Tag: Foreign Office

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

Statement from the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at Vietnam’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Mr President. Welcome Minister.

The UK recognises Vietnam’s progress on economic, social and cultural rights, including on Women, Peace and Security.

But we remain concerned by the targeting of environmental and public policy experts and NGOs.

We recommend that Vietnam:

1. Clarify the legal and financial obligations on national and international NGOs when receiving funding of any kind; grant a grace period for compliance; and ensure fair treatment before the law for any violations.
2. Reduce the number of crimes punishable by the death penalty.
3. Take steps to guarantee and protect the right to freedoms of expression, association, and religion through reforming Articles 117 and 331 of the Penal Code.

Thank you.

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

International Holocaust Memorial Alliance Chair Lord Pickles welcomed the announcement of a new memorial to commemorate the persecution of the Roma community.

Tonight, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) UK Presidency, wishes to congratulate the Roma community, on this important announcement. Roma communities deserve a memorial to call their own that remembers and mourns the persecution and genocide of Roma that took place across Europe by the Nazis and their collaborators, 80 years ago.

We look forward to the unveiling of the memorial in Newcastle when it is finally installed. It will mark an important milestone in UK history, as now a prominent site will exist for future generations to visit and learn about what happened in those darkest of times. It will also serve to deepen understanding of Roma today, the distinct Roma languages, diversity and vibrant cultures and, of course, Roma’s outstanding contribution to this country.

IHRA is proud to have developed a working definition of Anti-Roma discrimination which we strongly encourage countries to adopt as a tool to help counter and address entrenched prejudices. IHRA will also soon publish recommendations for teaching and learning about the genocide of the Roma. We hope this will raise the profile of it to educational policy change-makers and will also support teachers in the classroom to teach it accurately, sensitively and to a high standard.

We commend you on this initiative and support you in the journey ahead.

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Thank you, President, let me first congratulate you on assuming the Presidency for the month of May, and thank Malta for their excellent stewardship for the month of April. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy Hannah Tetteh for your briefings. I welcome the participation of the representatives of Sudan and South Sudan at this meeting.

Let me start, President, by commending UNISFA for its efforts to maintain peace security in Abyei in challenging circumstances, including through collaboration between the Mission, NGOs, local authorities, and communities.

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the alarming rise in intercommunal clashes between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka. Violent clashes over the past six months have led to hundreds of civilian casualties and claimed the lives of two peacekeepers. We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of all victims and to the Governments of Ghana and Pakistan. As well as to the families of two ICRC workers killed on 2 May in South Darfur.

Second, the United Kingdom calls on the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities to create the necessary conditions for UNISFA to fully implement its protection mandate. We further urge community leaders and influential figures to take steps to de-escalate tensions. The rise in South Sudanese troop deployments in and around Abyei has actively contributed to insecurity and the proliferation of arms in the area.

We call on South Sudan to withdraw its armed forces from southern Abyei immediately, in accordance with their obligations under the Status of Forces Agreement.

We call on Sudan to urgently ensure the safe resupply and freedom of movement of the Joint Border Verification Mechanism. And we further urge enhanced coordination by local authorities to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable across Abyei.

Third, for real progress to be made in addressing Abyei’s dire humanitarian situation and its unresolved political status, fighting in Sudan must end now.

We reiterate our calls to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities and make way for a political transition.

In closing, President, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the military clashes in Sudan and intercommunal conflict across Abyei and South Sudan. Peacekeepers and humanitarians are risking their lives to try and alleviate suffering. They must not be targets.

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

The Foreign Secretary, along with England and Scotland bosses, looks ahead to Euro 2024. Fans are advised to check travel information before heading overseas.

With just over a month to go until UEFA Euro 2024, the government has joined forces with England and Scotland bosses to countdown to the tournament.

Germany and Scotland contest the opening game in Munich on 14 June, with thousands of fans expected to travel to Germany to enjoy the football.

The government is working closely with the Football Associations of England and Scotland, fan representatives, the UK police and German authorities, to provide practical information and advice.

Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said:

Some of the world’s best players will be in Germany for what promises to be an amazing tournament.

We know that football fans from across the UK will be travelling to Germany to enjoy the wonderful event the hosts will provide. We ask that those travelling take a look at the travel advice to make sure they have the best experience possible.

England Manager, Gareth Southgate, commented:

We’re all looking forward to this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024. Germany is a country with incredible football heritage and will undoubtedly be a great host of the tournament.

Given the important role they play for the team, we want all of our travelling fans to have the best possible experience.

The UK will have a consular presence in Germany throughout the tournament, to support those British nationals requiring help or advice.

Scotland Head Coach, Steve Clarke, said:

The Scotland supporters are renowned for the atmosphere they bring to major tournaments when they travel abroad and I know how much the fans are looking forward to the action kicking off in Germany.

I would encourage all Scotland supporters to follow the government’s travel advice to ensure that they are well prepared to join in the fun when it kicks off.

Thomas Concannon, Football Supporters Association, said:

We are delighted to see the level of support that is in place for England fans travelling to Germany from so many key stakeholders. The England Fans’ Embassy – a by-fans, for-fans service – will be running in Germany to assist fans on the ground in each city we play in.

Martin Riddell, Chair of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said:

The Tartan Army gets behind the Scotland team at every match we play.

This summer we all need to be on the ball when it comes to knowing entry requirements and travel advice to make sure Euro 2024 is as successful off the pitch as Steve Clarke’s team will be on it.

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

Mr Patrick Lynch has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar in succession to Mr David Ashley.

Mr Patrick Lynch has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar in succession to Mr David Ashley who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Lynch will take up his appointment during August 2024.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Patrick Martin Lynch

Year	Role
2019 to 2023	Victoria, British High Commissioner
2016 to 2019	Washington DC, Head of US Office of Hedayah, Intergovernmental Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism
2013 to 2016	Abu Dhabi, Director of Capacity Building Programmes, Hedayah, Intergovernmental Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism
2012 to 2013	Northern Ireland Office, Head of Community Engagement Strategy
2010 to 2012	Northern Ireland Office, Head of Political Affairs Unit
2008 to 2010	Kabul, First Secretary – Criminal Justice
2006 to 2008	Northern Ireland Office, Head of Human Rights and Equality Unit
2003 to 2006	Northern Ireland Office, Policy Officer, Policing Reforms Division
2001 to 2003	Belfast, Mediation Northern Ireland, Mediation Practitioner and Trainer

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

Statement from the UK at Eritrea’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

We thank Eritrea for presenting its National Report, and we welcome some progress on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including action to tackle Female Genital Mutilation and to promote access to clean water and sanitation.

However, much more needs to be done to ensure the human rights of Eritrea’s people are fully promoted and protected. Meaningful change at pace is urgently needed, and we stand ready to assist.

We recommend that Eritrea:

1. Cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, including through enabling access to the country.
2. Investigate the social impact of national service, including developing schemes that promote access to employment following the completion of the mandated national service.
3. Implement the Constitution proposed by President Isaias over a decade ago, involving the participation of an elected legislature, independent media and a free and open civil society.

Thank you.

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

The two-day visit will strengthen UK-Bangladesh modern economic, security and migration partnership.

• Minister for the Indo-Pacific visit will strengthen UK-Bangladesh modern economic, security and migration partnership
• UK will back economic development efforts with launch of new trade policy project in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh
• New UK funding of £12 million ($15 million) announced will provide vital humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar

UK-Bangladesh cooperation set to increase on priority areas including migration, economic reform and security, as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, will arrive in Bangladesh on a two-day visit, today morning (Tuesday 7 May). On her second visit to Bangladesh in her role as Indo-Pacific Minister, she will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

During her visit to Dhaka, Minister Trevelyan will meet Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud. Discussions are expected to focus on UK-Bangladesh migration cooperation, trade and economic ties, and the UK’s support to the Rohingya refugee response.

The Minister will also meet business leaders, humanitarian actors, climate experts and, in meetings with civil society organisations and political leaders, she will recognise the importance of democracy and human rights as foundations for long-term growth and prosperity. Minister Trevelyan will also announce new UK support to equip and empower youth and vulnerable groups in Bangladesh to engage in climate action.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said

“I’m pleased to be back in Bangladesh with our new trade policy project marking an important step forward towards closer UK-Bangladesh collaboration, boosting our economic ties.

“We remain steadfast in our support for the Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh, and will provide £12 million of new humanitarian assistance, to increase access to clean water, healthcare, shelter, and protection services for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.”

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, said

“Delighted to welcome UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, to Bangladesh. The UK’s long-standing friendship with Bangladesh is cemented by the deep cultural and people-to-people links between our two countries.

“The UK-Bangladesh partnership continues to go from strength to strength. From our joint work to tackle economic challenges, to our steadfast support for the Rohingya, and our partnership on climate change, we are determined to do more together.”

Reaffirming the UK’s sustained support for the Rohingya people, Minister Trevelyan will announce £12 million (over 163 Crore Taka) of new UK humanitarian assistance to support Rohingya refugees and neighbouring host communities in Bangladesh. The new funding will provide clean water, healthcare, shelter and protection services. It will also support the development of the camp’s infrastructure to help protect it from natural disasters.

Minister Trevelyan will also announce a new trade policy project with the Government of Bangladesh. The UK will provide technical assistance to Bangladesh to strengthen trade policy capability and implement reforms. The project will support Bangladesh tackle economic challenges and graduate successfully from Least Developed Country status in 2026.

Note to editors

The new package of funding to support Rohingya refugees totals £12 million. This assistance will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Since 2017, the UK has provided £391 million ($487 million) to support the Rohingya, and neighbouring host communities in Bangladesh.

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

London hosts to the UK-Germany Cultural Commission for the first time in over 30 years, and Minister for Europe emphasises culture’s role in Ukraine war.

• UK-German Cultural Commission held in London for the first time in over 30 years, hosted by the Minister for Europe, and German counterpart
• Minister Ghani will emphasise the importance of celebrating national culture in Europe as Russia attempts to erase Ukrainian identity
• event follows the Prime Minister’s visit to Germany where he hailed the opening of a ‘new chapter’ in the UK-Germany relationship

For the first time in 30 years, London will play host to the UK-Germany Cultural Commission today (7 May), where the Minister for Europe will open the forum by emphasising culture’s role in Russia’s war with Ukraine, through which Putin is working to erase Ukrainian cultural identity.

Minister Nusrat Ghani, herself sanctioned by Russia, will also highlight the importance of celebrating and preserving cultural heritage alongside European neighbours.

A forum established in 1958 – and revived in Germany last year – the UK-Germany Cultural Commission sets the agenda for joint cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Joining UK and German organisations and colleagues, Minister Ghani will co-chair the event at Lancaster House with German Foreign Office Minister of State Katja Keul.

They will champion the strong links between the 2 countries, from language and education exchange, to this year’s European Football Championship, which will see 500,000 UK fans visiting Germany.

Minister for Europe, Nusrat Ghani said:

From football to Bauhaus, the UK and Germany are inextricably linked through our culture, and these ties help form the foundation of our close alliance.

When national identities are threatened, our culture – the customs and institutions that define us – becomes even more important.

As Russia seeks to wipe Ukrainian culture off the face of our continent, we cannot stand idly by and must stand with our partners in solidarity with Ukraine, their identity and their people.

The Commission follows the Prime Minister’s visit to Germany earlier this month, during which he declared the opening of a ‘new chapter’ in the UK-Germany relationship, and announced a strengthening of the two nations’ position against Russian aggression, as well as discussing mobility and migration with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The forum will also see Ministers, officials, and cultural organisations – such as the Goethe Institute and British Council – discuss the promotion of German language learning in the UK, co-operation in higher education and research, the protection of cultural heritage, and the importance of mobility between the UK and Germany.

The UK and German governments will also celebrate the ongoing work to boost student exchanges between our schools, this year significantly increasing funding for UK German Connection – a bilateral organisation that facilitates youth and school exchange.

Several high-profile cultural figures with German and British connections will also be in attendance – including DCMS Minister Lord Parkinson, and illustrator of the iconic children’s book The Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler. Delegates will enjoy a performance by young poets from Saxony and Manchester, who are part of the Cultural Bridge programme.

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

International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Chair Lord Pickles welcomed the transformation of the former concentration camp from an industrial pig farm to a memorial.

It is a real honour to be here today.

I can recall many a heated discussion at IHRA plenaries about the indignity of having a pig farm on a site near the mass graves of 300 people from the Roma community who had been murdered by the Nazis and collaborators.

We have to acknowledge that disregarding the site and unmarked mass graves in favour of the farm was an attempt by some to forget this dark chapter in Czechia’s history. For others, it symbolized the persistence of anti-Roma sentiment in Czech society and in many parts of Europe.

Being here today at the official opening of Lety clearly shows how far the Czechia has come government has come and its friends rejoice at the opening of the memorial.

Since 2014 IHRA has been involved in the transformation of Lety from the pig farm it once was to the memorial it is today. IHRA have regularly raised with both the Czech authorities and IHRA member countries the need for a respectful place of commemoration at Lety.

After decades of campaigning by local activists and increased efforts by the IHRA, the pig farm was redeemed by the Czech government and acquired by the Museum of Romani Culture in Brno.

In 2019, the Museum of Romani Culture was awarded an IHRA grant to develop a concept for the exhibition for the Lety memorial. This exhibition not only covers the history of the concentration camp, but also works to prevent false assumptions on the purpose of the camp and the conditions of the victims and to counter any new denial of the genocide of the Roma as well as antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination.

I am pleased that IHRA’s experts remained actively involved as the new memorial complex was designed. This includes IHRA’s Safeguarding Sites team which visited Lety last June.

IHRA is immensely proud that all member countries adopted the Safeguarding Sites Charter and that Lety stands today as a proud representation of our safeguarding efforts.

It is an honour to see how we have all worked together to ensure that the victims of the Roma genocide are remembered.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to praise the Czech government for recently adopting the IHRA working definition of antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination.

I encourage you now to look at further practical steps to address the long-term discrimination that the Roma community continue to face in this country. Examples include the difficulty Roma people face in accessing compensation for forced sterilisation, and segregation of Roma children in schools. These are legacies of the genocide which need to be eradicated, and learnt from.

This is an important day for acknowledging the dark moments of the past but looking towards a brighter future. I look forward to continued closer co-operation between the IHRA and Czechia. Thank you, all, for your continued leadership.

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

Mr Ramin Navai has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador in succession to Mr David Lelliott OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Navai will take up his appointment during December 2024.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Ramin Navai

Date	Role
2020 to date	Asunción, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2018 to 2020	FCO, Deputy Head, Counter Daesh Communications Cell, Communications Directorate
2015 to 2018	FCO, Head of Programme Team, Syria Unit, Middle East & Near Africa Directorate
2010 to 2015	Chicago, Deputy Consul General
2006 to 2010	Bogotá, 2nd Sec Political
2004 to 2006	Home Office, Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre
2003 to 2004	FCO, Cuba, Haiti & Dominican Republic Desk Officer, Latin America and Caribbean Department
2002 to 2003	FCO, G8 Desk Officer, Economic Policy Department