Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2026.

Ankur Narayan, Counsellor for Politico-Military Affairs at the UK Delegation to the OSCE highlights verified evidence of Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including rising civilian casualties, crimes against children, and the use of sexual violence, and calls for Russia’s withdrawal, accountability, and the return of deported Ukrainian children.

Mr Chair, during the last meeting of this Forum, on 10 June, the representative of the Russian Federation said that, in the context of civilian casualties, there are “gaps in the knowledge of International Humanitarian Law” of other States. We agree that civilian casualties are a tragedy.  We agree that IHL is an important issue.

That is why my statement will focus on both issues today. The OSCE’s Code of Conduct compels every participating State to ensure their armed forces abide by international law. I will highlight three elements: civilian casualties; the treatment of children; and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. I will only cite independently-verified, internationally-respected sources.

Firstly, on civilian casualties. Last week, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission confirmed that May 2026 was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since April 2022: at least 274 killed and 1,763 injured — a 93 per cent increase on May 2025. Long-range missiles and drones accounted for 45 per cent of May’s casualties, falling overwhelmingly on urban centres such as Kyiv and Dnipro, far from the front line. Along the front line itself, short-range drones killed and injured more civilians in May than in any month since the full-scale invasion began. International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks, including those which are expected to cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the anticipated military advantage.

Secondly, on the treatment of children. On 12 March the OHCHR’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that Russian authorities have committed two distinct crimes against humanity against Ukrainian children — deportation and forcible transfer, and enforced disappearance. The Commission has verified that at least 1,205 children were taken from their homes. Four years on, 80 per cent have not been returned – instead they have been placed across 21 regions of Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. The Commission reported that it was “a policy conceived and executed under the leadership at the highest level of the Russian Federation state apparatus”. International humanitarian law affords children special protection in times of armed conflict. This includes protection from their forcible transfer or deportation from occupied territory.

Thirdly, on sexual violence. ODIHR’s Eighth Interim Report sets out the conflict-related sexual violence committed in areas under Russian control, the arbitrary detention of civilians, and the use of children in hostilities. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has separately documented the widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian authorities. This includes the use of sexual violence. International humanitarian law protects civilians from violence and exploitation. It also requires that all prisoners of war are treated humanely in all circumstances.

Mr Chair, the UN, ODIHR and other international organisations continue to catalogue irrefutable independent evidence of Russia violating international law and international humanitarian law. As per the Code, such breaches are a “direct and legitimate” concern for us all and we must act in solidarity with the affected State. The United Kingdom once again calls on Russia to withdraw fully from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, to return every deported child, and to engage with independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law.

Thank you Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2026.

Joint Statement for the Annual Discussion on Women’s Rights: Domestic violence against women and girls. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

Thank you Vice President,

The UK delivers this joint statement on behalf of Australia, Brazil, Jamaica, Morocco, Spain and South Africa.

Across the world, violence against women and girls persists, with one in three experiencing physical and/or sexual violence over their lifetime. We must address this global and national emergency.

The UK together with Australia, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jamaica, Morocco, Spain and South Africa have launched an International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls. We will collaborate to prevent all forms of gender-based violence, including online and offline, so that women and girls can live free from fear, no matter who or where they are.

Through this coalition, we will accelerate action by strengthening national responses, sharing expertise, and enhancing global leadership to prevent violence, protect victims and survivors and hold perpetrators to account.

Moreover, as the world faces increasing conflict, we will look to strengthen global efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict and other forms of violence in humanitarian crises.

Progress requires sustained political leadership and a multistakeholder approach. We call on all States to step up efforts to end gender-based violence, including by scaling up evidence-based prevention and response activities, and ensuring accountability for all perpetrators.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The United Kingdom welcomes this High-Level Meeting and its political declaration.

The UK is proud to have contributed to the significant progress the world has made in tackling HIV over the past decades, reducing transmissions by 65% since 1995 and deaths by 74% since 2004. 

This progress is particularly significant amongst children, where there has been a 69% reduction in transmissions since 2010.  

Each of these numbers affects lives, people, and futures made possible brining hope to us all.

This hope continues today, with new, innovative long-acting antiretroviral technologies also offering transformative potential, improving adherence, reducing stigma, and expanding HIV services.  

The UK continues to support key partners in this work, including the Global Fund, World Health Organisation, Unitaid, and UNAIDS. 

We also recognise the important roles that UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA play in delivering the response on the ground.

But we are concerned about this progress reversing if we do not refocus our effort to end AIDS and ensure no one is left behind. 

This is particularly critical for key populations and for women and girls. 

Engagement, inclusion, and partnership with these groups and others at the grassroots of the HIV response remains essential. 

Three things will be particularly important. 

First, we need to continue to work together, including across the UN, to strengthen health systems, prevent new infections, and end AIDS-related deaths. 

Second, we need stronger country-led, sustainable responses. 

National leadership, integrated services, and efficient use of resources will be critical. 

And third, community-led organisations must remain at the heart of the response. 

Their leadership, resilience, and expertise are essential to reach those most in need and sustain long-term progress. 

Innovation and evidence will continue to underpin successful partnerships, working with key populations, addressing structural barriers created by stigma and discrimination, and tackling drivers of new transmissions.  

So colleagues, we must act with urgency to refocus our resources where they will have the greatest impact, and remain steadfast in our shared commitment to ending AIDS.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on the Central African Republic.

President, I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the continued progress on peace and security in the Central African Republic, with the support of MINUSCA. 

This includes the holding of national and local elections in December 2025, and the disarmament and demobilisation of over 1,300 ex-combatants since last July.

We urge further efforts to consolidate progress. 

This includes a halt to abuses of human rights and restrictions on civilian movement by some armed groups.

We call on all parties to uphold their commitments under the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and to work to translate recent gains into sustainable peace and inclusive governance.

Second, the spillover of the Sudan conflict into the Central African Republic remains deeply concerning, with renewed armed activity along the border. 

The United Kingdom condemns reports of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces in Vakaga, resulting in displacement and human rights abuses.

We call on the Government of the Central African Republic to strengthen further state presence in affected areas and to work with regional partners to enhance border security to protect affected communities. 

Third, the protection of civilians remains a serious concern, especially in the Haut-Mbomou and Vakaga Prefectures. 

Reports of conflict‑related sexual violence and grave violations against children continue at scale. 

Women and girls remain disproportionately affected, while children are subject to recruitment, abduction, and other abuses.

We call on the Government of the Central African Republic to strengthen accountability, prevent violations, and work with the UN to implement national action plans.

Finally, the United Kingdom reiterates its strong support for MINUSCA and its vital role in protecting civilians and supporting lasting stability in the Central African Republic. 

As the Mission adapts its posture, we encourage the Government to continue to work with MINUSCA and assume greater responsibility for its security and governance.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

Explanation of Vote by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN Peacekeeping Operations.

The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of this resolution, and we thank Denmark and Pakistan for their efforts.

This resolution makes clear that accountability for attacks against United Nations personnel serving in peacekeeping operations is essential. 

This year has seen unacceptable attacks on Blue Helmets.

Our deepest sympathies are with the families of those killed and injured.

We stress the importance of ensuring that investigations into recent incidents progress.

And we commend the courage and professionalism of personnel serving in UN peacekeeping operations.

Finally, President, the United Kingdom is committed to ensuring that UN Peacekeeping remains an effective tool in support of international peace and security. 

And we look forward to receiving the Secretary-General’s report on the future of all forms of peace operations.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 June 2026.

The United Kingdom and E4+deliver a joint statement on the situation in El Obeid, Sudan.

We, the Foreign Ministers of like-minded partners (France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, UK), are deeply concerned by reports of a continued assault on El Obeid, despite calls for a halt to the attack and protection of civilians.  

Last year, the world witnessed with horror the atrocities in El Fasher –  crimes that are assessed to bear the “hallmarks of genocide”. We must not allow such failures to be repeated.   

In recent weeks, repeated drone strikes on El Obeid have killed civilians and driven acute shortages of fuel, food and water. With the rainy season fast approaching, humanitarian workers continue to provide life-saving assistance but are being deliberately targeted. 

There are now credible signs of an imminent offensive. This is a critical moment, and the international community must act.  

We call on the RSF to halt its attack immediately. Civilians must be able to leave safely, and all parties must ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The RSF and the SAF, and their allies, must de-escalate, uphold international humanitarian law, and honour their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration. 

External support continues to sustain this conflict. We call on those fuelling the conflict to cease, and those with influence must exercise it now to avoid further bloodshed.  

We will continue to work closely at the UN Security Council and with regional and international partners to secure a clear and unified response: the violence must end, civilians must be protected, and those responsible must be held to account. We remain committed to supporting a credible path to peace through the Quintet-led process and call on all parties to engage in good faith.