Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 August 2024.

Security Council Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The UK remains deeply concerned about the rising threat from Daesh and its affiliates. Whilst Daesh has been unable to resurge territorially it continues to propagate its poisonous ideology globally. Its branches present an acute threat to at-risk communities, whilst its propaganda seeks to exploit global events to inspire terrorist violence across the world.

The increasing threat from Daesh’s continued focus on Africa, including attacks from Daesh affiliates ISWAP and ISSP in West Africa and the Sahel threatens regional stability. As the Secretary General’s report notes, their activities in the region afflict grave violations on children, and in particular girls. This Council’s recent decision to include sexual and gender-based violence as a criterion for listing under the 1267 regime sends a strong message that these crimes should not go unpunished.

The development of African-led initiatives like the Abuja Process are a crucial response. Working closely with Regional Economic Communities and with the support of UN entities, the African Union plays a central role in these efforts. The Malabo declaration for a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach to tackling terrorism was a positive step forward and we stand ready to support the development of national action plans. It is vital these collective approaches work to address the underlying drivers of terrorism including reducing corruption, improving governance, and ensuring respect for the rule of law.

The threat from ISKP is increasing, and in recent months we have seen abhorrent attacks by the group on civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and Turkey. This emphasises our need to tackle ISKP at a strategic level. The international community must take a collective and creative approach to understand how they operate, starve their resources, and tackle their propaganda.

As part of this effort, the UK launched the ISKP Diplomatic Grouping in May 2023 to focus on increasing threats with regional partners. The Grouping most recently convened in Doha last month to share expertise and drive action on countering ISKP finance, travel, and propaganda.

Attacks on military bases in Iraq are increasing tensions across the Middle East, causing instability and threatening Iraq’s and the coalition’s collective ability to counter Daesh. De-escalation should be a collective priority, and we call for continued work with partners to suppress the threat.

As we mark ten years since Daesh perpetrated genocide against the Yazidi people, we cannot lose focus in the fight against Daesh as it spreads to new theatres.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has responded to the dissolution of the main opposition party in Thailand.

In response to the Thai Constitutional Court’s decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party, an FCDO spokesperson said:

Pluralism and freedom of speech are central principles of democracy. The dissolution of another major political party in Thailand is therefore a setback for these principles. We encourage all parties to uphold democratic rights and representation.

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

• ministers call for British nationals in Lebanon to leave now “as situation could deteriorate rapidly”
• government strengthens its support for British nationals as regional tensions in the Middle East increase
• Border Force, consular officials and military personnel deployed to the region to support embassy staff following Ministers visiting the Middle East this week

The government has called for British nationals in Lebanon to leave now as it bolsters its support for British nationals still in the Middle East.

The UK continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon and advises British nationals still in the country to leave now while commercial options remain available. British nationals in Lebanon are also advised to sign up to Register your presence to receive the latest information and important updates directly from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Officials have been sent to the region – including Lebanon – to provide additional support to embassy staff as part of government’s preparatory planning for a range of possible conflict scenarios, and with regional tensions rising.

Consular experts will assist with strategic planning and responding to enquiries from British nationals to make sure they get the help and advice they need, and Border Force has deployed officers who stand ready to aid consular operations.

With the potential for exit routes out of Lebanon – including roads – being affected, limited, or closed, due to events escalating with little warning, teams will continue to urge British nationals to leave while commercial options remain available.

Military personnel are also in the process of deploying to the region to provide Embassies with operational support to help British nationals. This is alongside Landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan already being in the eastern Mediterranean to support allies with humanitarian requirements, with the Royal Air Force also putting transport helicopters on standby.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now.

A widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest – the consequences could be catastrophic. That’s why we continue to call for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution.

The deployment of additional staff to the region follows the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visiting the Middle East, including Lebanon this week, where the pair stressed the need to de-escalate tensions and pushed calls for peace and stability.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

Our Armed Forces will always step up to support British citizens around the world and reinforce regional stability with their professionalism and bravery.

As I told leaders in the Middle East this week, de-escalation must be the primary focus in the region, and we are urging all to dial down tensions. There must be an end to the fighting, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a diplomatic path to peace and security.

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

Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

President, as our briefers today have made clear, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda recognises the critical role women play in building sustainable peace. Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping missions, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.

I will set out three priorities today: perspective, participation and prevention.
First, perspective. We must integrate a gender perspective into all components of peacekeeping missions, including preventing and responding to Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). Gender-responsive conflict analysis and technical gender expertise are critical to mission effectiveness, including in transition planning.

I am pleased that we have secured strong gender commitments in recent mandate renewals, including on gender-based violence in Haiti and on women’s participation in Colombia.

We call on Member States, UN entities and NGOs to prioritise WPS considerations in all disengagement planning, including the planned withdrawal of MONUSCO.

Second, participation. Women peacekeepers engage with populations and in places less accessible to men, bringing unique insights. This improves awareness of security risks, including CRSV, and builds trust with local communities.

The UK is creating an enabling environment for women peacekeepers. We contributed £1 million to the Elsie Initiative Fund last year, and the British Peace Support Team is training women in driving and weapons handling, improving women’s pass rates in assessments.
Participation of women’s rights organisations is also key. MINUSMA was a strong example of this; their engagement with civil society allowed them to change attitudes towards CRSV and better advocate for survivors.

Lastly, prevention. Transitions and drawdowns expose local communities to heightened risks of CRSV due to security gaps, weakened institutions and increased political tensions. It is therefore vital to ensure prevention remains an ongoing priority through the development of mission-wide, coordinated and survivor-centred approaches for addressing CRSV. This particularly in the context of in live transitions and withdrawal.
Prevention also includes tackling sexual exploitation and abuse. This is why, last year, through the British Peace Support Team, the UK trained 2,208 troops and police on sexual exploitation and abuse.

President, to be truly effective, peace and security mechanisms must understand and address the security needs of all people, including women and girls. Let us commit to ensuring that the WPS agenda plays a central role in all peacekeeping plans, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.

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

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will pledge new UK aid and meet key Jordanian Ministers in her first official visit to the Middle East.

• Anneliese Dodds calls for peace and security in the Middle East amid escalating tensions, on her first visit to the region in her role
• the International Development Minister also pledges new UK package of food, water, health, education and wellbeing support for Gazans on visit to Jordan
• she will meet key Jordanian Ministers to discuss how their 2 countries can work even more closely together in future

As tensions rise between Israel and Lebanon, the minister will call for calm in the wider Middle East, and continue diplomatic efforts made by the Foreign and Defence Secretaries in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel last week to lead a renewed push for peace.

She will also repeat calls for British nationals to leave Lebanon now, due to rising risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah and other non-state actors in Lebanon.

Amid the threat of growing instability in the wider region, Gazans continue to face a devastating humanitarian crisis.

During her visit to Jordan, the minister will announce £6 million in funding for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza.

The £6 million package will help tens of thousands of Gazans access food and water, as well as health, education and wellbeing services.

She will also visit a World Food Programme depot, which plays a key role in the delivery of aid to Gaza.

Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:

Now is the time for calm, if we are to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. It is in no-one’s interests for tensions to escalate and spread across the wider region.

We are seeing the humanitarian impact of conflict on Gazans. This new UK support will provide a lifeline for vulnerable families, giving them access to basic food and water during a desperate time. I am grateful to the Jordanian Government for supporting UK efforts to get aid to those in such desperate need.

But this appalling situation cannot continue. We must see an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and unfettered access to lifesaving aid for those in Gaza.

UK funding will support the vaccination and immunisation of over 20,000 children, provide over 8,000 school-aged children with recreational activities to boost their wellbeing and help over 55,000 people in Gaza access clean water and sanitation.

During her visit, the minister will also meet key charity partners, including the World Food Programme to hear about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Jordan.

Separately, the UK is also announcing today it is allocating £14 million to support refugees in Jordan. The funding will be delivered in September this year, with £7 million going to UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and the same amount to the World Food Programme. Jordan is currently home to over 3 million refugees, many of them from neighbouring Syria.

During her visit the minister will meet Jordanian Minister of Finance, Mohamad Al Ississ, and the foreign ministry’s Secretary General, Majid Al-Qatarneh to discuss Jordan’s successful economic performance in a challenging geopolitical environment. The ministers will agree steps for the UK and Jordan to accelerate efforts to boost their economic prosperity, as well as find ways of building resilience to the climate crisis.

Background

British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available

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

The UK will donate essential security equipment for Ecuador’s fight against organised crime as part of the new British Minister for Latin America’s first official overseas visit.

Baroness Chapman met senior members of the Ecuadorean Cabinet to discuss how the UK and Ecuador can deepen security co-operation.

They also signed a double-taxation agreement between the UK and Ecuador – removing tax barriers to doing business in both countries, boosting growth, trade and investment.

The Minister will later meet National Police officers at an anti-narcotics base to learn about the challenges they face.

On behalf of the UK, she will donate four vehicles and other equipment. The items will make police officers safer and bolster capability in combating criminal gangs.

Ecuador is the first country the Minister is visiting in Latin America since being appointed last month.

Baroness Chapman, Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, said:

The new UK Government is committed to renewing our partnership with Latin America – co-operating closely on shared priorities including climate change, security and economic prosperity.

I’m making my first visit, as Minister, to Ecuador – a country with which we share democratic values – to offer my unequivocal backing in your fight against organised crime.

Which is why the UK is donating essential security equipment to brave police officers putting their lives on the line daily to protect the Ecuadorean people.

Violence must never be allowed to prevail over democracy and the rule of law.

Baroness Chapman’s programme – which will also include travel to the Amazon and meeting indigenous leaders – reflects the growing environmental, trade and security ties between the UK and Ecuador.

The UK manages over $200 million of projects in the Ecuadorean Amazon – including $34 million in direct funding to communities – to enable sustainable use of land and reduce deforestation.

Trade is also increasing between the two countries. In 2023, it grew by 10 per cent to total £329 million per year.

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

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle met with Ukrainian counterparts and UK defence industry leaders in Ukraine.

• UK government and defence industry leaders visit Ukraine.
• Leaders initiate negotiations for contracts under the Defence Export Support Treaty.
• This will enable Ukraine to access UK Export Finance to acquire military equipment from UK companies.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle met with Ukrainian counterparts and UK defence industry leaders in Ukraine in recent days to initiate negotiations for contracts under the Defence Export Support Treaty, signed during President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK two weeks ago.

The treaty, signed by Defence Secretary John Healey and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov on 19 July, will enable Ukraine to draw on £3.5 billion of export finance to acquire military equipment from UK companies. This will help to boost both the UK’s and Ukraine’s defence industrial bases and support investment in further military capabilities.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said:

“The UK stands united with Ukraine. Our government has already pledged to step up support, confirming £3bn a year to support Ukraine and a new package of crucial ammunition, anti-armour missiles and artillery guns.

“My visit is another demonstration of our commitment to work in partnership with industry to boost production of essential military kit, both for Ukraine and to replenish UK stocks.”

The Minister met with Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries for European Integration, Serhiy Boyev, and the Ukrainian National Armaments Director, Oleksandr Serhii, and toured UK industrial facilities in Ukraine, seeing first-hand how the UK is enhancing Ukraine’s industrial capacity.

The Minister’s visit comes just weeks after she and the Defence and Business Secretaries met with President Zelenskyy and industry leaders in London. From industrial sites at home, to facilities in Ukraine, the UK defence industry has been providing critical equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Working with local partners, UK firms are providing maintenance and repair for UK-supplied weapons and helping to get vehicles and equipment back onto operations from facilities in Ukraine.

From recommitting to spending £3 billion a year of military support to the Government’s recent commitment to fast-track deliveries, the UK continues to stand with Ukraine.

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

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

There is only one possible conclusion from the Famine Review Committee’s data: there is famine in Sudan, and that famine is entirely man-made.

Today, one hundred Sudanese civilians, men, women and children will die from starvation.

Tomorrow, one hundred more.

This appalling loss of life will continue until the warring parties put the Sudanese people before power.

President, the level of suffering in Sudan is unimaginable. It exists far beyond Zamzam camp, and it is a direct consequence of the actions of the warring parties.

The Sudanese Armed Forces are obstructing aid delivery into Darfur, including by shutting the Adre crossing, the most direct route to deliver assistance at scale.

The Rapid Support Forces’ ongoing assault on Darfur has forced thousands to flee and created the conditions for starvation to spread. It does not need to be this way. The warring parties and those with influence can take immediate action to prevent further suffering.

First, we call on the warring parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. This includes opening the Adre crossing, lifting bureaucratic obstacles and taking measures to protect aid workers, so they can deliver food to starving communities.

Second, there is no military solution to this crisis. We call on the warring parties to join talks in Geneva and engage in good faith, to agree steps to a durable ceasefire, full humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.

And third, in March, the Secretary General released a White Note under Security Council resolution 2417 to warn this Council of the risk of famine in Sudan. The UN’s warnings and calls for action have been ignored by the warring parties just as they have ignored international calls for a ceasefire, including by this Council.

In the face of such blatant disregard for human life, this Council should consider all necessary tools to end this man-made crisis.

President, it is not too late to prevent further suffering. The time to act is now.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 August 2024.

Statement by Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre at the UN Security Council briefing on ICC Sudan.

Mr. President, the UK is alarmed by the escalation of violence inside Sudan, including in Darfur. The ongoing fighting in El Fasher has caused significant civilian loss of life and has forced thousands to flee their homes. There are also a growing number of reports alleging that serious international crimes are being committed in Darfur as well as elsewhere in Sudan. This includes the recruitment of child soldiers, conflict-related sexual violence, and violence targeted at specific ethnic groups. We are gravely concerned by such reports.

In this context, we particularly welcome the progress that the Office of the Prosecutor has made in advancing accountability as outlined in the 39th report including through continued engagement with Sudanese civil society organisations and through the extensive deployment of investigators to Chad to collect further testimonial evidence.

The UK also welcomes some signs of improved cooperation from those in power in Sudan, including through the provision of visas, the facilitation of a field visit to Port Sudan and engagement in relation to certain priority Requests for Assistance. It is essential that this cooperation continues to improve.

The UK is also pleased to note the continuing progress in the trial of the former Janjaweed commander, Mr Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb. As this landmark case moves forward towards its final stages we pay tribute to the more than 100 victims and witnesses who have participated in the trial. Such trials are critical to ensuring accountability and justice. Indeed the progress in this trial serves to highlight the crucial importance of ensuring that the other individuals subject to outstanding arrest warrants are surrendered to the Court. We call upon the Sudanese authorities to do more to respond substantively to the Office of the Prosecutor’s request for information concerning the whereabouts of Ahmed Harun, Omar Al-Bashir and Abdel Raheem Hussein.

Finally, we note that in October last year, the Human Rights Council adopted the ‘Sudan Core Group’ resolution to establish an independent and international Fact-Finding Mission. We believe that this represents a further important contribution to ensuring impartial investigations of human rights violations and abuses.

Mr. President, the UK reiterates its continued support for the International Criminal Court and for its important work in this situation. This conflict must not be forgotten and we remind all parties to the conflict that the Prosecutor’s mandate is ongoing.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 August 2024.

The Government announced that the 2024 edition of the UK-France Local Government Forum will take place in Leeds on 12 and 13 December, co-hosted by Leeds and Bradford City Councils and supported by the West Yorkshire Mayor. This will be the third edition of the forum, following on from the successful 2022 event in Nancy.

The forum is an opportunity for mayors, leaders, cabinet members, councillors and officers from sub-national government – be that district, borough, city, unitary or county councils, as well as combined authorities – to meet and exchange with French counterparts on subjects of common interest, as well as be part of a dialogue with national government representation. This year’s forum will focus specifically on social inclusion and placemaking and will be extra special in this 120th anniversary year of the Entente Cordiale, which ushered in a new era of cooperation between Britain and France. The ties between the UK and France are deep, historic and vital, and it is the partnerships between our communities that sustain and enrich those ties.

The Government welcomes interest to attend or participate in the forum, in particular from leaders of councils or combined authorities with active partnership projects and or twinning arrangements with their equivalents in France and those who might be interested in establishing or re-invigorating such links.

The Government will share further details of the programme and how to register in due course. If you require further information or have any questions, please contact: UKFRLocalGovForum@fcdo.gov.uk