Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Boost for buses as government takes more steps to support and decarbonise sector [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 21 March 2023.

Announcing the Bus Centre of Excellence and almost £3 million electric bus funding for Leicester.
- new initiatives launched to make buses more frequent, cheaper and cleaner
- national drive to support skills across the bus industry and help deliver improvements in services for passengers with new Bus Centre of Excellence
- Leicester receives almost £3 million for its electric bus fleet, helping it become one of the first cities to run a fully electric bus depot in England
A new initiative to upskill, recruit and retain a new generation of bus professionals, alongside support to help our bus sector get stronger, has been announced by the Roads Minister Richard Holden today (21 March 2023).

Backed by £815,000 in government investment, the new Bus Centre of Excellence will bring together expertise from local government, bus operators and industry to boost skills and diversity in the bus sector.

As pledged in the government’s National Bus Strategy, the new Bus Centre of Excellence will give life to a new generation of bus professionals to drive forward more reliable, affordable and cleaner bus services. Hosted by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, it will provide training opportunities, direct access to resources and industry experts, as well as networking events to uplift the capacity and capability of the whole sector, working to encourage people to get back on the bus.

The Bus Centre of Excellence’s ambitions will complement the continued decarbonisation of the national bus fleet, improving the whole passenger experience, and today’s announcement comes as the government confirms £3 million for 18 brand new zero emission buses in Leicester. The new buses will be manufactured in Northern Ireland by Wrightbus and operated by First Bus, supporting hundreds of high-skilled jobs and helping to grow the economy.

This latest investment means all diesel buses at the operator First Bus’s depot in Leicester will now be replaced with 86 electric buses funded by the Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA), making Leicester home to one of the first bus depots in the UK to transition to fully electric. In total Leicester has benefitted from nearly £22 million funding from the ZEBRA scheme to support 114 electric buses.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

Buses are the backbone of our transport network, providing affordable travel for commuters, families, and pensioners, and providing an economic lifeline for towns and cities around the country.

This multimillion investment for Leicester’s clean transformation, coupled with the new Bus Centre of Excellence, will help drive the country’s bus sector recovery and provide passengers with cleaner, more affordable buses that run on time.

Zero emission buses are often cheaper to run, improving the economics for bus operators, and are more reliable, reducing repair costs and minimising delays.

The new ZEBs for Leicester build on the success of the existing ZEBRA scheme, which was launched in 2021 to allow local transport authorities to bid for funding for ZEBs zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure.

The move brings total government funding from the ZEBRA scheme to almost £300 million for up to 1,400 zero emission buses in England, taking the vision of a net zero transport network one step closer to reality.

Neil Johnstone, President, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, said:

CIHT has a proven track record of delivering high quality continuing professional development for those working in the transportation sector. We are delighted to be the chosen partner to help work on improving this important sustainable transport mode.

This partnership (alongside other government initiatives) will see CIHT help to bring together a wide range of professional skills and knowledge from both the public and private sector to facilitate change to local infrastructure, service delivery and the sector across the country – with the ultimate aim of improving bus services.

Janette Bell, Managing Director at First Bus, said:

We’re absolutely delighted that Leicester will become one of our blueprint bus depots of the future, helping us to refine and iterate this new concept so we can roll it out across the rest of the UK. At First Bus, we’re continuing to trailblaze with our partners to ensure we meet our net zero targets, supported by co-funding from the Department for Transport.

As leaders in sustainable mobility, we are fully aligned with the government’s ambitions for a net zero carbon transport system. Through this co-funding with the ZEBRA scheme, we’re excited to electrify another 5 of our UK depots before March 2024, and look forward to introducing even more electric buses to our constantly growing fleet.

We cannot wait to see our customers’ reactions once the project is complete, as we know the difference this will make to the city. Electric really is the future and we’re glad we can take our customers on this journey with us.

The new Bus Centre of Excellence initiative follows the £155 million announced last month to continue supporting bus services up and down the country and providing affordable journeys by extending the popular £2 bus fare cap.

This brings the total government funding to protect buses at over £2 billion since the pandemic, with a further £1 billion invested to improve the quality of bus services through the Bus Service Improvement Plans.
March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK urges Sudanese authorities to accelerate peace agreement implementation and the plan to protect civilians – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 March 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Sudan.

Thank you President. Thank you also to SRSG Perthes for his briefing and for the continued efforts of UNITAMS. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Sudan in our meeting today.

President, I will make four broad points.

First, I would like to commend the progress made since the announcement of the Framework Agreement on 5 December.

The United Kingdom welcomes the wide and diverse range of participants involved in the completed workshops.

We encourage the holding of the remaining workshop on security sector reform as soon as possible.

As we approach Ramadan, it is essential to consolidate the progress made so far. The time is now for all parties to seize momentum, accelerate their engagement and reach a final agreement within the coming weeks.

The United Kingdom is working with partners to ensure an early and coordinated offer of support to a civilian-led transitional government.

We support the role of UNITAMS, the AU, and IGAD in facilitating the political process, and encourage the non-signatories of the Framework Agreement to join these discussions and contribute to a final agreement.

Second, we echo the Secretary-General’s call for the Sudanese authorities to create conducive conditions to help negotiations succeed.

In this light, we welcome the release of hundreds of Darfuri civilians from arbitrary detention, but condemn the excessive use of force against protestors, which resulted in the death of 125 protestors since the start of the coup.

Third, the UK remains deeply concerned by ongoing intercommunal conflict across Sudan.

We call on the Sudanese authorities to accelerate implementation of both the Juba Peace Agreement and the National Plan for the Protection of Civilians, and to deploy the Joint Security Keeping Force to Darfur.

Lastly, the worsening humanitarian situation continues to have a devastating effect on ordinary Sudanese citizens.

We urge the Sudanese authorities to remove all bureaucratic impediments which are hindering the ability of humanitarians to address the record levels of need. This includes urgently processing visas and lifting movement restrictions for UN personnel.

President, in closing, the United Kingdom remains committed to the realisation of the Sudanese people’s calls for freedom, peace and justice.

Thank you.

March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Jobs and investment boost for Thames region as Freeport gets green light [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 20 March 2023.

Thames Freeport has received final government sign off, unlocking new high-quality jobs and much-needed investment.
- Thames Freeport fully operational after final government sign off
- Up to £25 million in government funding released to drive development
- Freeport will provide thousands of jobs to bolster region’s electric vehicle and green energy industries
New high-quality jobs and much-needed investment for the Thames Estuary region will be unlocked today, as the Thames Freeport receives final government sign off.

The Freeport will now receive up to £25 million seed funding from government and potentially hundreds of millions in locally retained business rates to drive growth in the UK’s advanced manufacturing, biomanufacturing, logistics, and low carbon industries.

It will help drive investment into sectors including automated and electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery storage, generating thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said:

We’re delivering on our mission to grow the economy and level up right across the UK.

Thames Freeport is up and running and will bring high quality jobs, investment and trading opportunities for businesses in the region.

Taking full advantage of the freedoms of leaving the EU, businesses in Freeports are offered generous tax incentives and a simplified customs procedure, unlocking much-needed investment and high-quality jobs.

Robin Mortimer, Maritime UK Chair said:

This latest wave of Freeport approvals is a major boost for UK maritime and the wider levelling-up agenda. Business, and the wider communities, will now be able to benefit from the wave of investment, development and jobs that Freeports are projected to generate.

Thames Freeport estimates that it will generate over 12,000 new jobs, and as a gateway to London, its hubs are well placed to provide global shipping routes for exporting UK produced goods and importing vital products for supply chains.

The hub includes three tax sites located at:
- London Gateway – the UK’s most integrated logistics hub and one of the world’s fastest growing container ports, connecting over 130 ports and 65 countries and handling almost 2 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) annually
- Tilbury – London’s major port, with a throughput of 16 million tonnes per annum with an estimated value of £8.7 billion
- Ford’s world-class Dagenham Engine Plant – London’s largest manufacturing location for over 90 years
The government’s Freeport programmes is moving at pace, with five sites now fully operational in England, already creating thousands of jobs. In January the Government confirmed two new Green Freeports will be established in Inverness and Cromarty Firth and Firth of Forth.

Freeports are central to unleashing economic growth across the entire United Kingdom and will drive the UK’s shift to a dynamic, low-carbon economy, helping businesses to collaborate, innovate, and develop the technologies and supply chains that will underpin our journey to Net Zero.
March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Trailblazing devolution deal signed giving West Midlands more control over transport, skills and housing [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 20 March 2023.

The Levelling Up Secretary and Mayor Andy Street have signed a landmark deeper devolution deal for the West Midlands putting more cash and power in the hands of local leaders.
- Deal includes regeneration package worth up to £160 million and more local control over transport, regeneration, skills and culture
- West Midlands to take control of local spending with new funding settlement alongside local retention of business rates
- Move sees biggest ever shift of powers and funding from Whitehall to an English region
The Levelling Up Secretary and Mayor Andy Street have today (20 March) signed a landmark deeper devolution deal for the West Midlands, marking a seismic shift in power, funding and responsibility from Whitehall to the region.

The deal puts more cash and power in the hands of local leaders to invest in the priorities that local communities truly care about, such as better bus and train services, skills and housing.

A new long-term funding settlement will enable the Mayor and local councils to plan for the long term, with certainty, and unlock tangible benefits for almost 3 million people living in the area.

Speaking from Coventry today, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

Visionary local leaders like Andy Street understand the needs of their areas better than decision-makers in Whitehall – that is why it is vital that we put more power and control in their hands.

This deal goes further than we’ve ever gone before. It will give the Mayor unprecedented power to spend on local priorities and more control over transport, skills and housing– the things people truly care about.

Today marks a bold new frontier in devolution in this country, and it’s fantastic to see the West Midlands right at the forefront.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said:

This is a truly landmark moment for our region as this Deeper Devolution Deal has resulted in Whitehall granting significant powers and funding to the West Midlands – recognising the importance of local leaders on the ground having greater financial autonomy and decision-making authority.

Team West Midlands has worked incredibly hard to agree the best possible deal for our residents having earned the trust of Government thanks to our track record of delivery since the formation of the Combined Authority. Devolution is very much a journey and our task now is to work together to show the further trust placed in us is well founded.

I want to pay tribute to the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Secretary of State for Levelling Up for their vision and bravery in making this deal happen. Together, we can continue to improve quality of life for local people right across our region in the months and years ahead.

The deal confirmed today deepens existing powers which have already delivered significant wins for the region. New measures include:
- A new long-term funding settlement, including the right to retain 100% of business rates for 10 years.
- A wide-ranging partnership with Homes England, with a commitment to work towards investing £400m in the West Midlands by 2026.
- Further support for regeneration and infrastructure with £100m of brownfield funding and £60 million of investment in the metro line extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill.
- Levelling up zones, backed by 25-year business rate retention, to generate jobs and investment.
- Greater control over public transport with a new rail partnership with Great British Railways and the devolution of the payment of the bus service operators grant.
- The establishment of a transport ‘sandbox’ to put the West Midlands at the forefront of transport innovation, with additional commitments to a new Strategic Innovation Partnership and better access to finance for local businesses.
- More oversight and control over adult skills funding and more responsibility over developing and delivering careers advice.
- Devolution of funding to retrofit buildings, to bring down energy bills for households across the West Midlands.
- A new partnership with national arts and culture organisations to harness the West Midlands’ globally renowned cultural strengths.
- Tools to support the roll-out of high-speed broadband across the region and £4 million for devices and data to get more people online.
Alongside these powers, a new framework will ensure that decision-makers in areas with devolution deals are accountable to their residents and deliver value for money, with a clear ladder of intervention to respond to underperformance.

The milestone comes days after the West Midlands was announced as one of 12 new Investment Zone areas backed with £80 million over five years including generous tax incentives to drive local growth.
March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean visits Guatemala [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 March 2023.

His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, Spencer Mahony, will visit Guatemala 22-24 March.

His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner, Spencer Mahony, is visiting Guatemala in order to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations between Guatemala and the UK. His trip reaffirms the commitment of the British government to champion UK trade with economic partners in the Central American region.

With this visit, the Deputy Trade Commissioner seeks to understand the priorities of Guatemala and the projects it has in the pipeline in order to identify key areas where the UK can offer its expertise. During these meetings, the Deputy Commissioner will highlight the United Kingdom’s interest in continuing to work with Guatemala to create more opportunities that help build closer commercial ties that promote prosperity for both countries.

For that purpose, the Deputy Trade Commissioner will meet with senior representatives of regional organisations, British multinationals, Guatemalan companies and will participate in an event, co-organised with the British Chamber of Commerce, which will highlight the experience of UK companies doing business in Guatemala. This visit will focus on priority sectors in which UK companies have great expertise and more interest to explore business opportunities in the region; sectors such as agritech, electric mobility, infrastructure, life and sciences, education and food and drink.

The Deputy Trade Commissioner will also reinforce the opportunities that the Association Agreement between the UK and Central America brings to foster the trade relation with Guatemala and promote business possibilities to UK companies looking to expand overseas. He will stress the importance to promote a level-playing field for British companies wanting to do more business in Guatemala and strengthen the rule of law to attract more trade and investors to the country.

According to UK statistics, UK-Guatemala total trade between October 2021 and September 2022 was USD 200 million; an increase of 6.3% compared to the same period the year before. Total UK exports to Guatemala amounted USD 80 million; these included refined oil, electrical goods, chemicals, cars and beverages. Total UK imports from Guatemala were USD 120 million and included vegetables, beverages, coffee, sugar and clothing.

March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on North Korea [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 March 2023.

UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French delivered a statement on the situation of human rights in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr President,

I would like to start by welcoming the Special Rapporteur’s critical work in continuing to report on the DPRK’s human rights record. We remain deeply alarmed by the systematic and widespread human rights violations by the DPRK regime.

Instead of upholding its human rights obligations and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in society, the DPRK continues to prioritise its illegal weapons programme. Moreover, the DPRK’s border restrictions in response to COVID continue to severely hamper UN agencies’ ability to access and deliver life-saving support to the people of North Korea.

The UK urges the DPRK to now engage credibly with the international community and allow UN human rights mechanisms unhindered access. We stand ready to engage and assist the DPRK on human rights issues.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

How do the prolonged COVID-related measures introduced by the regime continue to impact human rights in North Korea?

Thank you.

March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The cost of North Korea’s illicit missile launches is being borne by its people – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 March 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on North Korea.

Thank you, President. I also thank ASG Jencča for his briefing today, and welcome the participation of the Republic of Korea.

The UK condemns the launch by the DPRK of a further intercontinental ballistic missile on 16 March. This was the DPRK’s tenth ICBM launch since the start of 2022.

Make no mistake. This missile wasn’t designed, built, deployed and launched overnight. The DPRK first displayed this type in 2020. It has been tested multiple times since in a long-planned development process, in defiance of this Council’s decisions, and shielded by two of its members.

Those same members may seek to equate lawful defensive military exercises with the DPRK’s actions. Let’s be clear. Defensive exercises are safe when they are notified to other states in advance, and when they operate within defined areas, as South Korean and US exercises have done.

We should protect the credibility of this Council by challenging these violations with a firm and united response. Five years of inaction, forced on the Council by two members, have left no one safer. Now is the time for a comprehensive resolution that addresses international security concerns with new targeted measures, while also setting conditions for renewed dialogue, and facilitating aid.

We should recall that the cost of these illicit launches is being borne by the North Korean people, whose government diverts resources from peoples’ basic economic needs toward its illegal weapons programme. We call on the DPRK to allow UN international staff to enter the country. Sanctions exemptions are in place to support expedited humanitarian assistance.

We again call on all member states to fully implement existing Resolutions, which all Council members voted for multiple times, to counter the continued development of the DPRK’s prohibited programmes.

Finally, President, we call on the DPRK to cease these launches and engage meaningfully with offers from the United States and the Republic of Korea of dialogue. Diplomacy is the only route to sustained peace on the peninsula.

Thank you.

March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : London hosts major international war crimes meeting as UK boosts support for International Criminal Court [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 20 March 2023.

Justice ministers from around the world will convene in London today (March 20) to boost international support for the independent International Criminal Court’s (ICC) vital investigations into war crimes.
Ministers meeting to provide extra support for war crimes investigations

UK vows extra financial and practical resources to ICC investigators

Over 40 nations will be represented at the meeting, hosted by UK Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab, and the Netherlands Minister for Justice and Security, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, at Lancaster House in central London.

It comes as the ICC issues arrest warrants against President Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, signifying an important step for accountability and international justice.

Ahead of the conference, the UK Government has offered new funding and support to:

provide psychological support for victims and witnesses of crimes, including those against children and conflict-related sexual violence

fund more UK experts to work for the ICC and help train investigators to use digital evidence to bring war criminals to justice

enhance ICC investigators’ capacity to gather evidence of war crimes from publicly available sources such as social media and smartphone footage

develop a joint virtual reality project with the ICC to enable witnesses and victims to visit the Court virtually to help prepare for their testimony.

An additional £395,000 also announced today brings total UK support this year to £1 million, doubling the existing amount of extra funding provided to the ICC from the UK.

Other countries are expected to pledge practical and financial support for the Court and its independent investigations into war crimes in Ukraine to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

UK Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab MP, said:

We are gathering in London today united by one cause to hold war criminals to account for the atrocities committed in Ukraine during this unjust, unprovoked and unlawful invasion.

The UK, alongside the international community, will continue to provide the International Criminal Court with the funding, people and expertise to ensure justice is served.

Minister of Justice and Security of the Netherlands, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius said:

As an international community, we must take responsibility for making sure that the perpetrators of the crimes committed during the war in Ukraine are prosecuted.

Together we must establish the truth, achieve justice and ensure security. The Ukrainian people have shown more than once they will have the last word on their future. They have been hardened but never broken. They might be angry and frustrated, but never defeated. They deserve our support in finding justice.

The conference will be opened with speeches from Denys Maliuska, Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General and Karim Khan KC, Prosecutor of the ICC.

It will also include sessions on evidence gathering and co-ordination to progress investigations, as well as support for witnesses and victims so they have their voices heard without being retraumatised.

The Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP said:

I witnessed first-hand the aftermath of the atrocities being committed by Russian soldiers during my recent visit to Ukraine.

They must know that they cannot act with impunity, and today’s conference is key to driving international accountability for these horrendous crimes.

FCDO Minister of State, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), said:

The ICC plays a vital role in global efforts to end impunity for war crimes, and the UK is proud to support the court’s investigations across the world, including in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s war and illegal invasion.

Support for the ICC sits alongside the Government’s broader effort to stand with Ukraine under its assault by President Putin. Alongside the United States and European Union, the UK has established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group in support of Ukraine’s domestic war crimes prosecutions.

The UK also provided a bespoke package of support to the ICC last year in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, including:

£1 million additional funding to support investigations over the past year

A dedicated police liaison officer based in The Hague to lead on swift information sharing between the UK and ICC

Ongoing defence analysis and monitoring of events in Ukraine, including preservation of any evidence relating to war crimes

Delivery of war crimes investigation training to Ukrainian police on behalf of the ICC, in collaboration with the Norwegian Police

The UK has given over £2 billion to Ukraine so far and has pledged to match or exceed this figure in 2023.
March 21, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Single case of atypical BSE confirmed on a farm in Cornwall [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 March 2023.

A single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Cornwall today (Monday 20 March).

Atypical BSE is not contagious and there is no risk to food safety or human health as a result of this isolated case.

Atypical BSE is a naturally and sporadically occurring non-contagious disease, which is believed to occur in all cattle populations at a very low rate. Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE which is linked to infectious feed.

The animal was routinely tested under the BSE fallen stock survey and was removed from the farm for disposal. This animal, as fallen stock, was not destined for the human food chain and posed no risk to the general public.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

“A single case of atypical BSE on a farm in Cornwall has been confirmed. The animal, which was not intended for the human food chain, died on the farm and was tested as part of the strict routine control and surveillance regime.

“Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously occurring, non-contagious disease which occurs at a very low level in all cattle populations. This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working.”

Dr Darren A Cutts, Head of Meat Hygiene Policy at the Food Standards Agency said:

“There is no food safety risk. There are strict controls in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE, including controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity.

“Consumers can be reassured that these important protection measures remain in place and that Food Standards Agency Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in England will continue to ensure that in respect of BSE controls, the safety of consumers remains the top priority.”

Great Britain’s overall risk status for BSE remains at ‘controlled’ and there is no risk to food safety or public health.

In line with international commitments, the World Organisation for Animal Health and trading partners have been informed of the case. This does not affect the UK’s ability to export beef to other countries.

BSE is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. This applies to pet and small holder animals as well as commercial cattle.

March 20, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HRC 52 – Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Iran [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 March 2023.

UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French delivered her statement on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Special Rapporteur – thank you for your continued work and recent report.

As you set out, the Government of Iran is culpable of egregious continued human rights violations. The use of the death penalty, restrictions on media and the internet, and on freedoms of speech, expression, religion and belief, all continue unabated.

The discrimination women and girls have persistently faced, came to the fore with the killing of Mahsa Jina Amini in September. Over 500 people were killed during the regime’s brutal crackdown demonstrating Iran’s disregard for human life. This was on top of the over 500 persons executed, including at least two juvenile offenders in 2022. Religious and minority ethnic groups continued to face appalling discrimination, especially Baha’i, Christian converts and Sunni groups. The continuing detention of former Baha’i leaders, home demolition and land expropriation of Baha’is is deplorable. It is also deeply concerning that Iran has escalated its abhorrent practice of detaining foreign nationals for political leverage.

Iran must be held to account for its egregious human rights violations.

Special Rapporteur,

In light of your findings on possible crimes against humanity, how can the international community unite to ensure perpetrators are held to account?

March 20, 2023