Jeremy Hunt

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has appointed Rita French, formerly his principal private secretary, to the role.

She will promote the work of the UK at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

While the post is the first of its kind for the UK, other countries including Germany, France and the Netherlands have pioneered the role.

Ms French’s role, according to the Foreign Office, will be to act as a human rights advocate inside government.

She will also have a role in promoting the government’s human rights campaigns, among them media freedom, freedom of religious belief and modern slavery.

Mr Hunt said: “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.”

Ms French said: “Human rights are the essential foundations for a fair, open and transparent society. It is tragic that in too many countries these rights are violated and abused.

“I will speak up for human rights, providing a voice on the international stage for those who are not being represented. I also wish to form stronger partnerships with states, supporting their efforts to fulfil their human rights obligations.”