Jersey is aligned with the UK, USA and the EU in believing that promoting progress on human rights in countries with a poor record is best pursued through a process of constructive engagement, both at political and business levels. Jersey supports British foreign policy in giving priority to the protection and promotion of human rights, including the UK’s use of its membership of international bodies, such as the UN Human Rights Council, to deliver public messages on human rights.
The Ministry of External Relations also welcomes the UK’s use of its diplomatic channels to deliver private messages on the basis that this offers the best chance of delivering meaningful change on issues that the sovereign governments concerned often view as sensitive. At a local level, Jersey has a consistent record of implementing international sanctions (EU and UN), including sanctions and restrictive measures applied on jurisdictions and individuals because of human rights abuses.
Jersey’s Common Policy on External Relations recognises that “international identity is developed effectively through meeting international standards and obligations, including international human rights obligations”. Jersey’s own experience of representative parliamentary democracy is at the very heart of Island identity.
The Government of Jersey therefore believes very strongly that good governance, in the form of inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels is essential for sustainable economic growth.
The Ministry of External Relations believes that increasing commercial and political engagement with partner governments will build stronger relationships, with more influence, through which to promote Jersey’s values.
The Global Markets Team in the Ministry of External Relations monitors developments in priority countries, including on political affairs, economic activity and the human rights picture. Officials in the Ministry are in regular contact with counterparts at British Embassies and High Commissions in priority countries, and with counterparts on FCO desks in London. This ensures we coordinate our approach on human rights with the UK, which exercises the ultimate international responsibility in this area. Were the UK to change its approach to a particular country in light of human rights concerns, we would adjust Jersey’s engagement accordingly.
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