Tag: 2024

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2024.

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Madam Special Rapporteur, we welcome your report and recognise the threats faced by exiled journalists, as well as their vital role informing audiences at home and abroad.

We are committed to the safety of all journalists, reflecting their contribution to an open, functioning democracy.  We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom, silence debate, abuse journalists, or spread misinformation – whether online or offline.

The UK has supported journalists exiled from Myanmar with emergency grants and taken strong and effective action against Iran-backed plots to kill journalists on UK soil. We continue to raise the suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong, exemplified by the closure of Stand News and the prosecution of Jimmy Lai, and to call for the release of all those detained for their reporting in China.

In the UK, we have refreshed our National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists and are working across Government Ministries, relevant agencies and law enforcement to protect journalists and others identified as being at risk.

Mr Vice President,

Given the specific threats to journalists in exile, will the UN Plan of Action be updated to reflect this?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2024.

Speaking at the Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC), Director Matt Baugh outlines why Ukraine’s fight matters to all OSCE participating States.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My thanks to you and to the Secretary General for your leadership under such challenging circumstances. Let me start by reiterating the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.

Chair, we meet together in this forum for the third time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an invasion that has fundamentally changed the landscape of European security. It is worth reiterating the facts:

Russia initiated this war and bears sole responsibility for it. With the support of Belarus, Russia has violated the UN Charter and contravened core OSCE principles. Principles on the non-use of force, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is why Ukraine’s fight matters to each of us in this room.

As Russia began this war, so it can end it. And yet, Russia is now into the third year of a war fuelled by North Korea, Iran, and China, and by callously throwing Russian lives at the front. Ukraine has retaken almost 40,000 square kilometres of its territory. Ukraine has damaged or destroyed nearly a quarter of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine’s maritime exports have resumed. All this is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people who did not seek this war but who are determined to prevail – and who most certainly will.

Chair, together with our allies and partners, we continue to confront Russian aggression across Europe and repeatedly in this room, challenging the lies by which the illegal invasion has been justified and the barbaric conduct with which it is carried out. Russia has no defence against these challenges – its war demonstrates contempt for both the UN Charter and OSCE principles. In the face of the facts, Russia continues to weaponise the OSCE’s consensus principle, blocking even the most basic meetings of the Forum for Security Cooperation, hamstringing rightful discussion of its invasion of Ukraine.

Such tactics only reinforce Russia’s isolation and its desperation. By contrast, Ukraine and over 50 of its partners stood together in support of Ukraine’s self defence earlier this month in Switzerland.

Chair, in times such as these our support for the OSCE is more crucial than ever, and I am happy to re-state the UK’s commitment to the OSCE and the principles it stands for: from the Vienna Document to the Moscow Mechanism.

From Central Asia to the South Caucasus to the Western Balkans, the OSCE continues to demonstrate its value every day. Those decades of experience supporting States to manage and resolve conflicts through its toolbox, Missions and instruments all are of value and can help Ukraine rebuild and recover. All continue to matter to the wider OSCE region.

Chair, we continue to support the OSCE’s efforts to achieve peaceful resolutions to the protracted conflicts in Georgia and Moldova. We welcome the progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan and urge both parties to seize the opportunity to reach a lasting peace agreement.

Next year we will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. That landmark agreement forms the bedrock of the OSCE. Ten core principles that have never been more relevant as they are today. Ten principles that Russia flagrantly and repeatedly contravenes in Ukraine. Ten principles that the rest of us remain solemnly committed to uphold.

Chair, Russia’s attempts to undermine and weaken the security of Europe will fail. The OSCE remains unique. The OSCE matters, and with all of our support, the OSCE will endure. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 June 2024.

Heads of Missions in Kenya have issued a joint statement following public protests across the country.

As friends and partners to Kenya, we note that Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest. All actors have the responsibility to respect, uphold, promote and fulfil the principles of democracy and the rule of law, particularly by ensuring a proportionate security response.

We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament. We regret the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained including by the use of live fire. We welcome the statement released by the Hon Chief Justice Martha Koome and are deeply concerned by allegations of abductions of protestors.

We welcome civic engagement by all Kenyans, in particular the youth, in addressing issues of vital public concern. We call for restraint on all sides, and encourage all leaders to find peaceful solutions through constructive dialogue.

This statement has been issued from the following Embassies and High Commissions; United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden, Romania, United States of America.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I want to underline the critical importance of sustainable and effective aid access into Syria. Needs are higher than ever. Humanitarian organisations must be able to deliver lifesaving assistance through the most efficient and effective means, in line with the humanitarian principles.

In less than 20 days time, the current authorization for the UN to use the Bab Al Hawa border crossing will again expire. The cross-border response is a lifeline for 4.2 million Syrians in the North-West of Syria in need of urgent assistance. We have heard time and time again from humanitarians, including in this Council, that it provides the most efficient, effective, predictable route to people in need. We call for access to be granted for as long as is needed, without arbitrary deadlines and without conditions, in line with international humanitarian law.

Second, the impact of Syria’s conflict extends beyond its borders. In light of World Refugee Day last week, I want to recognise the devastating reality for many Syrians who currently cannot return home, as well as the ongoing generosity of the Governments of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey in hosting Syrian refugees. The sad reality is that Syrians are still fleeing the country, whether due to violence or the desperate humanitarian situation.

Our hope is that one day, Syrian refugees will be able to voluntarily return home. However, the actions of the Assad regime have so far meant they are unable to do so. A report released last week highlighted that more than 4,700 returnees were detained by regime forces since 2014. If returning refugees are not safe, others will not return.

Third, progress on the political process is essential. The enduring humanitarian crisis and continued displacement of Syrians will only be resolved through a comprehensive political settlement in line with Security Council resolution 2254.

This month, the Syrian opposition demonstrated their commitment to 2254 during their annual conference, and civil society organisations have continued to offer creative solutions in overcoming the current impasse. We call on the regime to also engage constructively with the UN-facilitated political process, which remains the only viable route to lasting peace in Syria.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

First, let me start by reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the principles enshrined in UN Security Council resolution 2334 which serves as a clear reinforcement of international support for a two-state solution. The suffering we have seen on, and since, the horrific attacks of October 7, underlines the importance, more than ever, of a diplomatic solution to this conflict which guarantees the safety and security of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We call for the immediate release of all the remaining hostages, including the return of those who have died in captivity, and we are appalled by reports of sexual violence and abuse. The UK stands firm in its condemnation of these heinous acts. The best way to get the hostages out is to get a deal done. We also urge Israel to let humanitarian aid enter Gaza through all crossing points immediately and guarantee deconfliction for aid convoys and other humanitarian work. We echo the Secretary General’s tribute to UN workers who have tragically lost their lives in this conflict and we call upon Israel to ensure the protection of UN facilities and staff. The integrity of the UN and its ability to operate is paramount. It serves as a crucial lifeline for the many innocent civilians affected by this conflict.

Second, the UK remains deeply concerned by the indiscriminate firing of rockets towards Israeli population centres, as noted in the Secretary-General’s report. This must stop. We also note with concern the continuing construction of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. We are clear: these settlements are illegal under international law. We reiterate our call on Israel to immediately and completely stop all settlement activities. We condemn the human rights abuses and incitement of violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, where the UK has taken action, in the form of sanctions, against a number of those individuals and groups responsible. We are also deeply concerned by Israel’s suspension of revenue transfers to the Palestinian Authority and the risks to correspondent banking relations. Such measures harm chances for peace, security and stability.

Finally, Mr President, as the UK has said throughout, a negotiated pause in the fighting that leads to a sustainable ceasefire, without a return to fighting, is the best way to secure the release of the hostages, enable a significant scaling up of much needed humanitarian aid and leads to a permanent settlement of this issue. There is now a deal on the table, endorsed by this Council in resolution 2735, to achieve those goals. The onus is on Hamas to accept it and end the suffering of the Palestinian people and the remaining hostages. We must then work towards a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution of Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security for both nations and the wider region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

Colin Wells has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Mr Colin Wells has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Eswatini in succession to Mr Simon Boyden, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Wells will take up his appointment during August 2024.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Colin Neil Wells

Year	Role
2021 to present	Nouakchott, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2018 to 2020	Moscow, HM Consul-General
2014 to 2017	Mumbai, Deputy Head of Mission
2011 to 2014	Ascension Island, Administrator and Head of the Ascension Island Government
2010 to 2011	Abidjan, Head of British Embassy Office
2008 to 2010	Khartoum, Political Officer
2004 to 2008	Baku, Deputy Head of Mission
2001 to 2004	Abuja, Second Secretary (Political)
1999 to 2001	FCO, Desk Officer for Tibet and China Human Rights
1996 to 1999	UK Mission to UN, Geneva, Second Secretary (Human Rights/Humanitarian)
1992 to 1995	Bridgetown, Vice Consul
1987 to 1992	FCO, Various Junior Roles
1987	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) to Mr Makoto Uchida for services to UK/Japan business relations.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Corporation, Mr Uchida has been a leader in efforts to decarbonise the automotive sector through the ambitious development and expansion of electric vehicles.  Mr Uchida’s decision in 2021 to locate Nissan’s global electric vehicle (EV) hub in Sunderland, in the North East of England, has played a critical role in helping the UK government to meet its net zero goals and in supporting the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. This has included plans to build a first £1 billion electric battery gigafactory in the UK, followed by a further £2 billion investment into two new electric vehicles lines in Sunderland, the UK’s largest car plant.

Nissan has also carried out cutting edge R&D in collaboration with UK universities and institutions in the fields of automotive electrification and autonomous driving, including at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.

Under Mr Uchida’s leadership, Nissan has also continued to make a significant contribution to education and skills development in the UK, supporting our people-to-people relations. The Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies at the University of Oxford continues to develop leading research across a range of disciplines; and the Nissan Skills Foundation runs initiatives to encourage children in the North East of England to develop STEM skills and to take up careers in manufacturing and engineering.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) to Mr Jun Sawada for services to UK/Japan trade and investment and to UK/Japan relations.

Mr Sawada, Chairman and Member of the Board of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), served as the Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer from 2018 until 2022. In the latter role he oversaw significant NTT investment into the United Kingdom and made a major contribution to strengthening business ties between the UK and Japan, including through the establishment of the global headquarters of NTT Ltd in London in 2019. The selection of London was a demonstration of confidence in the UK’s business environment and talent, and helped to influence wider investment into the UK from other players in the technology sector.

Under Mr Sawada’s leadership, NTT has made a major contribution to improving the skills of UK workers in areas of technology such as software development and Quality Assurance and Testing through apprenticeship schemes. They also made an important contribution to the DRIVE project at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is using the latest technology to provide safer, better and kinder care.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

The UK, France and Germany (E3) have issued a joint statement following the UN Security Council meeting to discuss the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2231.

Today, the Security Council discussed the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2231, which underpins the Iran nuclear deal and sets out Iran’s nuclear commitments. This resolution is due to terminate in October next year. The next 16 months will therefore be pivotal in finding a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear crisis.

Very concerningly, the IAEA Director General’s recent reports again show that Iran is moving in the wrong direction by continuing to escalate its nuclear activities far beyond the limits of the Iran nuclear deal – the so-called JCPoA. Iran’s nuclear advances, some of which are irreversible, have hollowed out the JCPoA and will continue to make a return to a negotiated solution more difficult. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have issued statements about its capacity to assemble a nuclear weapon and a potential change of its so-called “doctrine”, that are explicitly contrary to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran’s total stockpiles of enriched uranium now stand at more than 30 times the JCPoA limit. Iran is growing its stockpile of high enriched uranium to levels unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme. Such activity has no credible civilian justification.

Most recently, Iran has followed through on installing and operating thousands more advanced centrifuges across multiple sites, including the deep underground facility at Fordow. Under the JCPoA, Iran committed not to install or operate any of these centrifuges, and not to use this site for enrichment purposes. We reiterate our call on Iran to cease its ongoing escalation and return to compliance with its JCPoA commitments.

Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA over many years undermines global non-proliferation. It also prevents the Agency from carrying out vital work to assess the Iranian nuclear programme. Iran’s agreements with the IAEA and its legal obligations must be pursued in full, without further delay, as repeatedly requested by the Director General and the Board of Governors. It is especially concerning to see Iran flatly deny its legal obligation to under Modified Code 3.1 to declare new nuclear facilities to the IAEA.

Our governments have diligently pursued a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue over many years and would continue to support diplomatic efforts that ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, but Iran must seriously and urgently honour its commitments to diplomacy and legally binding obligations in the remaining 16 months before the expiry of this resolution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

Iran’s unabated nuclear escalation means that it is closer now than ever to being able to develop a nuclear weapon. This situation makes the region and the world far more dangerous and makes escalation by others more likely.

The UN Security Council, through this resolution and the JCPoA, has sought to give Iran the opportunity to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. However, as the IAEA has repeatedly reported, Iran continues to escalate its programme beyond credible civilian justification, and far beyond JCPoA limits.

The IAEA Director General’s reports that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is more than 30 times JCPoA limits. Iran, as we speak, is installing yet more advanced centrifuges that would further increase its capacity to produce fissile material for a weapon.

Let us be clear about what is now at stake. In October next year, this resolution is due to expire and with it the right to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. Given Iran’s dangerous advances which have brought it to the brink of being able to develop a weapon, this situation should be of grave concern for this Council.

President, the E3 remain committed to a diplomatic solution. We have maintained our compliance with the JCPoA; Iran must demonstrate the same commitment. We will continue to keep all diplomatic options on the table, including triggering UN snapback before October 2025 if necessary.