Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

Justin Addison, UK Delegation to the OSCE, tells the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee (EEC) that Russia is prioritising its own aims above global food security.

Mr Chair,

The UK delegation would like to thank the Austrian chair of the EEC for convening this session to discuss food security. As you rightly said at the start, conflict situations in regions key to global food trade can severely impact food security.

Ukrainian grain exports are crucial in ensuring global food security and the resilience of global grain markets. Before Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, Ukraine accounted for around 10% of global wheat exports and 12% of corn and barley exports.

Russia has cynically attempted to prevent Ukraine from exporting its grain, prioritising its own aims above global food security. In 2023, it deliberately obstructed and then withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, after which it deliberately attacked Ukraine’s grain storage and export infrastructure.

However, these attempts have failed. Ukraine’s military successes have now pushed back Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, enabling it to resume exports from its Black Sea ports. Since last summer, Ukraine has exported 36 million tonnes of agricultural produce and 17 million tonnes of other cargo through the Black Sea. Through all routes, Ukraine has now exported all its harvest from 2023.

There is ample evidence that Russia is also systematically acquiring grain from occupied Ukrainian territory and selling it on, with farmers forced to sell their produce to occupation authorities. This is grain which Ukraine should rightfully be supplying to world markets, instead of either being transferred to Russia for consumption or sold abroad, passed off as Russian grain.

All buyers of Russian grain, including those represented in this committee, should consider these facts when making purchasing decisions.

Russia often likes to claim that Western sanctions are hindering its agricultural exports. We have always been clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine and not its food and fertiliser sectors. The UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food is able to access world markets.

Mr Chair, food security is another casualty of Russia’s unnecessary and unprovoked war, and Ukraine’s response is another example of their resistance in the face of such aggression. Ukraine’s ability to export and trade freely, efficiently and economically is vitally important in stabilising global food prices and preventing global food shortages.

This aim will only be achieved when President Putin decides to end this senseless war and fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

• Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that the UK will restart funding to UNRWA in order to get aid as quickly as possible to those who need it in Gaza
• in statement to MPs, Lammy said UK aid funding to Gaza is a “moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe”
• the Foreign Secretary also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and end the suffering in Gaza, following his visit to the region earlier this week

The Foreign Secretary has announced that the UK will lift the pause on funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the key aid delivery body operating in Gaza.

In his first statement to MPs, the Foreign Secretary outlined that the UK will release £21 million to support its lifesaving work in Gaza and the provision of basic services in the region.

This funding will go towards UNRWA’s flash appeal for Gaza and the West Bank, which focuses its resources on emergency food, shelter and other support for 3 million people, as well as its wider work supporting 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.

The Foreign Secretary said to Parliament:

Humanitarian aid is a moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe and it is aid agencies who ensure UK support reaches civilians on the ground.

UNRWA is absolutely central to these efforts. No other agency can get aid into Gaza at the scale needed.

I was appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7th October attacks. We are reassured that after Catherine Colonna’s independent review, UNRWA is ensuring they meet the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including on vetting.

UNRWA has acted. Partners like Japan, the EU and Norway have now acted. This government will act too.

The UK’s funding for UNRWA was paused in light of allegations by Israel that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. Following an independent review by Catherine Colonna and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms, the government is confident that UNRWA is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality.

Today’s announcement brings the UK into line with partners such as Germany, the EU, Sweden, Japan, France and other donors.

UNRWA is the main provider of humanitarian relief within Gaza, and other UN and humanitarian actors depend on UNRWA’s distribution network to get aid to those who need it most. UNRWA has provided 1.15 million people facing devastating hunger in Gaza with food parcels.

The Foreign Secretary spoke with UN Secretary General Guterres last night to confirm the UK’s decision to restart funding and discuss the UN’s vital role in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will meet UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini today to discuss how the funding will support UNRWA’s work and condemn the killing of almost 200 UNRWA workers in the conflict.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:

The situation in Gaza is intolerable and unacceptable and urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians there.

UNRWA is the only agency that can deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid at the scale needed. But it can only operate effectively if it has access to the whole of Gaza and it is safe for UNRWA staff to work there.

That’s why we are calling for unfettered access for humanitarian organisations alongside an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages and a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

The Foreign Secretary also set out in Parliament today his wider plan to reach an end to the conflict in Gaza. He made clear the immediate priority is a ceasefire complied with by both sides, the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.

The Foreign Secretary said to Parliament:

Britain wants to see an immediate ceasefire. The fighting must stop. The hostages must be released. Much, much more aid has got to enter Gaza…. This horror must end, now.

The Foreign Secretary raised the urgent need for the conflict to end during his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 14 to 15 July.

As part of the visit, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will provide another £5.5 million this year to UK-Med to fund their life-saving work in Gaza. This funding will be used to support the ongoing work of their field hospitals and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital.

In the long-term, the Foreign Secretary outlined that the UK is focused on creating a pathway towards a two-state solution which guarantees security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians.

He made clear that any long-term solution must include a crackdown on the rise in settler violence and settlement expansion and a reformed Palestinian Authority, given the powers and resources it needs to govern effectively.

Background

• the UK will provide £6 million to the Gaza flash appeal, through which UNRWA is specifically focusing its support to address the most urgent needs of more than 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank
• a further £15 million with be disbursed to UNRWA’s programme budget to provide basic services in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and wider region
• last week, the UK signed a joint statement alongside more than 117 member states including the US, Germany, Jordan, Kuwait and Slovenia, making clear their shared commitment and support to the “vital and indispensable role” of UNRWA in providing life-saving aid to generations of Palestinian refugees
• the UK’s funding for UNRWA was paused in light of allegations by Israel that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. The government is assured the UN agency is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality, after seeing the independent investigation by Catherine Colonna, and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms
• the UK’s position is now in line with partners such as Germany, EU, Sweden, Japan, France, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Austria, Finland, Iceland, Romania and Estonia

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

Lord Pickles endorsed the guidelines at a meeting of the World Jewish Congress Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) Forum in Buenos Aires.

On 17 July at the Argentina Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Buenos Aires, 36 countries endorsed new Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, including the UK.

The UK was one of several countries who provided examples of best practice which the US reflected in the guidelines.

Lord Pickles, the United Kingdom Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues, said:

Congratulations to Argentina and the US. I am delighted that the global guidelines were one of the first documents the UK’s new government endorsed.

We need to learn from the IHRA non-legally binding definition that it is easy to adopt initiatives, but it is much harder to implement them. We must recognise the importance and protection of Jewish life. If we cannot protect our citizens, the state fails.

This is not just a responsibility for governments. Civil society has an important role to play, and these guidelines will be crucial in addressing the ongoing scourge of antisemitism.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

The FCDO has issued a statement in response to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion related to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development spokesperson said:

We have received the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on Friday 19 July and are considering it carefully before responding. The UK respects the independence of the ICJ.

The Foreign Secretary was clear on his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories earlier this week that the UK is strongly opposed to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising settler violence.

This government is committed to a negotiated two-State solution which can deliver a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

Following the escalating violence during the student protests about quota reforms in Bangladesh, FCDO Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West gave a statement.

“The UK government is deeply concerned by the violence following protests in Bangladesh.

The UK supports fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights, including the right to protest and peaceful assembly.

We urge all sides to end the violence and find a peaceful way forward.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

Ambassador Holland thanks Austria’s Court of Audit for their professional work as External Auditor, and underlines the importance of the urgent adoption of the 2024 Unified Budget.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The United Kingdom thanks the Secretary General, and representatives of the Austrian Court of Audit and the Audit Committee for their presentations today and their comprehensive reports.

The External Auditor and Audit Committee reports provide an important overview of the OSCE’s financial health, and a useful oversight of the organisation’s administration and internal controls. We recognise that the audit assessments have been made in the context of significant ongoing challenges, including the impact of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, the continued non-agreement of the OSCE Unified Budget, and the gap prior to the appointment of the current External Auditor.

The UK welcomes the unqualified opinion of the External Auditor that the OSCE’s financial statements for 2023 presented fairly the financial position of the organisation. We appreciate the professional work of the Austrian Court of Audit in this role, particularly having taken this on at such short notice. We hope you will be able to consider an extension beyond September.

Madam Chair, the Reports and presentations this morning further underline that approval of the Unified Budget remains one of the most pressing issues facing this organisation. As, the Financial Report states, the lack of budget approval is continuing to damage the reputation of the OSCE, and the lack of an updated and approved Post Table hampers the organisation’s ability to deliver its mandate.

The United Kingdom deeply regrets that successive years of non-agreement of budgets have left the OSCE’s finances in such a parlous state – constrained by monthly allotments and uncertainty, amid high levels of inflation and rising costs. It is now almost three years since the agreement of the 2021 Unified Budget – which was itself agreed 8 months late. Such unacceptable delays are primarily due to political will, and the use of the budget as a political tool by some participating States.

The UK again urges the swift adoption of the 2024 Unified Budget, and for participating States to engage constructively, pay their arrears, and ensure the OSCE is able to carry out its work effectively in line with the OSCE principles we have all signed up to.

We commend the OSCE executive structures for your ongoing work to adapt to the financial challenges facing the organisation, and for helping to maintain continuity of business. We also appreciate the leadership and tireless efforts of successive Chairs-in-Office – North Macedonia and Malta – towards reaching agreement.

Thank you again to the Austrian Court of Audit and the Audit Committee for the comprehensive reports. As always, the UK looks forward to engaging constructively on the report recommendations.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

Following the sentencing of Vadym Golda, a member of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission, Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s detention and treatment of OSCE officials in Ukraine.

Thank you, Mister Chair.  We join the Chair-in-Office and the Secretary General in unequivocally condemning the sentencing last week of Vadym Golda to 14 years in prison.

The detention and treatment of Vadym and his colleagues from the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine are a violation of well-established international principles, including the Helsinki Final Act.  These are there to keep our fellow citizens safe when they are fulfilling their responsibilities under an international mandate. What is more, these are our colleagues.  Russia’s actions set a terrible precedent which should be of grave concern to us all.

Madam Chair, I repeat my government’s sincere gratitude to the brave women and men of the SMM in Ukraine. They performed their OSCE-mandated roles with integrity and professionalism.

The unlawful detention of our colleagues is truly shocking. The suffering that they and their loved ones are enduring remains a constant concern to us.

We call on Russia to end the unlawful detention of Vadym, Maxim and Dmytro and that of all Ukrainian citizens it has illegally detained. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

Tenth anniversary of the downing of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine: UK statement to OSCE.

Thank you, Mister Chair.

Yesterday we marked the tenth anniversary of the downing of Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine and the deaths of 298 innocent people from 17 countries, including 10 British nationals. The United Kingdom expresses its deepest condolences to all those who lost their loved ones.

The United Kingdom reiterates its full support for the efforts to pursue truth, justice and accountability, and to provide answers for the friends and families of those who so tragically died. We are grateful in particular for the work and dedication of the Joint Investigation Team.

The conclusion of the trial in the Netherlands at the end of 2022, and the conviction of three individuals for murder in relation to the downing of MH17, was an important step in securing justice for the families of the victims. However, this process has not run its course.

The downing of MH17 was a shocking violation of the international norms which keep our societies safe. All States have a responsibility to cooperate in full with efforts to establish accountability. The United Kingdom deeply regrets the Russian Federation’s decision to withdraw unilaterally from ICAO proceedings on MH17 and we continue to call on Russia to cooperate in full with efforts to establish accountability so that justice can be fully delivered.

Thank you, Mister Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s relentless targeting of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, which is a violation of humanitarian law and OSCE principles.

Madam Chair, in spring 2024, Russia significantly intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, continuing a strategy aimed at crippling Ukraine’s power supply. These attacks have continued into the summer and caused widespread and lasting damage across Ukraine. This has severely impacted civilians and their access to essential services including electricity, heating, and water. Russia’s attacks since spring 2024 have resulted in a total electricity loss of over 9 GW, with rolling blackouts occurring throughout Ukraine, plunging civilians into darkness.

Russia carried out one of its most extensive assaults in early June, launching 70 missiles and drones overnight, targeting energy facilities in at least five Ukrainian regions, resulting in substantial damage to the power system. Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept many of the incoming missiles and drones, but the attack still inflicted considerable damage on critical infrastructure and caused widespread civilian suffering.

The damage Russia has caused to Ukraine’s energy grid, comes at a particularly challenging time, as recently parts of Ukraine have been engulfed in a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. This has led to a sharp demand in electricity, mainly for air conditioning. The combination of rising temperatures with power shortages and disruptions to water supplies caused by Russian attacks, is incredibly dangerous for civilians – particularly to the health of the frail and elderly.

Additionally, Ukraine faces a great challenge to restore power before the winter – running the risk that millions may not have sufficient heat as temperatures drastically decrease.

Madam Chair, Russia is violating international humanitarian law by terrorising the civilian population with its relentless targeting of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its persistent attacks on energy infrastructure also represent a violation of its commitments to the OSCE’s Helsinki Final Act. Russia has flouted several foundational principles of this organisation including respect for sovereignty, refraining from the threat  or use of force, and upholding human rights. The international community, including the OSCE, must continue to hold Russia accountable for these violations.

In the face of Russia’s aggression, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated their strength and resilience and we are committed to their long term support. The UK has already pledged nearly £150 million to reinforce Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and bolster its cybersecurity defences. We will continue to work with international partners to help Ukraine repair, protect and restore its energy system. Our commitment, to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and to restore its sovereignty over all of its territory, is iron-clad. As we know, this is the only path to a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and OSCE principles. Thank you, Madam Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will roll out up to £84 million funding over the next 3 years to address the reasons for illegal migration.

• up to £84 million funding package announced for projects across Africa and the Middle East to address reasons why people flee their homes
• Prime Minister announces plans to work with the Global South and European partners to tackle illegal migration at source
• new initiatives agreed with Slovenia and Slovakia to tackle organised crime

The Prime Minister has today announced new plans to build on the government’s manifesto commitments to smash criminal gangs, secure UK borders and protect the vulnerable.

Speaking from the European Political Community summit – the biggest meeting of European leaders hosted in the UK for decades – the Prime Minister called on leaders to take an international approach to the growing irregular migration crisis as he announced plans to work with the Global South and European partners to tackle drivers of small boat arrivals.

A funding package of up to £84 million will be rolled out by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the next 3 years to address the factors that drive people into small boats.

Millions migrate every year due to conflict, climate change, and humanitarian crises, putting a strain on host communities and leaving vulnerable individuals open to exploitation.

The funding will support projects across Africa and the Middle East to improve education and employment opportunities as well as initiatives that will help to build resilience to global shocks like conflict and climate change, which are 2 of the leading causes of irregular migration.

Around 45 European leaders attended the summit to discuss some of the most pressing generational issues facing Europe – from the war in Ukraine to illegal migration and security cooperation – as part of a government reset with European relations. It was also the first time that migration was discussed at an EPC working group, reflecting the need for further collaboration to tackle this shared challenge.

The Prime Minister also announced new initiatives with Slovenia and Slovakia to tackle serious organised crime and stop the gangs that are profiteering from global instability. The deals with Slovenia and Slovakia will enable greater cooperation between law enforcement and help to strengthen security in the UK against cross-border terrorism, serious and organised crime, and people smuggling.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

If we are to tackle the rising crisis of migration, we must address why people flee their homes and risk dangerous journeys to the UK and other European countries.

Our package of up to £84 million will improve education, boost employment and build resilience to conflict and climate change across the Middle East and North Africa – to help bring down migration figures whilst improving lives for the world’s most vulnerable people.

The summit has brought together our key European counterparts as part of a reset in relations, not only to tackle illegal immigration, but other shared challenges including greater security cooperation and continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

A key focus of the UK’s work upstream will be to improve the long-term prospects for people in their home region by supporting them to access education and employment opportunities.

New programmes to help Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon to access education, improve skills, and find employment opportunities will be introduced to deter migrants from travelling onwards.

These initiatives will help to build on the commitments made by the UK at the United Nation’s High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) Global Refugee Forum in December last year to ensure refugee children can access education, which improves livelihoods, reduces marginalisation and risk of abuse.

Meanwhile funding in North and East Africa, including for the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) programme, will help migrants to fill local skills gaps whilst ensuring their rights are protected. Opportunities for individuals to positively contribute to their local economy can help them to better integrate into society and deter them from dangerous onward travel in search of opportunities elsewhere.

Humanitarian aid for communities impacted by conflict will also be provided as part of today’s package. This includes funding to provide food, water, shelter, and health interventions to over 210,000 individuals in Sudan, where over 8.7 million people have been displaced due to the conflict. Sudanese refugees in Eastern Chad, which is currently host to more Sudanese refugees than any other country, will also be supported. Not only is this aid vitally needed, but it will also help people to stay within their home region so they can return to their homes when conditions allow.

The UK will also increase its funding to a number of multilateral organisations to support governments that host high volumes of refugees and to improve the resilience of nations that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

The UK will also contribute up to £2 million to support the IOM’s work in Libya, including for voluntary humanitarian returns. The initiative helps vulnerable migrants in Libya return to their home country and reintegrate into their community in a safe and dignified manner. The project has also been supported by the EU and has been promoted by Italy through the Rome Process.

Background

Of the total £84 million, which comes from existing Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets, funding includes:

• £13 million to expand Migration for Development programmes in North and East Africa
• £21 million in multilateral support for key host and transit countries, including Libya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Chad
• £26 million for programmes across the Middle East and wider region to support Syrian refugees
• £24 million in direct funding to support communities in Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia

Additionally, up to £2 million will support the IOM’s work in Libya.

Find out further information about the UK’s commitments at the Global Refugee Forum: UK unveils support to tackle displacement and illegal migration.