Rita French appointed human rights ambassador

THE UK government is appointing Rita French as an international ambassador dedicated to the promotion of human rights.

The role is the first of its kind for the British government and French will take on the task of promote the UK's efforts at the UN Human Rights Council.

She will also seek to form new alliances, including through outreach and regional visits to help countries strengthen their voice and get the support they need to improve the protections and promotion of human rights domestically.

Shortly after the appointment, French took to Twitter to say: "Delighted to be appointed as the new UK International Ambassador for Human Rights by the Foreign Secretary @Jeremy_Hunt. I will use my role to speak up for human rights on the international stage and provide a voice for those who are not being represented."

Speaking about French's appointment, foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt was quoted a saying: "As the UK enters a new chapter in its history, I will work to ensure that our values are at the heart of all we do. Ambassador French’s new role will be central to our work in defending human rights across the globe. Standing up for human rights is not only the right thing, it helps to create a stable, more prosperous world.”