Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.

Thank you, Mr President.

High Commissioner,

The United Kingdom welcomes your report and shares your concern at the human rights trends that it highlights.

Fifteen years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, there has been little to no accountability for conflict-era violations and abuses. The whereabouts of thousands of people who have disappeared in Sri Lanka remain unknown, causing ongoing anguish for their families. A comprehensive transitional justice process that carries the support of affected communities is more pressing than ever.

We call for independent investigations into the violations highlighted in your report, including all reports of abductions, arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances. The human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Sri Lankans must be respected.

We remain concerned by the harassment of civil society, victim communities, and journalists, which undermines their vital role in national reconciliation and building a peaceful society in the future.

We hope that following presidential and parliamentary elections, the government prioritises improving human rights including through building confidence and transitional justice processes. These should be impartial, independent, inclusive, transparent, and offer meaningful accountability.

The United Kingdom stands ready to support Sri Lanka in addressing these challenges.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on strengthening UN Peacekeeping.

Thank you President. I thank our briefers, USG Lacroix, Dr Ero and Mr Al Hussein, for their insight and continued support to UN peacekeeping. Let me also thank the brave peacekeepers who put their lives at risk across the world every day, and pay tribute to those peacekeepers who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace this year.

President, UN peacekeeping is an indispensable element of the UN Security Council’s toolbox for global peace and security, and an important symbol of global cooperation. As peacekeeping faces new and systemic challenges, as we’ve heard, we must protect, and improve, this tool for the future. I would like to make three broad points this morning.

First, peacekeeping faces evolving challenges. These include the challenges of maintaining the relationship with host states and the importance of setting clear expectations on host state responsibilities.

This should reduce the risk of accelerated withdrawals of missions as we’ve seen recently. In addition, rising misinformation and disinformation against missions puts the safety and security of our peacekeepers at risk.

Peacekeeping needs stronger partnership and collaboration, as well as political support and consent, from host nations to ensure the effective delivery of mandates and well-planned transitions.

Second, we should continue to adapt our approach to meet unique needs of each context. Peacekeeping works best when there is a political process to support or a peace to keep. New missions should be better tailored, more nimble and flexible, with focused, realistic mandates.

We must continue to strengthen missions by boosting peacekeeping intelligence, situational awareness, embracing new technologies such as AI, and tackling sexual exploitation and abuse. We must all reaffirm our commitment to the Action for Peacekeeping Strategy and support its implementation.

Sustainable transitions, guided by best practice and lessons learned and which safeguard the protection of civilians, will also help ensure that the gains from missions are preserved.

Third, we should recognise the progress made on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and commit to all peace operations being fully representative and safe for women. Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping missions, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.

The United Kingdom will continue to help create an enabling environment for women peacekeepers through our support to the Elsie Initiative Fund, the Senior Women Talent Pipeline, and through our bilateral training by the British Peace Support Team.

President, the UK remains a committed supporter of UN peacekeeping, including through deployment of peacekeepers and military advisers and of peacekeeping reform.

We look forward to more discussions, including at the Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Berlin and its Preparatory Conferences, on the ways we can help peacekeeping evolve to ensure it can effectively respond to the challenges of the future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

The Media Freedom Coalition gave a statement on media freedom in Hong Kong following the guilty verdict against two former editors of Stand News.

Following the guilty verdict against two former editors of Stand News on 29 August 2024, the members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued the following statement on media freedom in Hong Kong.

The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition are gravely concerned about the guilty verdict against the former editors of Stand News and the wider suppression of media freedom in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Journalism is not a crime. Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam have been prosecuted for over two and a half years. Their guilty verdict falls against a wider backdrop of increased media self-censorship and the hostility by Hong Kong authorities against local and foreign journalists and their representative bodies, especially since the imposition of the National Security Law in June 2020. The introduction of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in March 2024 is further hampering the free exchange of opinions and information which is vital to Hong Kongers, Hong Kong’s institutions, and its international reputation as an open place to do business.

Media freedom has been a central factor for Hong Kong’s success in the past and is an essential foundation of a free and inclusive society. To enable media workers to safely fulfil their legitimate role in scrutinising government policy and actions, journalism should not be prosecuted under the guise of national security.

We urge the Hong Kong and China authorities to abide by their international human rights commitments and legal obligations, and to respect freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong, in line with the Basic Law and the recommendations of China’s 2024 Universal Periodic Review and Hong Kong’s 2022 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights review.

Signed by:

Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

The UK’s statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar.

Thank you, Mr President.

The Mechanism’s latest report provides further shocking evidence of gross human rights violations perpetrated by the Myanmar military. Civilians are being subjected to brutal extrajudicial killings, arson attacks on their homes, gender-based and sexual violence, and sharp increases in forced recruitment, including of children.

We believe that the international community must act to break the cycle of impunity and demonstrate to the Myanmar military that they will be held accountable for violations of international law.

The IIMM’s meticulous evidence-gathering and recent reports on hate speech and sexual and gender-based crimes are crucial to that effort. The UK is proud to have provided £800,000 to support the Mechanism’s work.

We also welcome the ICJ’s consideration of The Gambia’s case against Myanmar, and have submitted a joint intervention in that case. We urge Myanmar to comply with the Court’s provisional measures.

While we promote accountability, we must also seek to de-escalate tensions and protect innocent lives. We call on all actors, especially the Myanmar military, to prioritise the protection of civilians.

Mr Koumjian, how can the international community do more to support the IIMM’s vital work?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

Three new reviews launched to enhance the UK’s global impact, support growth and maximise the diplomatic and development expertise in international development.

The Foreign Secretary has today announced 3 strategic reviews to help reconnect Britain and deliver the UK government’s missions internationally.

Three appointed external experts will look at:

• the UK’s global impact
• how to maximise the benefits of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) joint integrated development diplomacy model in our development work
• our economic capability in diplomacy

The reviews will underpin a continued drive to bolster our reputation and relationships overseas and help to inform the department’s international approach in a changing world.

Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government and Professor of Global Economic Governance at the University of Oxford, will lead the review on the UK’s global impact – identifying ways to enhance relationships with both new and longstanding international partners in pursuit of shared objectives, and ensure we are well prepared to assess and act on geo-political opportunities and shifts.

Baroness Minouche Shafik, former Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Development and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, will consider how to maximise the UK’s combined diplomatic and development expertise in its international development work. The review will also look at how we modernise the UK’s development offer in a rapidly changing global context, and ensure the UK has the right capabilities to deliver for the future.

Sir Martin Donnelly, former Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Trade and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, will identify ways to ensure that UK jobs and growth are at the heart of our foreign policy including by assessing FCDO’s role in developing international economic partnerships, supporting trade and investment shaping international rules and recommending changes to FCDO’s economic diplomacy capability.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

From day one I have been clear that we will deliver a pragmatic approach to both diplomacy and development, restoring our reputation overseas and drawing on expertise to help us navigate the great threats and opportunities of today.

These reviews will help us shape our strategy to increase the UK’s global impact, build growth internationally and ensure development and diplomacy work hand in hand. I want to thank the external experts for their efforts as we work together to reconnect Britain for our security and growth at home.

Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

A credible, clear and effective development policy is key to delivering this government’s mission to create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet.

The review we’re launching today will help in that mission, ensuring we bring together the best of UK skills and capability to deliver a modern approach to international development based on genuine respect and partnership.

The reviewers will be supported by government officials both within the FCDO and other government departments to ensure they are able to deliver an informed assessment, including working closely with the Department of Business and Trade to maximise the impact of our collective capability overseas.

The outcomes of these reviews are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, with further work on the development review continuing into early 2025. They will ensure that the FCDO remains at the cutting-edge of diplomacy and international development. We will communicate a summary of the review findings upon their conclusion.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 September 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed have given a joint statement following a meeting in the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, who conducted his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday (5 September).

The Foreign Secretary and His Highness discussed the UK-UAE relationship, and how to build on deep historic ties to develop a forward-looking partnership, including strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, cooperation on clean energy and artificial intelligence, and close coordination on regional security and humanitarian issues. The Ministers discussed the wider regional situation and agreed on the importance of de-escalation. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah and the Foreign Secretary looked forward to staying in close contact.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2024.

The UK National Group will nominate Professor Akande in 2026, for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice, based in The Hague.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Joanna Roper CMG said:

“The UK is pleased to announce that Professor Dapo Akande will be nominated for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice in 2026 by the UK National Group.

Professor Akande is an outstanding international lawyer, who will bring deep legal expertise and experience to the ICJ. Professor Akande reflects the UK’s firm commitment to international justice, human rights and the international rule of law.”

HM Ambassador to the Netherlands represents the UK Government at International Organisations in the Netherlands, including the International Court of Justice.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2024.

The British High Commission will host a reception today to mark the sixth anniversary of the landmark Section 377 judgement.

The judgement passed on 6 September 2018 by the Supreme Court of India decriminalised consensual sexual conduct between adults of the same sex.

The reception will see members of civil society, NGOs working on human rights, and diplomats of other international missions coming together to celebrate and advance the rights of the LGBT+ community.

Manvendra Singh Gohil, the crown prince of Rajpipla and founder-chairman of the Lakshaya Trust has been invited as the guest of honour.

Becks Buckingham, Minister Counsellor Political and Press, British High Commission, said:

LGBT+ rights are fundamental human rights, and the UK is committed to championing these rights internationally and supporting those who defend them. We recognise that there is still much to be done to ensure that all LGBT+ individuals feel safe and are treated equally and with respect. We take pride in continuing to work hand in hand with our partners to achieve this shared goal.

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Chairman, Lakshaya Trust, said:

LGBT+ rights are human rights, and it was on 6th September 2018 that the historic judgment was given by the Honourable Supreme Court. I am honoured to join the British High Commission today to celebrate the sixth anniversary with supporters of LGBT+ rights from all walks of life. I always believe that it’s our supporters who can help us mainstream our issues in the society.

Further information

• the UK seeks a world where everyone is free and safe to play a full, active and equal part in society, without fear of violence, discrimination or stigma, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. Our policy aims are:
  • ending violence, discrimination, and stigma
  • advancing human rights compliant laws and policies and defending against rollback of rights
  • enabling economic, cultural, and societal inclusion for all LGBT people to unlock potential and build our economies
  • supporting LGBT+ people in crisis and conflict
• the UK champions and supports grassroots LGBT+ organisations and human rights defenders globally through targeted programmes and direct engagement
• the UK has engaged in long-standing international collaboration on this topic. This includes our work we did as previous co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) as well as being the current co-chairs of the ERC SDG group

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2024.

Jonathan Powell has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago.

The Government has agreed to continue the talks, which began in 2022 under the previous government. Resolving this long-standing issue with a close Commonwealth partner is in the interest of both parties.

Mr Powell has extensive experience in negotiations affecting the UK’s national interests in sensitive domestic and international contexts, including playing a central role in securing the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and previously serving as Prime Minister David Cameron’s Special Envoy to Libya between 2014 and 2016.

He will begin his role immediately and his work will involve engaging the most senior Mauritian and US interlocutors and advising Ministers and HMG negotiators on how to conclude a robust agreement.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Negotiations with Mauritius over the BIOT/Chagos Archipelago are critical to the UK’s security. We are determined to protect the long-term, secure and effective operation of the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia.

Jonathan Powell’s experience working with governments of all colours in the most sensitive international negotiations makes him uniquely qualified to serve as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy.

I look forward to working with him as we endeavour to reach a settlement that protects UK interests and those of our partners.

The Chagos Archipelago includes the island of Diego Garcia, the location of an important UK-US military base which plays a vital role in regional and global security.

Working in close coordination with the United States, the UK Government will continue the previous government’s policy of aiming to reach an agreement that protects the UK’s security interests, respects Chagossian communities, enhances environmental cooperation and builds a long-term strategic relationship with Mauritius as a close Commonwealth partner.

The UK-Mauritius negotiations began in November 2022. To date, 12 rounds of talks have taken place.