Tag: Foreign Office

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

The UK’s statement during Central African Republic’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered on 26 January 2024.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

We welcome the Central African Republic’s implementation of new human rights policies, legislation, and institutional measures, but we remain concerned by the stigmatisation of ethnic and religious minorities, and widespread abuses linked with the Wagner Group, which fuel the protracted conflict.

We call on CAR to protect women and children, and respond to the horrific rise in sexual and gender-based violence.

We recommend that CAR:

1. Take concrete steps to eliminate all forms of discrimination, violence, intimidation and threats, including through comprehensive, anti-discrimination legislation.
2. Adopt legislation to combat sexual and gender-based violence, including by criminalising marital rape, female genital mutilation, and early and forced marriage, and hold perpetrators of these crimes to account.
3. Strengthen the capacity, oversight and accountability of the judicial system, enabling it to independently investigate and prosecute all alleged human rights violations and abuses.

I thank you.

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

Foreign Secretary David Cameron will focus on the de-escalating of tensions in the region and securing an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza.

• Lord David Cameron will make his fourth visit to the Middle East as Foreign Secretary, starting in Oman
• he will call for stability over ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza
• visit follows the Foreign Secretary’s call for an international ‘Contact Group’ to build momentum towards lasting peace in the region

The Foreign Secretary will be back in the Middle East this week focusing on the de-escalating of tensions in the region and securing an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza.

He travels to Oman on Tuesday (30 January) for the first leg of the visit. This follows regional travel last week where he met with leaders in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar and Turkey.

The Houthi attacks on international shipping, which are harming regional security and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, will be a major focus of his discussions.

Last week, the UK set out new sanctions with the US against key figures within the Houthi regime’s military to disrupt their ability to carry out attacks in the Red Sea. Alongside our partners, we have issued repeated warnings through diplomatic channels to Iran and Houthi leadership to cease their attacks, and we have taken action to deter the Houthis, most recently when HMS Diamond successfully repelled a drone attack in the Red Sea on 28 January.

The Foreign Secretary will also reiterate with regional leaders the UK’s call for an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza to allow significantly more aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire.

The visit will be an opportunity to move forward the Foreign Secretary’s work to establish a Contact Group to be established between the US, UK, key EU, Gulf and Arab countries and Turkey, to use a pause in fighting to build momentum towards a lasting solution.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

The Houthis continue to attack ships in the Red Sea, risking lives, delaying vital aid getting to the Yemeni people and disrupting global trade. And we cannot ignore the risk that the conflict in Gaza spreads, spilling over borders into other countries in the region.

We will do everything we can to make sure that does not happen – escalation and instability is in nobody’s interests.

In Gaza, there is an urgent need for an immediate pause to allow aid in and hostages out. We are determined to do all we can to press for a sustainable ceasefire, and are stepping up our engagement with countries in the region to make sure that happens.

The Foreign Secretary will reiterate the UK’s commitment to getting life-saving aid into Yemen, and outline the action the UK is taking to deter the Houthis targeting ships in the Red Sea.

In Oman the Foreign Secretary is expected to meet Omani Foreign Minister Badr to discuss de-escalating rising tensions across the region.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gave a statement about the ‘Settlements Bring Security’ conference organised in Jerusalem on 28 January 2024.

A statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO):

The UK is alarmed by the conference in Jerusalem calling for the resettlement of Gaza, and that Israeli ministers participated.

The UK’s position is clear: Gaza is occupied Palestinian territory and will be part of the future Palestinian state.

Settlements are illegal. No Palestinian should be threatened with forcible displacement or relocation.

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

Statement by Colin McIntyre, UK Legal Adviser to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

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

This visit took place in the week marking the 5th anniversary of the founding of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

On 24 January, Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, and His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils visited Camp Badre in Maguindanao del Norte to meet Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities and launch a new UK-funded project supporting decommissioned combatants to develop new livelihoods opportunities, for example around agriculture or eco-tourism.

Through engagements with decommissioned combatants, Lord McConnell gained insights into the needs of the community and discussed UK support to the peace process. His visit comes at a crucial time for the Bangsamoro peace process, as the region prepares for its first Parliamentary elections in 2025.

Lord McConnell was in the Philippines from 22 – 26 January 2024. In Cotabato, Lord McConnell met with MILF leadership, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), representatives of the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities, political parties and civil society. In Manila, he had constructive discussions with Senator Raffy Tulfo, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo and Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and civil society.

Speaking after his visit, Lord McConnell said:

I was delighted to join the 5th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao this week in Cotabato. I was pleased to witness first-hand the progress made on delivering the peace process as we approach the important BARMM elections in 2025. The visit to Camp Badre was an opportunity to listen to the decommissioned combatants and learn more about their experiences. As we approach the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement, I congratulate all involved and I look forward to continuing to support them in delivering development, peace and inclusivity for all.

The visit marked the launch of the UK government-funded VSO ACTIVE Project, part of the UK government’s continuing programme of support to the BARMM. A spokesperson for VSO said:

The ACTIVE project in the Philippines has supported marginalised communities in MILF camps to generate livelihood opportunities, increase biodiversity, protect against the harmful impacts of climate change and hold local decision makers to account, with 380 community volunteers supporting over 20,000 people to date. The project contributes to the normalisation track and the Camp Transformation Plan and has helped decommissioned combatants and their families to establish agroecology initiatives and supported the construction of an eco-tourism area which is now protected by an ordinance. VSO and our partner, UnYPhil-Women, are delighted to have the opportunity to expand this work in Camp Badre, and we are very grateful to the FCDO for their ongoing support for the ACTIVE project.

Welcoming the launch of the project at Camp Badre, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said:

The UK government is delighted to support the normalisation track of the peace process, and in particular the VSO ACTIVE project in MILF camps. Peace is not just the absence of war – it’s also about opportunities, development and hope. The UK reiterates its unwavering support for the Peace Process and delivering lasting and inclusive peace for all.

Since 2020, the UK government has been supporting the peace process in the BARMM through a £12 million Conflict, Stability and Security Fund programme, sharing experience in devolution, institution-building, and peace transition.

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

The FCDO has issued a statement on the ICJ’s interim ruling in the case of South Africa vs Israel.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

We respect the role and independence of the ICJ. However we have stated that we have considerable concerns about this case, which is not helpful in the goal of achieving a sustainable ceasefire.

Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with IHL, as we have said from the outset. Our view is that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be described as a genocide, which is why we thought South Africa’s decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative.

We welcome the Court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza. We are clear that an immediate pause is necessary to get aid in and hostages out, and then we want to build towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to the fighting.

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

The FCDO has issued a statement in response to allegations that UN Relief and Works Agency staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The UK is appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned.

The UK is temporarily pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst we review these concerning allegations.

We remain committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it.

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

The UK, France and Germany have issued a joint statement in response to Iran’s satellite launch using the Ghaem-100 space launch vehicle on 20 January 2024.

E3 statement on Iranian Soraya satellite launch announcement:

“On 20 January Iran announced the launch of the Soraya satellite using the Ghaem-100 Space Launch Vehicle (SLV). We condemn this launch, as this SLV uses technology essential for the development of a long-range ballistic missile system. Iran continues to develop its missile programme despite repeated international calls to halt it, and after years of disregarding UN restrictions.

“Launches such as these allow Iran to test technology that could be used to further develop its ballistic missile programme, which poses a significant threat to regional and international security. We have longstanding concerns over Iran’s activity related to ballistic missile technologies that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons. These concerns are reinforced by Iran’s continued nuclear escalation beyond all credible civilian justification.

“The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom remain committed to taking every diplomatic step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to hold Iran to account for its destabilising activity in the region and internationally.”

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

Ambassador Neil Holland condemns Russia’s air attacks this week on Kyiv and Kharkiv, as well as the spate of attacks on Ukraine over the past month.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is regrettable – and sadly predictable – that we must gather today to condemn Russia’s latest wave of aerial attacks against the Ukrainian people.

The UK condemns Russia’s attacks this week unequivocally. According to reports, Russian missiles on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed at least 18 people and injured over one hundred. The devastation was felt most acutely in Kharkiv, where an apartment block was hit, killing two people, and injuring 35 residents.

Unfortunately, the attacks on Tuesday morning were just the latest of a series of acts of wanton destruction by Russia in Ukraine since we last gathered for a Permanent Council in December. Over the Christmas period, Russia launched hundreds of missile and drone strikes across cities in Ukraine including Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Lviv. This culminated on 29 December, when Russian unleashed its largest aerial assault against Ukraine since the war began. It killed at least 41 civilians, including a 15-year-old boy, wounded hundreds, and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including a maternity hospital. This pattern continued into January.

I offer my condolences and that of the UK to all Ukrainians for the lives lost due to these barbaric airstrikes. These took place far away from the front lines of Russia’s war, in civilian populated areas. The intensity, regularity and indiscriminate nature of Russia’s attacks may violate international humanitarian law, is extremely concerning and must stop.

The level of destruction and suffering that Ukraine continues to face is hard to comprehend. According to the UN, there have been 29,000 civilian casualties: with over 10,000 of those having been killed. On average six civilians are estimated to have been killed each day since the start of the invasion and 86% have been in government-controlled territory. This includes a significant proportion killed in areas away from the frontline, due to use of long-range weapons.

Russia chose to start this war, Russia can choose to end this war. Ukraine did not start it and has the right to defend itself. We will not let Russia win. We will continue to work with Ukraine and our international partners for a just and sustainable peace.

Madame Chair, as we approach the third year since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UK’s support will not falter. During his visit to Kyiv earlier this month, my Prime Minister announced a package of support and reaffirmed the close UK-Ukraine partnership. This included £2.5 billion in military support and a historic long-term security agreement. This brings the United Kingdom’s total package of support to Ukraine to approximately £12 billion. A clear signal of our unwavering support. We remain deeply humbled by the bravery and the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their determination to win.

Madame Chair, last but not least I also wanted to highlight today the UK’s continued concern for our three OSCE colleagues of the Special Monitoring Mission detained by Russia. The UK again calls for their immediate release.

The United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes. Thank you, Madame Chair.

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

The UK’s statement during Senegal’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered on 22 January 2024.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President, and we warmly welcome Her Excellency the Minister of Justice of Senegal to today’s Review.

The UK welcomes the progress made by Senegal on human rights issues, including on the rights of women and children. However, we remain concerned about continued high levels of child, early and forced marriage, as well as discrimination and violence based on gender or sexual orientation, and we call on the government to take further steps to tackle these.

We recommend Senegal:

1. Improve protections for the rights of women and children, including by adopting the draft ‘Children’s Code’.
2. Protect media freedom and the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, and of peaceful assembly and association, including during the 2024 presidential elections.
3. Ensure full compliance with Senegalese and international law on police custody and pre-trial detention time limits.

Thank you.