Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 July 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.

The UK is deeply concerned by the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the impact this may have on regional security and stability. I will make three points.

First, escalation and a cycle of endless violence is in no-one’s interests. We do not want to see further bloodshed. We urge calm and call for immediate restraint.

Our Foreign Secretary is in the region as we speak, reiterating this call and encouraging de-escalation.

The path to peace must be through diplomatic negotiations. Long-term peace will not be secured by bombs and bullets.

Second, in recent weeks we have seen reckless attacks launched by the Houthis against Tel Aviv killing one person and Hezbollah rockets fired on innocent children in Majdal Shams resulting in at least 12 deaths and many more injured.

We have repeatedly been clear in this Council of Iran’s role in destabilising the region through its use of proxies including Lebanese Hezbollah and the Houthis. These attacks are enabled by the continued supply of advanced weaponry by Iran, especially missiles, to proxy groups. This must cease.

The UK is resolute in our commitment to Israel’s security. We support Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of such aggression, in line with international humanitarian law.

Third, since October 7 last year, we have seen the terrible toll on Israelis, Palestinians and many others in the region. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is truly appalling with nearly 40,000 Palestinians killed. The impact of this devastation is particularly acute for women and children.

The attempts by Iran and their proxies to use the suffering of those in Gaza as justification for further violence is perverse and we reject them entirely. We support all ongoing efforts to bring stability to the region and an end to the suffering. We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to protect civilians, get all the hostages out, get more aid in and open a pathway towards long-term peace. This will require the parties to commit to a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 July 2024.

In a joint statement, G7 Foreign Ministers call on Venezuela to publish transparent election results.

Statement from the G7 Foreign Ministers:

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the EU, express our solidarity with the people of Venezuela, who peacefully exercised their right to vote in large numbers on July 28 to shape the future of their country.

Independent domestic and international observers’ reports have raised serious concerns about the announced results of Venezuela’s Presidential elections and about the way the electoral process was conducted, especially regarding the irregularities and lack of transparency in the final tabulation of the votes. It is of paramount importance that the result reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

We call on relevant representatives to publish the detailed electoral results in full transparency and we ask electoral representatives to immediately share all information with the opposition and independent observers.

As the process unfolds, we call for maximum restraint in the country and for a peaceful, democratic and Venezuelan-led solution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 July 2024.

The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary have travelled to the Middle East to call for an end to conflict in Gaza and de-escalation in the wider region.

• Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary use their first official joint visit to the Gulf to progress efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and call for de-escalation in the wider region
• they will meet UK personnel working in the region to showcase the strength of the UK-Qatar defence relationship
• David Lammy and John Healey will commit to strengthening and expanding UK-Qatar cooperation on growth and security

The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary have arrived in Qatar to drive forward efforts to bring the conflict in Gaza to an end and to press for de-escalation in the region.

In a joint visit, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy – in what will be his second trip to the Middle East since becoming Foreign Secretary – and the Defence Secretary John Healey will reiterate the UK’s support to Qatar for the country’s role in mediating and end to the war in Gaza – including efforts to deliver an immediate ceasefire agreed by both sides.

They will reiterate the UK’s calls for de-escalation in the wider region, warning that rising tensions and destabilisation would be in no one’s interests. This follows the Foreign Secretary’s condemnation of the strikes in the occupied Golan Heights at the weekend which tragically claimed at least 12 lives.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Escalation and destabilisation are in no one’s interests.

It is absolutely vital that we engage closely with partners like Qatar, who play a key role in mediating the conflict in Gaza, so that we can bring this devastating war to an end.

The UK and Qatar have a long-standing and close partnership, and we will also look to build lasting stability and security in the region, and advance our shared priorities, like deepening economic ties, to drive UK growth and seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

De-escalation must be our primary focus as this region stands at a crossroads. The loss of innocent life in recent weeks and months is unbearable. This has to end.

All sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy. We will work with important partners like Qatar as our government leads a renewed push for peace.

During their time in Qatar, the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary will meet with UK Armed Forces personnel who are helping to protect UK security interests and support regional stability.

They are expected to meet with the Emir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, HE Dr Khalid Al Attiyah, where the ministers will recommit to building upon the strong UK-Qatar relationship, including growth and security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 July 2024.

The Kenyan Marine Commando Unit (KMCU) has taken part in action-packed training exercises delivered by the UK Royal Marines, as part of a visit to Kenya by HMS LANCASTER, a British Royal Navy Frigate.

After Royal Marines from 42 Commando delivered training and practical demonstrations, Kenyan Marines-in-the-making took on the challenge of completing visit, board, search, and seizure exercises – tactics frequently used to counter piracy, terrorism, and smuggling.

These exercises are in addition to the basic training that the KMCU receive and show the UK and Kenya’s continued commitment to build a strong, capable, and adaptable Kenya Defence Forces as an anchor of regional stability and security.

The creation of the KMCU is a five-year partnership between the UK and Kenya to establish a self-sustaining training cycle through which the Kenyan Navy will be able to train their own Marine Commandos.

The KMCU made history in May 2023 when the first-ever cohort of Kenyan Marines completed a rigorous training programme which largely mirrors that undertaken by the Royal Marines.

The US Military have also played an integral role in the creation of the KCMU by ensuring this specialist and formidable force are equipped to the highest standard.

British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, said:

It’s fantastic to see that the UK and Kenya have taken advantage of this opportunity to add serious value to the Kenyan Marines training programme – a great example of how our security partnership is making a real difference to Kenya’s military capacity and capability. Together, we’re going far – making Kenya, the UK, and the region safer and more secure.

Commander Chris Sharp Royal Navy, Commanding Officer HMS Lancaster (Port):

HMS Lancaster’s visit to Kenya is a fantastic opportunity for Lancaster’s Royal Marines to train and exercise boarding operations with the Kenyan Marine Commando Unit, contributing to the UK and Kenya’s joint commitment to improve regional stability and security.

HMS LANCASTER visited the Port of Mombasa for a short operational break from patrols and as part of Combined Task Force 150, where it has recently conducted drug busts and completed other maritime security serials. It will then return to her long-standing presence in the Gulf region, focussed on promoting peace and stability. Her visit to Mombasa provides an opportunity to demonstrate the close, historic relationship between the UK and Kenyan Armed Forces.

The UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership is an ambitious five-year agreement delivering mutual benefits for the UK and Kenya and keeping our people safe; it is underpinned by the Defence Cooperation Agreement that provides the framework for this training programme.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 July 2024.

40 Thai Cheveners received awards to recognise and celebrate their significant impact and contributions to Thai society.

In January 2024, the British Embassy Bangkok, in partnership with Thailand Chevening Alumni Association, hosted the Chevening 40th Anniversary Celebration at the British Club Bangkok, presenting awards to honour 40 Thai Cheveners for their significant impact and contributions to Thai society and to broaden UK-Thailand relations.

The event welcomed Cheveners from various sectors, ranging from international relations, human rights, sustainability, journalism to business and more. Dr Lalida Pariyakanok, the Director of Thai Red Cross Eye Bank, who was the very first cohort of Chevening recipients in Thailand was also present at the event. It was an opportunity for Cheveners in Thailand to reconnect and share their experiences and expertise.

British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, said:

Our Chevening Alumni are leaders in their fields, working tirelessly for Thailand’s advancement and have effectively become a vital pillar of the UK-Thailand relationship, especially where we work together on shared goals. The insights, access, frank opinion, and friendship that you give me, and the Embassy team are invaluable to our work in Thailand. I am truly proud of our Chevening community, and I believe we should continue to identify opportunities to support each other’s efforts.

From studies to success: How Chevening scholarships change lives

In the special panel discussion, Chevening Alumni shared their experiences from their Chevening years, which led to their current success in various sectors.

Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Health (2000-2001 Chevening cohort) said:

Chevening Scholarship is a gateway to many opportunities. Getting to this doorway might not be simple, but its challenges are the building blocks of my self-confidence. Studying in a UK university and being surrounded by international friends encourages creative thinking and enriches our learning techniques. Having encountered a variety of ways of thinking in an open society allows me to consider how we may improve our communities.

Karuna Buakumsri, Journalist (1996 to 1997 Chevening cohort) said:

One of the interviewers asked me how I could be sure that I could make positive contributions to the Thai society. At that time, I said I do not know yet, but I would like a chance to prove myself […] Receiving Chevening Scholarship has been a commitment for me to prove myself that I would do my best. Chevening Scholarship led to new friendships. The change of environment also broadened my horizon and allowed me to understand more about humanity.

Kornkanok Wathanabhoom, Mekong legal Advisor, Earthrights International (2018 to 2019 Chevening cohort) said:

Chevening Scholarship is an opportunity for everyone. You do not have to be the best in class, but you must have determination and dedication to become a leader in your field and develop your potential. If you look at the programmes, they are diverse and interesting. The knowledge we gained empowers us to enhance our capabilities, benefiting our careers and our country.  As society advances, Thailand will thrive.

Chatchavej Chitvarakorn, Managing Partner, Siam Premier International Law Office Limited (2003-2004 Chevening cohort) said:

Even though I am in the private sector, I am proud to have been one of the catalysts that help drive the country’s business and economy forward. What I have gained from the scholarship is the methods of thinking. Chevening is a significant fully funded scholarships programme. The work we put in led us to have communities of Chevening scholars not only in Thailand but also in many other countries with similar networks.

The evening concluded with the Chevening networking reception where Cheveners had a chance to reconnect while enjoying what the British traditional food had to offer.

• Chevening Scholarship, a fully funded UK government scholarship, started off as a ‘Pym Package’ in 1983 after the UK Foreign Secretary at the time. Since then, there have been 57,000 Chevening scholars, including over 600 Chevening scholars from Thailand. Cheveners around the world have made significant contributions to their home countries around the world
• the scholarships support one-year taught master’s degrees at UK universities for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers
• the Chevening programme accepts applications annually from August to October. You can find more information at https://www.chevening.org/apply/

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

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

President, on his recent visit to the region, my Foreign Secretary met Israelis and Palestinians and heard their stories of suffering, pain and anguish on both sides.

He came away determined to help improve the situation and further convinced that there is no military solution to this conflict.

That is why we are calling for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and an immediate scale-up of aid into Gaza. We urge both sides to accept the deal on the table, endorsed by this Council.

President, whilst mediation efforts continue, people in Gaza urgently need a drastic improvement in the humanitarian situation.

First, civilians need better protection and designated civilian spaces. We are deeply concerned by Israel’s incursion into Khan Younis and into the only remaining IDF-designated humanitarian zone of Al Mawasi where some 1.5 million people are sheltering. We call on all sides to comply fully with International Humanitarian Law and on Hamas to release all the hostages immediately.

Second, civilians in Gaza need much, much more aid. UNRWA is central to these efforts. That is why we announced $27 million in new funding for UNRWA last week, with some directed at supporting the management reforms recommended by the Colonna review. We call for full cooperation with UN and humanitarian teams, including UNRWA, and the granting of requests for visas and equipment, and the opening of all aid routes into Gaza, including reopening the Rafah crossing. Deteriorating law and order must urgently be addressed so that aid can reach people safely.

Finally, civilians need functioning hospitals and essential supplies such as water and electricity after nine months of devastation. We are appalled by the stories of women and children living in unsanitary conditions and that diseases, including Polio, are spreading.

Colleagues, West Bank settlement expansion and settler violence have reached record levels. The Israeli government has seized more land this year than in the past twenty years combined. This is unacceptable: it runs counter to multiple resolutions of this Council and undermines the viability of a two-state solution.

The only way out of this cycle of violence and suffering is through diplomacy, with Israelis and Palestinians committing to a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. We are committed to giving the people of the West Bank and Gaza the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. And it needs to be irreversible.

Thank you.

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

UK and others regret Belarus’ lack of response to the Vienna Mechanism of July 2024 on prison conditions and call for immediate humanitarian release of political prisoners in Belarus.

Madam Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria,  Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country, Canada.

The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Moldova, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Ukraine.

Madam Chair,

On July 11th, this group of participating States invoked the Vienna Mechanism and conveyed a letter to Belarus posing eleven questions regarding the conditions of detention of prisoners, and reprisals against their family members. As of today, Belarus has failed to respond  to these questions.

In the letter, we referenced the findings of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission Report, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, as well as reporting from leading civil society groups. Despite repeated denials by Belarus, there is ever-increasing evidence of the use of arrest, prosecution and detention as instruments of repression, and of the systematic mistreatment and abuse of political prisoners.

At the recent 56th session of the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Ms. Anaïs Marin, described ongoing deterioration, with repressive measures being used to target Belarusian citizens inside and outside the country.

The Special Rapporteur expressed particular concern about the ill-treatment of individuals convicted on politically motivated charges. Based on corroborated witness accounts, she reported that political prisoners faced harsher treatment, were frequently subjected to solitary confinement and incommunicado detention, and prohibited from receiving correspondence, packages, and medicine. She expressed acute concern that deliberately imposed malnutrition and ill-treatment, and inappropriate or untimely health care were negatively affecting the health of many of these individuals, including cases leading to hospitalizations and even deaths.

On July 2nd, Ms. Marin and seven other UN special rapporteurs, as well as the Working Groups on Arbitrary Detention, on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and on Discrimination against Women and Girls issued a letter urging Belarusian authorities to pardon all imprisoned older persons jailed on political charges who were excluded from the July 2024 amnesty law. They noted that most of them are serving prison sentences of up to 25 years, some are detained in pretrial detention, and some have been subjected to compulsory psychiatric care. Several detainees suffer chronic diseases, acute or grave illnesses, and some are persons with disabilities.

Madam Chair,

July 14th marked the third anniversary of the detention of Ales Bialiatski, chairman of Viasna Human Rights Center, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and winner of the Democracy Defender Initiative Award. We have heard disturbing reports about his treatment including that he has been subject to solitary confinement, that he does not receive correspondence from relatives and friends, and that he has been denied access to necessary medications and medical treatment.

Mr. Bialiatski’s detention is tragically symbolic. His organization – Viasna  – continues to document the status of over 1400 political prisoners currently held by Belarusian authorities. These 1400 individuals, in turn, are only a fraction of the thousands of individuals who have been in and out of detention since 2020 for daring to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

The response of the Belarusian authorities in this Council is only denial and obfuscation and cynical claims to “non-interference in internal affairs.”

We remind Belarus that they have a binding obligation under international law, articulated in Article 10 of the ICCPR, to ensure that all persons in Belarus that are deprived of their liberty “shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.”

We take note of the recent release of several political prisoners. Regrettably, however, this is only a fraction of the individuals at risk.

In their “Shadow Report” on the implementation of the Moscow Mechanism report recommendations, the Coalition of Belarusian Human Rights Organizations reported that there are at least 252 political prisoners who face significant risks of mistreatment while incarcerated, including vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities, serious health conditions, seniors, and minors.

On July 12th, over 50 Nobel Laureates from across the globe – authors, activists, journalists, physicians and scientists – released a joint appeal urging “Lukashenko to show humanity and compassion by freeing all citizens recognized by human rights defenders as political prisoners.”

In this regard, we reiterate the questions posed in our letter of July 11th.

We call on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release on humanitarian grounds all  political prisoners facing serious health issues or chronic conditions. We further call for the unconditional release of all 1400 or more political prisoners  held in Belarus and for an end to the harassment and targeting of their families.

Finally,  we call on all OSCE participating States to ensure that extradition of Belarusian citizens to Belarus complies with international law, recognising that Belarusian human rights defenders, media workers and those in political opposition can face particular risks in Belarus.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Erol Özakçay Príncipe, US Mission to the OSCE, delivers a joint statement on behalf of the UK and six other OSCE participating States to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and my own country, the United States. On July 30th, we will join people around the globe to recognize the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

This year’s theme implores us all to Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking. In the OSCE region, children are subjected to trafficking in all its forms, including victimization for forced labor, for forced criminality, and for sexual exploitation.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has precipitated the largest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War. Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons continue to face a heightened risk of trafficking. Children, who globally make up an estimated one-third of trafficking victims, are especially vulnerable.  Russia’s actions have separated many Ukrainians from their families and other support networks, increasing their susceptibility to trafficking.

Across the OSCE region, we must do more. This includes supporting prevention efforts to stop trafficking before it happens and tailoring victim protection with a focus on the needs of the child. It also means increasing the prosecution of those responsible and enhancing partnerships to tackle the transnational nature of the crime.

We welcome holistic, victim-and survivor-centered, gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and culturally and age-appropriate care for child victims and survivors. We encourage all participating States to further adopt best practices to support them. These include establishing child-friendly spaces for care, tailoring training for service providers, and implementing national referral mechanisms that reduce the risk of re-exploitation and mitigate the lasting effects of human trafficking.

Addressing emerging trafficking trends and the unique vulnerabilities of children to familial trafficking and extraterritorial sexual exploitation and abuse requires cross-dimensional approaches.

Mister Chair, all young people deserve a childhood free from exploitation. We strongly support the efforts of the Special Representative Dr Kari Johnstone and her office, as well as the efforts of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the field missions and other teams within OSCE executive structures to combat human trafficking.

Their work, especially to prevent and respond to trafficking amid the humanitarian crisis stemming from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, remains essential to fulfill our OSCE commitments.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

On 26 July, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy met China’s Director of Foreign Affairs Commission Office and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Vientiane, Laos.

They had a constructive first discussion and the Foreign Secretary outlined this government’s vision for a long-term, consistent and strategic approach to UK-China relations. He set out that the government would cooperate where we can, compete where needed and challenge where we must. He made clear the UK would always stand firm in prioritising our national security, as well as supporting human rights.

The Foreign Secretary welcomed the opportunity to work with a fellow member of the UN Security Council and the world’s second largest economy to combat global challenges like climate change.

The Foreign Secretary underlined the UK’s ironclad commitment to Ukraine and urged China to prevent its companies supporting Russia’s military industrial complex which poses a material threat to international security and prosperity.

Both sides agreed to work towards building long-term communication channels.

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

Mr Paul Turner has been appointed British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands in succession to Mr Thomas Coward who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Turner will take up his appointment during January 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Paul Robert Turner

Year	Role
2020 to 2024	World Bank, Uganda – secondment from FCDO
2017 to 2020	Kampala, DFID, Senior Private Sector Adviser
2016	Pretoria, FCO, Head of UK Prosperity Fund for Southern Africa
2013 to 2016	Harare, DFID, Head of Economic Livelihoods
2011 to 2013	Tunis, UK Representative to African Development Bank
2005 to 2011	Brussels, EU Afghanistan Unit – secondment
2002 to 2005	Skopje, North Macedonia, Deputy Head of EU Agency for Reconstruction
2000 to 2002	Pristina, Head of DFID Kosovo
1998 to 2000	DFID, China desk, East Asia Directorate
1997 to 1998	DFID, Assistant Private Secretary to Secretary State for International Development
1997	Home Office, Assistant Private Secretary to Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
1993 to 1996	Home Office, Northern Ireland section