Eleanor Sanders

UK 🇬🇧 Human Rights Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN 🇺🇳, Geneva. Former Deputy Ambassador in Rome 🇮🇹.

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

Alarmed by report that global use of death penalty surged to 2,707 in 2025, an increase of 78% on 2024.

The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances.

We call for universal abolition of the death penalty and commend states moving towards this.

https://t.co/clkq9vpanQ

[UK in Ethiopia 🇬🇧 @UKinEthiopia]

@ESandersFCDO, the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights, reflects on her recent visit to 🇪🇹, highlighting key partnerships and the latest developments.

🎥 Video below
#UKInEthiopia

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

Productive and important meetings with a range of actors in Ethiopia this week, including Commissioner Birhanhnof @EthioHRC.

We discussed some of the challenges Ethiopia faces on human rights, which are integral to wider development, peace and prosperity.

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

Thank you for the rich discussion @PatienceChirad3. We look forward to further AU-UK cooperation.

[African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security @AUC_PAPS]

Ms. @PatienceChirad3, Director for Governance and Conflict Prevention, of PAPS-AUC met with Amb. Eleanor Sanders, UK Human Rights Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the @UN in #Geneva.

They exchanged on #AU–#UK cooperation on human rights, conflict prevention, accountability, civic space, hate speech, violence against women and girls, Economic Social and Cultural Rights and the right to development.

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

Great to talk about human rights with the @_AfricanUnion Commission and members this week. The AU plays a crucial role in human rights, as well as wider development, peace and prosperity in the region.

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

Pleased to hear about Somalia’s agreement with @UNHumanRights and the efforts @KhadijaMakhzumi is making to address ongoing challenges such as women & girls’ rights and freedom of expression.

[Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi @KhadijaMakhzumi]

I held a productive meeting in Geneva with Eleanor Sanders to discuss strengthening cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Kingdom on human rights and institutional development.

I expressed my appreciation for the United Kingdom’s continued partnership and support, particularly for the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. Our discussions also highlighted Somalia’s recent progress in advancing human rights, including the establishment of the Independent National Human Rights Commission and the landmark agreement signed with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. 🇸🇴🇬🇧

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

Iran’s use of the death penalty is abhorrent.

The latest escalation includes the execution of political prisoners and ten Iranians associated with the January 2026 protests.

We continue to call on Iran to cease executions immediately.

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

On world press freedom day, we remember that media freedom is an integral part of democracy.

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

The St Petersburg City Court’s decision to label the Russian LGBT Network as ‘extremist ’ is only the latest in a line of similar rulings against LGBTI rights organisations in recent months. Russian authorities must stop misusing anti-extremism laws to repress the human rights and freedoms of Russians @amnesty #HumanRights.

[Amnesty International @amnesty]

St Petersburg City Court in Russia has designated the Russian LGBTI Network an “extremist organisation.” This makes the third ruling of this kind within a month, with other LGBTI groups, Coming Out and the LGBT Resource Centre, being given the same "extremist" label last month. This further exacerbates Russia’s persecution of the so-called 'international LGBT movement.’

Russian authorities must immediately stop misusing anti-extremism legislation to repress LGBTI people and reverse all homophobic policies.

[FCDO FoRB Envoy @FCDO_FoRB_Envoy]

The UK is closely tracking the dire situation for religious minorities in Iran.
This includes abhorrent reports that Baha’is have been subject to torture and mock execution.
We will continue to pursue accountability.

[UK in Myanmar 🇬🇧 @ukinmyanmar]

UK 🇬🇧 supports the people of #Myanmar in their aspirations for a democratic and peaceful future. We continues to call for cessation of violence, full humanitarian access and inclusive dialogue as a means of achieving this.

[UK Mission Geneva 🇬🇧 @UKMissionGeneva]

On #GirlsInICT Day, the UK is proud to partner with @ITU to host 'AI for development: Girls shaping the digital future'.

The UK is committed to empowering girls to explore STEM and become the innovators, leaders and decision‑makers of tomorrow.

[Eleanor Sanders @ESandersFCDO]

We Human Rights Ambassadors condemn the Russian Supreme Court's decision to designate Memorial as an "extremist" organisation @ukinrussia @UKMissionGeneva 🇪🇪🇫🇮🇫🇷🇮🇸🇳🇱🇸🇪🇬🇧

[UK Mission Geneva 🇬🇧 @UKMissionGeneva]

At #HRC61 Russia brought a resolution seeking to champion UN human rights treaties. UK explained Russia’s hypocrisy & cynicism given its flagrant breach of these treaties & UN Charter.

A state that denies its citizens fundamental freedoms cannot credibly champion human rights.

[UK Mission Geneva 🇬🇧 @UKMissionGeneva]

📢ADOPTED

Today, the Human Rights Council renewed the crucial work of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for a further year 🇸🇸 🇺🇳

#HRC61

[UK Mission Geneva 🇬🇧 @UKMissionGeneva]

On the human rights situation in South Sudan
⬇️📹

@FCDOGovUK | @FCDOHumanRights | @UKinSouthSudan

[Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office @FCDOGovUK]

Eid Mubarak to Muslims in the UK and around the world.

May this Eid bring unity and strength.

[UK Mission Geneva 🇬🇧 @UKMissionGeneva]

The Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian children is a crime against humanity.

Four years into this illegal war, the Commission’s work is more needed now than ever.

Read full statement here ⬇️

https://t.co/MvEHdcwTM1