect for human rights and the rule of law sets a good example and is good for the UK's international reputation. That in turn helps to maintain the UK's political and diplomatic clout around the world – what Hague call's the UK's "soft power". Arguably that is even truer now that "hard" economic power is shifting rapidly eastwards towards nations such as China, which have little interest or experience in promoting human rights. If the UK can no longer justify its seat at the top table through economic and military might, then it should rely instead on its support for human rights.

And third, the UK is involved in a multifaceted struggle against Islamist militancy on several fronts. Experience has shown that this struggle cannot be won by military means alone. The ideological battle for hearts and minds is just as important, and victory on that front depends on the strictest adherence to human rights standards and the laws of war. Continued

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