Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 February 2024.

The UK’s Statement for Enhanced ID on Human Rights in Eritrea, delivered at the UN Human Rights Council.

Thank you Mr Vice-President,

The UK thanks the speakers for their interventions, and we share their concerns, including on Eritrea’s continued policy of indefinite national service, which affects the lives of thousands, and is the reason many young Eritreans give for leaving their country. Eritrea should take steps to regularise the duration for national service and increase the exemptions to it.

Mr Vice-President,

We call again on the Government to fully respect the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, of religion or belief, and of peaceful assembly and association.  All those arbitrarily detained or held incommunicado in Eritrea must be released, including those detained solely based on their religion or belief.

We regret that the human rights situation in Eritrea is not improving.  We again call on Eritrea to re-engage with the international community, work with this Council and its mandate holders, implement fully its accepted UPR recommendations, and open itself to support and assistance, so progress toward full respect for human rights can start to be made.

A free and open society is the bedrock of stability and prosperity. The UK again restates our offer to engage with the government of Eritrea, in the hope that a better human rights situation can in turn deliver better economic opportunities for the people of Eritrea, particularly younger people.

Finally, Mr Vice-President,

We would like to ask the panellists for their assessment of whether any progress has been made or could possibly be made to hold perpetrators of human rights violations to account.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 February 2024.

Two years on, the international community’s support of the principles of democracy and freedom, and the Ukrainian people’s bravery and resilience, remain steadfast.

Thank you, Mr Chair. We have recently passed 2 landmark dates in Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine. Over a decade ago, on 20 February 2014, Russia illegally, and unacceptably sought to annex Crimea. While, last week, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine entered the third year. That President Putin supposedly intended his full-scale invasion to be a 3-day operation is a testament to many things; to Putin’s arrogance and hubris, to his strategic miscalculation, to the international community’s steadfast support of the principles of democracy and freedom, and to the enormous bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Although the land war in Ukraine continues to be strongly contested, any territorial land gains come at enormous strategic cost to the Russian armed forces, for limited tactical gains. Russia originally deployed 130 Battalion Tactical Groups for its invasion of Ukraine, comprising 1,300 tanks, over 5,000 infantry fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers (IFVs and APCs), and at least 100,000 personnel. In 2 years of conflict, Russia’s losses now match – and in many cases surpass – those that comprised its original force. Confirmed Russian losses include over 2,700 tanks and 5,000 IFVs and APCs, whilst Russia’s killed and wounded stand at over 350,000 personnel.

20% of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has now been destroyed. Further losses were sustained on 14 February 2024 when Ukrainian forces conducted a successful Uncrewed Surface Vessel attack on the Russian Ropucha-class landing craft ‘Tsezar Kunikov’. As a consequence, 3 of 10 Ropucha-class vessels have now been destroyed by Ukrainian strikes and the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, has been removed from his post.

In the air domain, Russia has lost its second A-50 MAINSTAY early warning and airborne control aircraft in 6 weeks. NATO now has more member states as a direct consequence of Putin’s illegal war of aggression. In contrast Russia’s military alliances are diminishing in recognition of the security proposition on offer.

Mr Chair, this all matters because Russia would love for nothing more than to deflect from the realities of its strategic errors. It would like for us to debate the technical wranglings of arms control, perversely attempting to obfuscate the key point that Russia invaded another country. Russia’s continual efforts to focus on the tactical to deflect from the strategic bigger picture. This is a reinforcement of the very behaviour that enabled it to send a generation of Russian boys into the meat grinder. This has all been done as part of Putin’s vanity project to realise his imperial ambitions, the sole aim of which is to preserve power for himself and a narrow Russian elite as part of his despotic regime.

When we reflect on where things stand, 2 years after the start of the full-scale invasion, we see a stronger NATO, a defiant, democratic Ukraine, the consolidation of an international community drawn together around the principles of democratic institutions and the respect for law and sovereignty. The vast majority of members in this Forum have aligned with these principles and will stand up against a nation that believes it can invade another with impunity. The vast majority of nations recognise, that for all of Russia’s attempts to divide us, to sow misinformation, to deflect, we will remain focussed on the strategic reality that Russia invaded its neighbour, Ukraine, and we will stand by Ukraine now and for as long as it takes. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 February 2024.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Mr Hirose in recognition of his exceptional contribution to furthering UK-Japan relations.

Mr Katsusada Hirose has had a long and distinguished career as a public servant, including as former Vice-Minister at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and as Governor of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu Japan from 2003 to 2023.  During his time as Governor, Mr Hirose was instrumental in building deep and lasting links between Oita Prefecture and the United Kingdom, and with Wales in particular.  His vision for closer collaboration between Wales and Oita began with the warm hospitality shown to the Welsh rugby team and fans when Oita hosted two of the Wales matches during the Rugby World Cup 2019; and it culminated in the signing in 2022 of a Memorandum of Understanding between Oita Prefecture and Wales.  Focused on developing people-to-people links, through Arts and Culture, Sport, Academia, Tourism and Food and Drink, the MOU has laid the foundation of a relationship that continues to grow from strength to strength.

The British Embassy in Tokyo and Consulate General in Osaka look forward to building on Mr Hirose’s legacy over the coming years.  We are committed to working with our partners in Oita to strengthen existing links and create new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as decarbonisation and innovation. We look forward to continuing to grow our economic, cultural and social links for the benefit of the people of both nations.

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

UK National Statement, delivered by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK’s Minister of State (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth).

Mr President,

The United Kingdom is proud to stand up for freedom and democracy.

We welcome the spotlight the Human Rights Council shines on the worst violations and abuses of human rights, and its work to hold those responsible to account.

I welcome the opportunity to reflect on three key areas of concern.

Ukraine / Russia
Beginning with President Putin’s barbaric assault on Ukraine, which has been marked by some appalling violations of human rights.

Within the last week, we have seen reports from the Ukrainian authorities of their soldiers being executed by Russian forces.

The independent Commission of Inquiry has uncovered mounting evidence of war crimes, and possible crimes against humanity.

From acts of torture and sexual violence to the killing and forced deportation of innocent civilians… it is vital to establish the full facts and gather evidence.

Only then can we bring those responsible to justice.

It is imperative that this session renews the Commission’s mandate.

Turning to matters within Russia, we were appalled by the news of Alexei Navalny’s death, and hold the Russian authorities fully accountable.

We offer our deepest sympathies to Mr Navalny’s family and are pleased that his body has finally been returned.

There must be a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death.

We reiterate our call for the release of all those imprisoned in Russia on political grounds, including British dual national Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Israel / OPTs
Now turning to Israel, the immediate priority must be a humanitarian pause in the fighting, which is the best route to secure the safe release of hostages and significantly step up the aid reaching Gaza.

We want that pause to lead to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to further fighting.

That remains the focus of our diplomatic efforts.

There must be a reduction in civilian casualties, and we call on all parties to act within international humanitarian law.

We are particularly concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s people are sheltering.

We urge Israel to take greater care to limit its operations to military targets and avoid harming civilians and destroying homes.

Meanwhile, we have sanctioned extremist Israeli settlers involved in some of the most egregious abuses of human rights in the West Bank.

The UK remains committed to a two-state solution, guaranteeing security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

We must generate momentum now towards a permanent peace.

The UK wants to see all countries face appropriate scrutiny of their human rights record, but opposes the disproportionate focus of Item 7, which damages efforts to achieve peace.

China
Meanwhile, the UK will continue to press the Chinese authorities to improve their human rights record, including in multilateral institutions, where last year we led another record statement at the Third Committee on Xinjiang.

In Hong Kong, we urge the authorities to repeal the National Security Law, and release Jimmy Lai.

Mr President, I have only reflected on three of the many areas of concern.

We also continue to watch developments closely in Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar and other countries where citizens’ most basic rights are being trampled.

Also South Sudan, where we have witnessed horrendous cases of sexual and gender-based violence as well as the targeting of journalists.

It is vital that the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights is extended.

Those who abuse or violate those rights must be held to account.

We will continue to support all efforts, including through this Council, to ensure that is the case.

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 28 February 2024.

Alister Jack says boosting business and continuing to drive down inflation is key to long-term growth.

Latest figures show Scotland’s onshore GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.4% in December 2023. This follows no growth (0.0% change) in November (revised up from -0.1%) and a 0.8% fall in October (revised from -0.6%).

In the last quarter of 2023, (October to December), GDP is estimated to have contracted by 0.6%, following growth of 0.4% in Quarter 3 (July to September).

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said:

The UK Government has halved inflation and, in doing so, we’ve broken down the single biggest barrier to growth. We are sticking to our plan to achieve long-term sustainable recovery.

We are boosting business and encouraging trade and opportunities by investing more than £2.9 billion directly across all parts of Scotland. We’re also putting more money in the paypackets of 2.4 million people in Scotland by cutting National Insurance and rewarding hard-working families with the biggest ever increase to the national living wage from next month.

Additional information

• The combined impact of the Autumn and Spring policy packages is a permanent 0.5% increase in the level of potential output by the end of the OBR’s forecast.
• To reward work, we have cut National Insurance for 29 million people worth £9 billion per year, worth £450 for the average employee on £35,400 and £350 for the average self-employed person on £28,200.
• Full expensing is the biggest business tax cut in modern British history worth over £50 billion over the next five years – helping companies to invest for less.
• Since 2010, the UK has grown faster than France, Japan and Italy, and Germany.
• Recent figures have shown that by the end of 2021 the UK had recovered faster from the pandemic than France, Germany, and Japan.

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

UK’s Minister of State for the UN, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, on his official visit to Geneva to attend the United Nations Human Rights Council High-Level Panel.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, Commonwealth, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, will visit Geneva today (Wednesday) to address the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

He will condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as calling out states who violate human rights. He will also reaffirm the Foreign Secretary’s calls for the fighting to stop now, creating the conditions for a sustainable and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as an irreversible pathway for a two-state solution that guarantees justice, peace, and security for the citizens of two states – Israel and Palestine.

Lord Ahmad will also deliver the UK’s national statement during the Conference on Disarmament’s High-Level Week, to an audience of 65 Member and over 20 Observer States. He will emphasise the importance of upholding multilateral institutions as multilateral institutions navigate growing strategic instability and politicisation.

The visit will provide the opportunity for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon to meet the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and discuss the UK’s human rights priorities.

Ahead of the visit, Lord Ahmad said:

“As we face some of the greatest global challenges of our time, the need for a strong multilateral system is more important than ever, and this visit will provide an important opportunity to come together with our international partners to protect and strengthen human rights across the world.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

The Human Rights Council will be in session from 26 February to 5 April.  The session will open with a Ministerial High-Level Segment and will be attended by the Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, Commonwealth, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict.

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

Foreign Secretary David Cameron gave a statement on Hong Kong’s Article 23 national security proposals.

The Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong confirmed that for 50 years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) would maintain a high degree of autonomy and that the rights and freedoms, as provided for by the laws previously in force in Hong Kong, would continue. Hong Kong’s Basic Law sets out those rights and freedoms.

As a co-signatory to the Joint Declaration, the UK has a responsibility to ensure that those rights and freedoms are maintained.

The UK government recognises the right of all jurisdictions to implement legislation to address national security concerns.  We also acknowledge that Hong Kong has a constitutional obligation to introduce such legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Hong Kong is also required to ensure that national security legislation aligns with international standards and upholds rights and freedoms, as set out in the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Legislative proposals announced on 30 January by the Hong Kong government do not uphold these obligations. They will have a negative impact on the people of Hong Kong in the exercise of their rights and freedoms.

My officials have raised our concerns privately with the Hong Kong authorities and through the public consultation process. Those concerns include, but are not limited to:

• the toughening of penalties for speech crimes and the use of the broadly defined term ‘state secrets’ will inhibit freedom of speech, of expression and of the press
• the risk that the work of international organisations in Hong Kong could be labelled as ‘foreign interference’
• vague references to ‘external forces’ and the new offence of ‘external interference’ threaten the legitimate and lawful diplomatic and consular activity as protected in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
• the absence of any reference to independent oversight, or the mechanisms that would support it
• lack of clarity on the procedures that will govern detention without charge, and the absence of a judicial oversight mechanism
• the absence of any provision for independent and robust mechanisms to safeguard against arbitrary action by the executive on national security grounds

The UK has noted the references to UK national security legislation throughout the consultation document. UK national security legislation is informed by public consultation and was subject to full scrutiny by both Houses of Parliament, including the democratically elected House of Commons. This ensures that our national security legislation is fully representative of the views of the UK public and has democratic legitimacy.

I strongly urge the Hong Kong SAR government to re-consider their proposals and engage in genuine and meaningful consultation with the people of Hong Kong.

We will monitor development of this legislation closely.

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on food security risks in Gaza.

Thank you, President, and I thank OCHA for the White Note and I thank too our briefers from OCHA, the FAO and the World Food Programme.

Colleagues, we are witnesses to a desperate situation in Gaza which is worsening day by day. In Rafah and the South, people are crammed into tents if they’re lucky, but without sufficient food, water or hygiene. In North Gaza, as we’ve heard from the World Food Programme, humanitarian organisations cannot get aid to people who desperately need it. Hunger is at catastrophic levels. As ever, the most devastating impact falls on the most vulnerable: women and children.

To address this, three things need to happen:

First, we call on all parties to stop fighting immediately. This is crucial to get aid in and hostages out, and then progress towards a sustainable and permanent ceasefire. This is the only way to alleviate catastrophic hunger and suffering in Gaza.

Second, we urge Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, and to facilitate distribution throughout the strip. Thousands of trucks are stuck in Egypt and Jordan, containing food, shelter and other essentials. We need more crossings opened for longer, including Kerem-Shalom. We need unencumbered access for aid coming from Jordan; we need the full opening of Ashdod Port. Key to this too is increasing the speed and capacity of aid screening operations, including at Kerem-Shalom and Nitzana to allow this life-saving aid to reach those who need it as soon as possible.

We are particularly concerned that the World Food Programme has had to suspend aid deliveries into Northern Gaza, due to the breakdown of law and order. Airdrops cannot substitute for land-based delivery; humanitarians need safe and unhindered access to the North through the Erez Crossings now.

We urge Israel to resume water and electricity supplies, which is critical for food production and safe drinking water. Commercial activity also needs to restart.

Third, the UN and humanitarian partners need greater protection and access to the tools needed to accomplish their mission. This includes armoured vehicles, communications equipment, personal protective equipment and visas. They need functioning deconfliction mechanisms and safety guarantees for locations and convoys.

President, colleagues, conflict in Gaza is driving hunger. Hunger is driving a breakdown in law and order, making it impossible for aid agencies to deliver aid safely.

This White Note makes clear that we need to act now. The UK calls for an immediate pause in fighting, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire. This is the only way to avert famine and alleviate suffering.

Thank you.

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

Thank you, President and I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary Griffiths for their briefings today.

Like others, we recall the devastating effects of the earthquakes one year ago and offer our condolences to those affected.

For 13 years, this conflict has ground on. To make meaningful progress on Syria we need to see three changes.

First, we want Syria to stop its destabilising activity. Syria’s readmission to the League of Arab States last year was an opportunity for the regime to play a more constructive role in the region. But we have not seen that change.

In particular the regime continues to generate vast profits producing and selling captagon. With the support of Iranian-affiliated groups, its trade is becoming ever more organised, violent and destabilising. That dangerous activity – which puts our partners in the region at risk – has to stop.

Second, we need to act to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria. 72% of the population is in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. In the north-east, more than a million people have been cut off from electricity. We continue to call for sustained, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access for people in need across Syria, including in the north-west. And we call on all parties to stop escalating activities.

For our part, the UK is investing in early recovery interventions so that ordinary Syrians have a means to build a better future. In 2023 we dedicated $19 million to early recovery and livelihoods projects – for example, rather than handing out food parcels, we are fixing irrigation and drainage systems so Syrian farmers can produce more food themselves.

Third, we call on all authorities in Syria to protect fundamental human rights. We are concerned at reports of the de facto authorities in Idlib’s proposed ‘public morality law’. If implemented, this law could significantly affect women’s rights and freedom of expression.  We are monitoring the situation closely and urge partners to use their influence to uphold human rights.

President, in conclusion, we underline our continued support for the efforts of UN Special Envoy Pedersen and welcome his extensive efforts to organise a meeting of the Constitutional Committee, and it is welcome news that he is today issuing invitations for a meeting in Geneva in April. We call on the Assad regime to engage in this process.

Syrians deserve sustainable peace and stability and a solution to this long running conflict. Resolution 2254 is the only route out of this conflict.

Thank you.

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

48 WTO members agreed a statement at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), Minister for Trade Greg Hands represented the UK.

Joint Statement of Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, European Union, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine and United States
We, the trade ministers/heads of delegation of the undersigned WTO Members, have met in Abu-Dhabi today on the occasion of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, to reiterate our full support for and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We express our deep sadness at the devastating human losses and profound suffering caused by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues for the third year in gross violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. In so doing, we reiterate our full support for the UN General Assembly Resolution of 2 March 2022 (A/RES/ES-11/1) and all other resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly at its eleventh emergency special session.

We reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine’s fight for its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and call for the Russian Federation to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have devastating global and regional impacts, including on Ukraine’s economy and ability to trade. The destruction of significant parts of Ukraine’s transportation, port infrastructure, and grain storage facilities as well as mining of agricultural land is impeding Ukraine’s ability to produce, export, and import normally. We are gravely concerned about the consequences of this destruction for Ukraine and for global trade, in particular with regard to the supply to international markets of a number of key commodities produced by Ukraine, including agricultural and food products, fertilisers, and critical minerals. We are also deeply concerned by numerous reports of grain being plundered by Russia from Ukraine. These actions violate the principles and values of the WTO.

Ukraine is one of the world’s top exporters of key agricultural products such as wheat, maize, barley, and sunflower oil. We recognise Ukraine’s determination, despite Russia’s war of aggression, to ensure food security and supply to some of the most vulnerable parts of the world, particularly developing countries. In this regard, the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative continues to be an important tool to help to respond to hunger. Russia weaponized food, and hit the world’s most vulnerable with its sea blockade. We praise Ukraine’s achievement of reopening grain exports by its Black Sea corridor to the global markets and welcome the establishment in 2022 of the EU Solidarity Lanes, which have allowed the exports of around 67 million tonnes of grain since May 2022 from Ukraine to global markets. This benefits all countries, notably the countries most in need. In this context, it is necessary to ensure free, full, and safe navigation in the Black and Azov Seas and ensure that sea routes and ports are not threatened or blocked by threat of or use of force.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has also caused profound environmental damage to Ukraine and resulted in unprecedented pollution and disruption of the regional ecosystems.

We underscore the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in full respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We welcome Ukraine’s efforts aimed at achieving peace, including through the principles laid out in President Zelenskyy’s 10 Point Peace Formula. We reiterate that the Russian Federation must bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for injury and loss, including for any humanitarian, economic, and environmental damage caused by such acts.

We will continue work to support Ukraine and to facilitate its exports and supply chains for the benefit of global food security. We encourage all WTO Members to do likewise in a manner commensurate with their capacity, including by facilitating the use of infrastructure, as well as facilitating and simplifying customs procedures. Within the capacity of each WTO Member, we will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people. We will also look for practical ways to help and assist Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts, activities, and projects to overcome the negative consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.