Tag: 2024

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2024.

Anne-Kirsti Karlsen, Permanent Representative of Norway to the OSCE, delivers a joint statement to mark Pride 2024.

Madam chair, I give this statement on behalf of Andorra, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, San Marino, Sweden, the UK, and my own country Norway.

We thank the delegation of the United States for raising the issue of Pride Month.

Promotion of human rights for all, and efforts to end discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ persons, is a priority for us. As OSCE participating States we have committed ourselves to the principle of equality, to combatting all forms of discrimination and intolerance, and to addressing and combatting hate crimes.

Last Saturday, our delegations joined others in proudly participating in the Vienna Pride Parade, where people came together to celebrate love and diversity, inclusion, equality and human rights. Pride continues to be an important annual event that celebrates LGBTIQ people and highlights the challenges they continue to face on the realization of human rights and equality.

All States, regardless of their political, economic, and cultural systems, have a legal obligation under international law to protect the human rights of all persons without discrimination.

Protection should include tackling a deeply concerning rise in anti-LGBTIQ sentiment across the OSCE region, often fuelled by mis- and disinformation. Some governments instrumentalize anti-LGBTIQ sentiments for domestic policy gains. Russia’s efforts in this area are particularly alarming.

Such anti-LGBTIQ sentiment has already led to a rise in reported hate crime, including violent attacks.

In my own country Norway two people were killed and twenty-one wounded in a mass shooting attack in 2022 that the police believe could have been motivated by anti-LGBTIQ hate and intended to target Oslo Pride. The suspect is currently on trial.

Madam chair, let me mention two issues of special concern.

Firstly, we know that LGBTIQ persons face specific risks during armed conflict, and Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion is endangering LGBTIQ persons in Ukraine. We encourage the OSCE Support Program Ukraine to strengthen LGBTIQ aspects within its ongoing activities.

Secondly, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) is in its 2024 Annual Review concerned about the backsliding in the promotion of rights for LGBTIQ people in the OSCE region, both east and west of Vienna. Cases of criminalization, lack of anti-discrimination legislation, and a rise in the introduction of legislation restricting the human rights and freedoms of LGBTIQ people are all deeply worrying. These undermine the robust, pluralistic democracies that allow for safe civic engagement from all persons.

Madam Chair, we call on governments around the world to repeal discriminatory legislation, take action to tackle and eliminate hate crimes and hate speech, prevent all forms of violence against LGBTIQ persons, and tackle structural and institutional barriers and biases that still limit the participation of LGBTIQ persons in all parts of the society.

The OSCE participating States agree on the importance of combating intolerance and discrimination against Jews, Muslims, Christians, and members of other religions and national minorities.

In April we stood united at the Malta Conference in the fight against antisemitism. Recommendations from the conference included the need for action plans, national coordinators responsible for implementation, police registration of hate crime, education, dialogue, and the need to tackle hate crime on the internet.

These recommendations could work as a source of inspiration for the next step in the fight against intolerance and antidiscrimination against LGBTIQ persons in the OSCE area.

It’s time to take our fight one step further.

Madam Chair, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics should never be used as bases for discrimination or abuse.

It is not about special rights, and celebrating pride is not an ideology. It is about having the same rights as others.

We must work together to create a world where everyone can live freely, without fear or discrimination, and have the freedom to love who they love and be who they are.

Thank you.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 13 June 2024.

The Prime Minister will make the case for a world economy that is more peaceful, stable, and prosperous and for bold reforms to global governance to make it more inclusive and responsive to citizens as he attends the second day of the G7 Leaders Summit in Italy today.

During a global outreach session focused on Artificial Intelligence and Energy, and Africa and the Mediterranean, he will argue that this means reforming the international financial system to unlock the finance we need to accelerate progress against the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the voices of the most vulnerable at the top table of international politics.

He will outline the importance of supporting countries in delivering their own clean energy transitions, and in harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.

To support this he will announce multi-year ODA funding which could exceed £100m, including several high-impact African projects and a £20m expansion of the AI for Development programme into Asia – building on £38m the UK is already investing in Africa.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“The UK is committed to driving a more effective international system that improves lives for people across the globe and at home.

“The green transition and the development of AI are key components of this, and the funding announced today will help ensure that these seismic changes happen in a way that works for all.”

The AI for Development programme, was launched at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit in November 2023 to fund safe and responsible AI projects for development around the world, beginning in Africa.

The UK-Canada partnership, with support from the US, Australia, and other partners, will help ensure this ground-breaking technology is accessible to as many people as possible across the globe as well as deliver new AI labs to train the next generation of developers, policymakers and thought leaders, to drive responsible and inclusive AI policy.

The funding outlined today includes £57m of ODA to the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, which will accelerate the roll-out of improved, climate resilient infrastructure in developing countries. It will provide even more countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia with the UK expertise needed to support improved, climate resilient infrastructure.

The multi-year ODA funding will include up to £35 million into the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa will catalyse greater investment into sustainable infrastructure projects across the continent. The finance will help to bridge Africa’s infrastructure deficit, by accelerating investment at scale into new green infrastructure.

Partnering with the World Bank and the EU to support African regional electricity transmission and strengthen climate resilience, £15m will contribute to the Zambian side of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector as part of a $300m project that will link the Southern and East African Power Pools. Leading with our development partners to invest in energy infrastructure in Zambia will aid the country to access clean energy. This is vital for poverty reduction and economic development.

This investment, alongside a £300,000 contribution for mapping by the British Geological Survey in Angola, will be crucial in supporting the economic development along the length of the Lobito Corridor.

The funding also includes £500,000 for an initiative to support planning, prioritisation and implementation of green infrastructure initiatives between the UK, the Government of Kenya and the wider G7. Focusing on transport projects selected from the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII), this innovative partnership will lead to closer cooperation with the Kenyan Government on strategic infrastructure and investment and is the first partnership between the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and AGII.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2024.

UK explanation of vote delivered by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the Security Council adoption of resolution 2736 on El Fasher.

The adoption of this resolution sends a clear message: the Council demands that the Rapid Support Forces immediately stop the siege of El Fasher and that all sides step back from the brink.  An attack on the city would be catastrophic for the 1.5 million Sudanese civilians sheltering in the city.

We tabled this resolution to help secure a localised ceasefire around El Fasher – and create the wider conditions to support de-escalation across the country and ultimately, save lives.  Civilians need to be allowed to leave the city should they wish, and aid needs to get in.

President, the situation in Sudan is desperate and the humanitarian needs of Sudan’s population are severe, particularly across Darfur.  This resolution underlines the need for full, rapid, safe and unhindered cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access.

It calls on the Sudanese authorities to increase cooperation with UN agencies and to urgently reopen the Adre border to help facilitate a significant scale-up of humanitarian assistance. And in this regard, the resolution urges the international community to increase their support and fulfil existing pledges.

The protection needs in Sudan are alarming. Through this resolution, we request that the Secretary-General provide recommendations on supporting the protection of civilians in Sudan, building on the existing good office’s work, and the vital mandate of his Personal Envoy on Sudan Mr. Lamamra.  Let me take this opportunity to underline the United Kingdom’s full backing of Mr. Lamamra’s mediation efforts and his work to help complement and coordinate regional efforts to restore peace.

President, this Council has sent a strong signal to the parties to the conflict today. This brutal and unjust conflict needs to end. Today’s resolution shows the Council remains committed to supporting efforts for peace in Sudan. We look forward to continuing to work across the UN, across the region and with Council members towards this goal.

And in that regard, I close by thanking my colleagues, across the Council, for their engagement on this resolution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2024.

UK Government response to the coroner’s findings at the inquest into the death of Harry Dunn on 13 June.

A UK Government spokesperson said:

“Harry Dunn’s death in August 2019 was a tragedy. We pay tribute to the incredible resolve of Harry’s family and thank the coroner for her findings.

“We will continue to work with the US to improve the road safety of its staff operating in the UK. Since this tragic incident, work has been undertaken to enhance road safety infrastructure around bases where US personnel operate and improve driver training for US visiting forces and diplomats.”

Background:

• The former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in December 2022 that lessons had been learned after the tragic case of Harry Dunn, including improvements to the process around exemptions from diplomatic immunity and to improve road safety around RAF Croughton: Sentencing of Anne Sacoolas: Foreign Secretary’s statement – GOV.UK
• The UK Government has provided funding of £5.46million to meet the costs of the improvements recommended in the road safety audit of RAF Croughton and RAF Barton St John.
• The Department for Transport is liaising with West Northants and Oxfordshire County Council as they undertake road improvement works.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2024.

Ambassador Holland underlines continued UK support for the work of OSCE Mission to Serbia, including on media reforms and integration of national minorities.

Welcome back to the Permanent Council, Ambassador Braathu. Thank you for this comprehensive Report on the Mission’s activities and achievements.

Your Report clearly sets out the political context for the Mission’s work over the last 12 months. The UK welcomes your continued partnership with the Government of Serbia throughout this period, helping Serbia to meet its OSCE commitments and continue on the path of reform.

The United Kingdom recognises that the work of the Mission in this reporting period had been strongly influenced by early elections and we welcome the formation of a new government on 1 May. The UK notes the preliminary conclusions of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission to the local elections on 2 June, stating that elections were well-administered and offered voters a wide range of political alternatives – though longstanding concerns relating to pressure on public sector employees, misuse of public resources, and media bias remain. We encourage the Serbian government to engage constructively with ODIHR and international partners to swiftly address outstanding recommendations.

The UK recognises that recent months have been dominated by sensitive issues for Serbia, including the adoption of a resolution in the UN General Assembly to create an International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide. We encourage Serbia to work constructively with its neighbours and international partners to address legacies from the conflicts of the 90s, to build a more prosperous and peaceful future for all. We call on Serbia to refrain from any action and rhetoric that threatens regional stability, and to cooperate fully with efforts to hold to account those responsible for the shocking attacks in Banjska last September. We also urge action to tackle cross-border arms smuggling.

The UK welcomes the work of the OSCE Mission this year in improving the integration of national minorities, including through support to National Councils, language training for students and recruitment to the police service. We commend the Mission’s work on advancing media reforms and welcome its continued engagement. We share concerns about the continued polarisation of the media environment and the alarming rise in attacks against journalists. We thank the Mission for its swift interventions, including through its role in the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists.

The UK also particularly appreciates the Mission’s continued commitment to mainstreaming a gender equality perspective across all areas of Mission activity, including through engagement with parliament and support to universities in implementing gender action plans.

Madam Chair, we regret that it is again necessary to underline the hugely negative impact the continued non-agreement of the Unified Budget is having on the work of OSCE field missions, including through cancelled programmes and staff attrition. It is high time that participating States who are obstructing agreement look beyond a narrow national focus and ensure all OSCE institutions have the funding they need.

Ambassador Braathu, I would like to thank you once again for your leadership of the OSCE Mission to Serbia during this reporting period. I wish you and your team success in your work over the coming year.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2024.

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

Thank you, President and thank you to Special Envoy Grundberg and Director Wosornu for your briefings, sobering as they are.

I am going to focus on three points.

First, the UK strongly condemns the Houthis’ arbitrary detention of United Nations personnel and staff who work for or previously worked for international and national non-governmental organisations and diplomatic missions. We extend our sympathy to them and their families at this very difficult time. We call on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release them. The safety and security of all humanitarian workers, UN personnel, and current and former diplomatic staff is vital.

Second, we share Director Worsornu’s concern at the dire humanitarian and economic situation in Yemen.

We know:

• 18.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance; over half of them are children.
• 17.6 million people – over half the population – remain food insecure and 80% of the population live below the poverty line.
• Only 50% of hospitals across the country are partially or fully functioning.

It is critical that the parties take steps to address this, including through facilitating unfettered access for aid workers to provide essential support to those in need. Additionally, we call on the parties involved to engage in dialogue, de-escalate and resolve the ongoing banking dispute as a matter of urgency, and safeguard the wellbeing of ordinary Yemenis. The UK has committed to spend over $175 million this year to help alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable; we urge the international community to scale up assistance.

Thirdly, we call on the Houthis to cease their illegal and unjustified attacks on maritime shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, including recent attacks on the M/V Tutor, the M/V Norderney and the MSC Tavvish. As a Council, we have been unequivocally clear, in our statements and in our adoption of Security Council Resolution 2722, that we condemn the Houthi attacks. These dangerous and reckless acts must end.

To conclude, President, we reiterate our unwavering support of the Special Envoy’s efforts to secure an inclusive and sustainable peace in Yemen. We continue to urge all parties to de-escalate tensions and preserve space for negotiations, under the UN roadmap.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2024.

UK announces 50 new sanctions designations and specifications to degrade Putin’s war machine, in co-ordinated action with G7 partners to support Ukraine.

New targets include ships in Putin’s shadow fleet, institutions at the heart of Russia’s financial system and suppliers supporting Russia’s military production.

These new sanctions, announced while the Prime Minister attends the G7 Leaders Summit in Italy, will bear down on Russia’s ability to fund and equip its war machine and show the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine.

Today’s action includes the UK’s first sanctions targeting vessels in Putin’s shadow fleet, used by Russia to circumvent UK and G7 sanctions and continue unfettered trade in Russian oil.

As part of its enduring commitment to the region, the UK has today committed to providing £242m in bilateral assistance to Ukraine, to support immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs, and is also working with counterparts to agree a mechanism to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to the benefit of Ukraine.

Russia’s oil exports are Putin’s most critical revenue source for funding his illegal war in Ukraine. Tax on oil production collected by the Kremlin in 2023 amounted to 8.9 trillion roubles, or 31% of Russia’s total federal revenues. Today’s sanctions aim to disrupt and increase the costs of Russia’s efforts to bypass UK and G7 sanctions through its shadow fleet.

These new sanctions also target suppliers of munitions, machine tools, microelectronics, and logistics to Russia’s military, including entities based in China, Israel, Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye, along with ships which transport military goods from North Korea to Russia.

In addition, this new package cracks down on institutions at the heart of Russia’s financial system, including the Moscow Stock Exchange. This action is taken in coordination with the US, which designated the Moscow Stock Exchange on 12 June.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

The UK will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in its fight for freedom.

Today we are once more ramping up economic pressure through sanctions to bear down on Russia’s ability to fund its war machine. Putin must lose, and cutting off his ability to fund a prolonged conflict is absolutely vital.

Foreign Secretary, David Cameron said:

UK sanctions are starving Putin of the revenue he desperately needs to fund his war chest and making it harder to supply his war machine.

We will continue to work alongside our partners to increase economic pressure and demonstrate that the UK and the G7 will stand by Ukraine in this fight.

So far, sanctions have deprived Russia of over $400bn worth of assets and revenues since February 2022. That’s equivalent to four more years of funding for the invasion. The UK has sanctioned over 2,000 individuals and entities under our Russia sanctions regime.

This includes 29 banks accounting for over 90% of the Russian banking sector and over 130 oligarchs and family members who had a combined net worth around £147 billion at the time of the invasion. Over £20 billion of UK-Russia bilateral trade (2021 figures) is now under full or partial sanction. There has been a 99% fall in Russian imports into the UK, and a 73% fall in UK exports to Russia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2024.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that the recent Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin shows that the international community is committed to supporting Ukraine to win the peace and build back better and stronger.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The UK continues to be appalled by developments on the ground in Ukraine and we reiterate our determination to ensure full accountability for those responsible. But today I would like to note some optimism emerging from the embers of Russia’s illegal war. This week Germany and Ukraine have co-hosted the 2024 Ukraine Recovery Conference. Governments and business leaders from around the world have given Ukraine an unwavering vote of confidence.

We were proud to co-host the last Recovery Conference in London last year. It engaged and mobilised partners across the international community and the private sector in support of Ukraine and announced $60bn to support Ukraine’s recovery.

This year’s conference in Berlin has showcased Ukrainian reform progress and economic resilience. It has addressed critical areas such as energy, infrastructure, housing, and climate protection. And it has highlighted healthcare, education, environment, and gender-related aspects of the recovery challenge. It has integrated cross-cutting issues like macro-economic stability and security.

Of course, it is deeply regrettable that Russia’s war of aggression has made these commitments necessary. As of 31 December 2023, the World Bank has calculated that the total cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine will be $486 billion over the next decade, up from an estimated $411bn the year before. The scale of the challenge is real and colossal. But it is surpassed by the collective resolve of Ukraine’s supporters. And by the spirit of a vibrant, dynamic, creative, European country that refuses to be subdued.

This week in Berlin the international community has stood united in dedication to Ukraine’s swift recovery and long-term reconstruction. As the UK Foreign Secretary said “Unleashing Ukraine’s potential – that is our shared goal”. That is why the UK, and our international partners, will continue to support Ukraine to win the peace so they can build back, better and stronger.

Madam Chair, could I also take this opportunity to note the prisoner exchange announced on 31 May. That this took place was encouraging, but we were horrified at the condition of the released Ukrainian prisoners in the images that followed. I therefore reiterate my call from 23 May on Russia to abide by the laws of conflict that it helped draft.

Thank you.