Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 September 2026.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has today summoned the Serbian Chargé d’Affaires to condemn commemorations surrounding the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić.

The UK’s Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, summoned the Serbian Chargé d’Affaires to condemn the involvement of Serbian state and military officials in the funeral of Ratko Mladić.   

Minster for Europe, Lord Wood of Anfield said:  

“As a military commander, Mladić presided over crimes that are among the worst committed in Europe since the Second World War.  He was convicted by an independent UN tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.  The denial and whitewashing of his crimes is an affront to international law and directly undermines regional stability and trust.  

“The thoughts of the UK Government are with Mladić’s victims and their families.  They deserve respect, compassion and accountability, not efforts to rewrite proven history.  Political leaders and public institutions have a responsibility to look to the future, not to the past, and to act in ways that support regional reconciliation, not to reopen old wounds.  

“The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was established by the UN Security Council and Serbia is obliged to respect its judgments.  

“That is why today we summoned the Serbian Chargé d’Affaires. Glorification of a convicted war criminal directly undermines trust, fuels division and is incompatible with the process of reconciliation within Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.  

“The UK remains firmly committed to international justice, accountability, and lasting reconciliation across the Western Balkans and will continue to work with partners across the region and internationally in support of peace, justice and a secure and prosperous future for all communities.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 September 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 2 General Debate. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President,

In Syria, we welcome the steps taken by the government on its political transition, including convening a new parliament, addressing Assad-era legacies, and engaging the international community. But the situation remains delicate. We urge the government to proceed in an inclusive and representative way, protecting the rights of all Syrians.

In South Sudan, the human rights situation remains fragile, while developments cast doubt on prospects for peaceful, inclusive and credible elections. We remain concerned by violence against civilians, restrictions on political space and continued impunity, including conflict-related sexual violence. All parties must demonstrate restraint, engage in dialogue and ensure accountability.

China has yet to implement the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner’s Xinjiang Assessment. Evidence of violations in Xinjiang and Tibet persists, freedom of religion or belief is being further restricted, and the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress risks undermining the rights of individuals belonging to minorities. We welcome the High Commissioner’s continued engagement on these issues.

Finally, five years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the human cost continues to grow. As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty, the international community must not look away. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in efforts to hold Russia to account.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 September 2026.

Joint Statement on Sri Lanka. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President,

This statement is by the Sri Lanka Core Group: Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the UK.

We welcome the High Commissioner’s balanced assessment of the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has faced considerable challenges recently, including severe weather events and global energy shocks. Against this backdrop, it is crucial that the government’s stated commitment to reform is translated into concrete progress.

We welcome the positive developments highlighted, including the ratification of ILO Convention 190, and Sri Lanka’s engagement on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

However, much further action is needed to build confidence in accountability and reconciliation efforts. Progress in several emblematic cases  has not yet been accompanied by a comprehensive, victim-centred accountability process to address past violations. Mass grave excavations are a stark reminder that thousands of cases of enforced disappearances remain unresolved. And reports of intimidation, harassment, and restrictions affecting civil society, journalists and victims’ groups, including in the North and East, still raise concerns.

We urge progress on democratic governance, through transparent and inclusive consultation processes addressing the needs of all affected communities. This should include advancing legal and institutional reforms, resolving land-related issues, ensuring respect for human rights in detention institutions, and strengthening independent institutions.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 August 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Madame President, last November, this Council adopted Resolution 2803, sending a powerful message of international support for President Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.

As we have heard from High Representative Mladenov, important progress has been made, which we welcome. But success relies on the actions of the parties themselves.

First, all sides must fulfil the commitments they have made.

The ceasefire must be respected.

Israel must deliver her commitments made in the 20-point plan, including a phased withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza. 

Hamas must deliver on its commitment to decommission its weapons and terror infrastructure.

And there must be a credible Palestinian-led transition of governance and security, across the whole of the Gaza Strip.

We encourage the Palestinian Authority to implement the reforms necessary to take on its responsibilities. 

Plans to hold legislative elections in November and national elections next year in Palestine are an important step.

They must be free, fair, and inclusive.

Second, resolution 2803 requires the full resumption of aid into Gaza and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.

Yet the humanitarian situation remains dire.

Averting starvation cannot be the benchmark.

59% of Gaza’s population still faces crisis levels of food insecurity or worse; 1.9 million Palestinians remain displaced; and fuel shortages are affecting hospitals, and water and sanitation infrastructure. 

The Government of Israel must end excessive aid restrictions; ensure that all aid including fuel and engine oil can enter predictably, and at scale; open all crossings; and review the dual-use list to allow vital aid supplies in. 

And Hamas must stop obstructing humanitarian operations, as they did in July at a UN warehouse and food distribution point. This disrupted the delivery of life-saving assistance, with two truck drivers reportedly assaulted.

The increasingly dangerous pattern of intimidation, violence, and obstruction which puts humanitarian workers at risk needs to end.

The inviolability of UN premises must be respected. 

The forcible entry and reported seizure of UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre in Jerusalem yesterday is deeply concerning.

The UN, including UNRWA, and NGOs should be able to operate safely and at scale, in line with international humanitarian law.

Accountability is essential where these standards are not met.

It is right that the Israeli military will launch a criminal investigation into the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, six of her family members, and two paramedics in Gaza in 2024.

But the decision to bring no criminal action over the fatal strikes on a World Central Kitchen convoy in April 2024, which killed seven staff members, including three British nationals, is unacceptable.

Their families deserve justice, accountability, and answers from the Government of Israel.

Third, on the West Bank.

UNSC resolution 2334 is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal.

We call on the Government of Israel to retract immediately construction tenders for the E1 settlement project.

These unilateral plans take us further from peace.

They will drive a wedge through the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem and exacerbate instability.

As Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has said, “we will not stand back and accept the destruction of the Two-State Solution.”

We have also witnessed the tragic consequences of unprecedented levels of violence.

The UN reports that eighty Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed in the West Bank this year.

We are appalled by recent settler attacks in Taybeh, the ongoing siege of homes in Qusra, and the killing of a 17-year-old in Sa’ir. 

The Government of Israel has said that addressing extremist violence is a priority. As Qusra has shown, the current approach is not working. 

More must be done to tackle settler violence, cease actions that enable it, and to ensure accountability.

Restrictions on the Palestinian economy are also pushing it to a cliff edge, with over $6 billion in revenues withheld since May 2025, $5.8 billion trapped in banks, and correspondent banking services at risk.

This threatens public services, the banking system, and the viability of the Palestinian Authority.

Madame President, there is strong international support for full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803.

But the parties themselves must fulfil the commitments and refrain from actions that undermine peace.

They must give Palestinians and Israelis the future they deserve, where a safe and secure Israel exists peacefully alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state comprising Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 August 2026.

Minister for Development and Africa Kirsty McNeill MP visits Somalia, discussing political and security priorities and seeing how UK support is helping people affected by drought and food insecurity.

The UK has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Somalia during the first visit to the country by the minister for Development and Africa, Kirsty McNeill MP. 

During her visit, the minister met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and discussed Somalia’s political and security priorities and the need for progress towards a credible and sustainable transition to Somali-led security. 

The minister encouraged leaders from across Somalia to engage in constructive dialogue that strengthens national unity, advances political progress and helps build consensus on Somalia’s future, underlining that continued progress on political dialogue and a security transition will be critical to maintaining international confidence and support. 

The minister reaffirmed that the UK remains a committed partner to Somalia, working alongside Somali leaders and communities in support of a more stable, secure and prosperous future for the Somali people.  

They also discussed Somalia’s humanitarian challenges and the importance of building greater resilience to future shocks. Last year, the UK reached more than 950,000 people with humanitarian and climate resilience support. 

Visiting a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Mogadishu, the minister saw first-hand how UK support is reaching people affected by drought and food insecurity. She heard how the UK is working with the Federal Government of Somalia, UN and civil society partners to strengthen systems, deliver lifesaving support and help communities build their resilience, with a particular focus on women and girls.

The minister also met leaders from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), recognising the efforts and sacrifices of Somali Security Forces and African Union troops in supporting Somalia’s security objectives.  

The UK stands ready to provide further support for Somali forces through UNSOS, which plays a vital role in sustaining Somalia’s hard-won security gains against al-Shabaab. Progress on political dialogue between all Somali leaders and on plans for Somalia’s security transition will be important in confirming future support.

Our existing support to UNSOS provides essential non-lethal assistance, including food rations, tents, medical supplies and casualty evacuation.

The UK remains a committed partner to Somalia, working with the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, United Nations, civil society and other partners.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 August 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Food Security.

Eight years after the adoption of Resolution 2417, conflict remains a leading driver of acute food insecurity. 

As we have heard, last year, for the first time this century, famine was declared simultaneously in two conflicts: Sudan and Gaza. 

Extreme food insecurity persists in both.

These famines were man-made. 

A reminder that hunger is not inevitable, but often results from choices that deny civilians food, aid, and essential services. 

Children pay the highest price. 

What is needed is clear: rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access; an end to attacks on food infrastructure; and, ultimately, an end to the conflicts that drive hunger. 

President, the impact of conflict on food security is no longer confined to the battlefield in the traditional sense. 

Conflict is also disrupting the global networks that move food, fuel, and fertiliser, with consequences felt far beyond. 

Russia’s attacks on shipping, civilian vessels, and Black Sea ports have undermined one of the world’s most important grain export routes. 

Ukraine was once the breadbasket of the world.

Today, Russia’s aggression continues to damage infrastructure that feeds millions beyond its borders. 

Infrastructure essential to food production, transport, and distribution must be protected. 

And we call on Russia to cease these attacks and comply with international humanitarian law. 

Iran’s attacks and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have also disrupted supply chains and fertiliser markets. 

As the Secretary-General warned yesterday, this means deeper hunger, weaker harvests, and greater suffering, especially for the most vulnerable. 

We welcome progress under the Secretary-General’s Taskforce to address the implications for food security stemming from this crisis. 

But we call on Iran to reopen the Strait, uphold freedom of navigation, and respect the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Both Iran and Russia have reduced grain exports, driving up global food prices.

Vulnerable and import-dependent countries will be hit hardest. 

Conflict and disregard for international humanitarian law compound climate stress, debt, and other structural vulnerabilities. 

And the strengthening El Niño makes coordinated action to build resilience and protect the most vulnerable even more urgent. 

We call for full implementation of Resolution 2417. 

It requires the Council to address both local crises and conflicts that threaten global food security.

We already have the tools to identify emerging famine risks, although we must protect and continue to use technology to strengthen them.

Early warnings must lead to early action.

Warnings must be acted on and violations must lead to accountability.

The UK remains committed to working with partners to strengthen early warning and accelerate emergency support, including pre-arranged disaster risk finance.  

President, resolution 2417 provides the framework. 

The Council has the tools. 

We must turn early warning into early action, uphold international humanitarian law, and ensure accountability before hunger becomes famine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 August 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

The war in Sudan has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Fighting has spread throughout Sudan, fuelled by arms supplies from within and beyond the region, funded, at least in part, by abduction for ransom and abuse of Sudan’s natural resources including gold, and exacerbated by massive use of drones

With 33 million people needing humanitarian assistance; gross violations of human rights; civilians targeted with attacks, torture and arbitrary detention; horrifying sexual violence; and deprivation of essential services.

An end to this suffering will only come through an humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire and an inclusive civilian-led political process to secure a sustainable peace. 

Three issues need our support.

First, the choices of peace.

The United Kingdom welcomes and supports work to broker a humanitarian truce led by the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and UAE; work towards confidence-building measures by Envoy Haavisto; and work to build an inclusive inter-Sudanese dialogue as a foundation for a peaceful political transition led by the Quintet of international organisations. 

But the choices needed to make peace in Sudan lie with the leaders, fighters, funders and fuellers of the war.

So we also urge Sudan’s warring parties to choose to engage with peace processes; those supplying, funding and fuelling the war to choose to stop; leaders and fighting forces to choose to meet their obligations to act in accordance with the laws of war,  to enable humanitarian access, and to protect civilians – not attack, torture, maim and deprive them; and all those with influence, to choose to use it to press for peace. 

Second, until the parties choose peace, we can help to protect civilians, to limit the flows of arms that fuel conflict, and to raise the cost to perpetrators of their actions.

By extending the sanctions regime to respond to the war as it is being fought, covering the  areas where fighting is; drones; sexual violence; mercenaries.

And by reminding leaders of fighting forces and militias that new technology and new tactics do not change their fundamental obligations to comply with international humanitarian law. 

Sudan has become a battlefield where restrictions are too often ignored and protections too often fail.

Our action to change that could mitigate the human suffering of the people trapped in these wars.

And these measures should form part of a broader strategy to use the tools we have to protect civilians, constrain conflict, and support mediation efforts towards peace.

Third, by supporting the humanitarian agencies working with people trapped in this war, and led by OCHA, thank you.

Humanitarian access continues to be obstructed by all parties to the conflict.  With costs measured in lives: families starving, communities cut off from the support they need to survive, and humanitarian workers under fire.

We call on the parties to facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.

The United Kingdom is supporting the people of Sudan with humanitarian assistance: $200m this year, to reach over 1.8 million people with food, nutrition, healthcare, clean water, and protection services.

And increasing support to Sudanese-led responders, who can reach communities that others cannot.

Pushing for protection, using our diplomacy to press for humanitarian access, an immediate truce, and a permanent ceasefire.

Backing peace: supporting mediation efforts and an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process.

Raising the cost of failing to protect civilians with UK sanctions on those committing atrocities, recruiting mercenaries, and conflict financing networks.

And pursuing accountability: targeting those responsible for atrocities and those who sustain this war; through work to document, verify and preserve evidence of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure; through the Coalition on Atrocity Prevention and Justice; and by supporting the UN Fact-Finding Mission, the Panel of Experts, and the International Criminal Court.

Mr President, the things that Sudanese civilians want: an end to war; safety for their families; access to food, healthcare and education; the chance to live free from violence; to see their children grow up into safety and prosperity.

These are the things that almost every human being wants.

They, and the people of Sudan, need to remain in international attention, and with international support to achieve them.

And the leaders, fighters, funders, and fuellers of this war need to choose peace.