Protecting British Nationals Abroad from Human Rights Violations – Principles for a legal right to consular assistance

Despite the considerable potential of consular assistance to protect the rights and wellbeing of British nationals detained abroad, its provision by the UK Government remains discretionary. This report sets out a series of principles to help shape a legal right to consular assistance. Moving consular assistance onto a legislative footing would ensure more robust safeguards for British nationals at risk of human rights abuses abroad and solidify the State’s responsibility to secure the rights and wellbeing of its most vulnerable citizens.