Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 June 2024.

Joint statement by the embassies of a number of Western countries in the Russian Federation on the occasion of Pride Month.

We, the undersigned Embassies of Australia, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States to the Russian Federation, celebrate Pride Month by upholding the human rights of each individual as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Those rights apply to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community as they do to every other individual.

Throughout the year, but particularly during Pride Month, we celebrate the bravery and successes of LGBTQI+ activists and their allies around the world, who continue in the face of adversity, to advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, has the right to receive full protection of the law. We stand by the principle that human rights are universal, including the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 June 2024.

UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls.

Thank you Madam Vice President,

We would like to start by thanking the Working Group for their continued research and steadfast efforts to end discrimination against women and girls around the world. Their recent report shines a much-needed light on the challenges we face, particularly the erosion of women’s and girls’ rights, as well as the opportunities for progress.

The UK was particularly pleased to read of the 40 plus constitutional changes to advance women’s and girls’ rights over the past decade. However, we share your concerns around the heightened backlash and recognise the need for concerted collective efforts to counter it.

Until we end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls, we cannot ensure empowerment. Until we ensure that every girl and woman realise their right to education, we cannot achieve gender equality.

To make this a reality, we must take urgent collective action around the world to ensure that we leave no one behind.

Members of the Working Group,

We would welcome more information on how your report could shape the upcoming Summit of the Future.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 June 2024.

Mr Nick Abbott has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Albania in succession to Mr Alastair King-Smith.

Mr Nick Abbott has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Albania in succession to Mr Alastair King-Smith who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Abbott will take up his appointment during September 2024

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Nicholas Robert John Abbott

Date	Role
2019 to 2024	Pristina, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2018 to 2019	Full-time Albanian language training
2015 to 2018	FCO, Programme Director/Head of MENA Central Operations Department, Middle East North Africa Directorate
2014 to 2015	Algiers, Deputy Head of Mission
May to September 2014	FCO, Deputy Head, Conflict Department
2013 to 2014	FCO, Head, Syria Team, Stabilisation Unit
2012 to 2013	FCO, Deputy Head, Mediterranean Department, Europe Directorate
2010 to 2012	Baghdad, Political Counsellor
2009 to 2010	Department for International Development, Head Afghan Team, Stabilisation Unit
2007 to 2009	FCO, Programme Manager, Human Rights and Democracy Strategic Programme Fund
2004 to 2006	Cairo, Regional Expert – Engaging with the Arab World
2000 to 2003	Riyadh, First Secretary Economic and Press/Public Affairs
1998 to 2000	FCO, Desk Officer, Middle East Peace Process Section, Near East and North Africa Department
1995 to 1998	Doha, Second Secretary, Commercial
1992 to 1995	Paris, Third Secretary, Economic
1988 to 1991	Riyadh, Third Secretary, Political
1986 to 1988	Full-time Arabic language training
1985 to 1986	FCO, Desk Officer, Legal Procedures Section, Nationality and Treaty Department

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 June 2024.

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

First, we welcome the efforts of the Government of the Central African Republic to deliver local elections in the autumn. Local elections will be critical to strengthening democracy in CAR ahead of presidential and legislative elections next year. However, the detention of political opponents threatens the credibility of future elections. And we encourage the full inclusion of women, youth, returnees, IDPs and refugees in elections.

Second, we remain concerned by the activities of armed groups, particularly around border areas, mining regions and “transhumance corridors” who continue to conduct cross-border arms smuggling in violation of the arms embargo, to pursue their military aspirations. In this context, MINUSCA’s mandate remains vital for supporting stability in CAR. We welcome the continued productive cooperation between the CAR authorities and MINUSCA.

The UK also welcomes the Government of CAR’s commitment to implementing the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. We encourage the authorities to continue their decentralisation efforts and to continue to support sustainable security through its disarming, demobilisation and rehabilitation programme and local peacebuilding initiatives.

Thirdly, we call on all Council members to support MINUSCA’s ability to deliver its mandate. The UK has information that Russian proxies are likely trying to undermine MINUSCA’s continued presence in CAR, including through disinformation campaigns against the Mission, in violation of the Security Council’s resolutions and CAR’s sovereignty.

Russia’s targeted actions against UN Peacekeeping missions, including MINUSCA, highlight their intent to destabilise states to achieve their own foreign policy objectives. The presence and activities of Russian proxies impact communities, exacerbate existing conflicts and undermine long-term economic development.

Attempts by proxies, acting on behalf of a permanent member of the Security Council, to impede the operations of MINUSCA’s unmanned aerial systems threaten the safety of UN personnel. This is unacceptable. We urgently call on the CAR authorities to lift all restrictions on MINUSCA’s movements and reconsider the involvement of destabilising Russian proxies. President, the UK is committed to working with CAR to provide long-term stability and development that delivers on the aspirations of all Central Africans.

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on Children and Armed Conflict.

The Secretary General’s report is horrifying. Grave violations regarding children and armed conflict rose by 21% in 2023. 35% more children were killed and maimed. 32% more children were denied humanitarian access and 25% more children suffered sexual violence. These grave violations have risen on a shocking scale. The devastating impact of conflict on children demonstrates the need for this Council to come together, as former Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said, to uphold international peace and security, resolve conflict and protect children.

The Children and Armed Conflict mandate is crucial, and its achievements are many. In the almost 28 years since its inception, up to 40 action plans have been agreed and over a dozen parties to conflict have been delisted by engaging constructively with the UN in the interest of child protection. In 2023 alone, over 10,600 children formerly associated with armed forces or groups received protection or support. The Children and Armed Conflict mandate must continue this vitally important work.

President, we have heard today about many grave violations against children from the DRC, to Sudan, to Myanmar. Let me highlight two contexts in particular. First, in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. On October 7, Hamas committed appalling acts of terror against Israeli children. 47 Israeli children were abducted on October 7, 36 of whom were held hostage and suffered ill-treatment by Hamas in Gaza. Babies have been separated from their mothers and fathers. Three children were killed in captivity. It is abhorrent that eight months on, children remain as hostages, and we reiterate our call for Hamas to release all hostages immediately. With the ongoing operations in Gaza, Palestinian children are suffering terribly, and children are paying the highest price for this conflict.

Israel must abide by obligations to protect children under applicable international humanitarian and human rights law, urgently improve humanitarian access, and increase the flow of life-saving aid. We need to see a stop in the fighting, to end the suffering of children. The fastest way to do this is for Hamas to accept the terms of the deal on the table.

Second, Russia’s illegal war continues to devastate the lives of Ukrainian children. This latest report highlights once again Russia’s appalling campaign of forced deportation and subsequent attempts to change children’s nationalities. We call on Russia to end its unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, to cease the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation, and its efforts to force them to become Russian citizens. Russia should return these children to where they belong: Ukraine. We underline our determination to hold those responsible to account.

President, we call on all parties to adopt and implement concrete and time bound action plans to prevent and end these grave violations against children. As a Council we must uphold the specific rights and vulnerabilities of children and amplify their voices. Last month our Minister, Lord Benyon, convened our annual roundtable with children affected by conflict. He heard from girls from the DRC, South Sudan, Ukraine and the West Bank, about how conflict has impacted their childhood.

We must remember that children are not numbers. Every grave violation is a tragedy. Let us work today to deliver on the promise of the Children and Armed Conflict mandates and protect children, wherever they are.

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.