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Tag: Foreign Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Malaysia [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Malaysia [January 2024]

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

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

    The UK welcomes Malaysia’s decision to abolish the mandatory death penalty for 11 offences, efforts to tackle modern slavery, and plans to provide alternative detention for children.

    However, the UK is concerned about proposed amendments to the Citizenship Law, the protection of migrants and refugees, and discrimination against LGBT persons.

    We recommend that Malaysia:

    1. Urgently develop a comprehensive framework of rights for stateless people and refugees, guaranteeing the rights to education and health for children, in accordance with relevant international conventions.
    2. Continue to protect and promote women’s rights through a Gender Equality Bill, and enshrine a clear and workable definition of “discrimination” in law.
    3. Take steps to tackle discrimination against LGBT individuals, including by supporting the adoption and implementation of the UN Standards of Conduct for Business.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British Virgin Islands: new Governor’s inaugural speech [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : British Virgin Islands: new Governor’s inaugural speech [January 2024]

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

    New Governor of the British Virgin Islands Daniel Pruce gave a speech at his swearing-in ceremony in Tortola on 29 January 2024.

    Good afternoon Honourable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

    I acknowledge the Protocol which has already been established.

    Firstly, thank you Honourable Premier and Honourable Leader of the Opposition for your warm words of welcome.

    I also thank Madam Justice, Angelica Teelucksingh, for accommodating us here today.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank in particular Deputy Governor David Archer for assuming the role of Acting Governor over the past week.

    I also wanted to pay tribute to the recently departed former legislator Carvin Malone.  My sincerest thoughts are with his family and friends as he is laid to rest later this week.

    And at a personal level I am grateful for the very warm welcome that has been extended to myself and to my wife Rachael, here with me this afternoon, by all of those we have so far met here in Tortola.  We look forward to meeting many more people, including across the Sister Islands.

    It is an honour and a privilege to have been appointed by His Majesty The King as his representative, and to be sworn in today as Governor of the Virgin Islands.

    I should like to recognise those Governors who have gone before me, including my most recent predecessor former Governor John Rankin.

    My priority as Governor will be to deliver positive change for all the people of the Virgin Islands.

    So I look forward to working in close cooperation and partnership with all branches of the Government of the Virgin Islands – the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

    I look forward to building close relations with all communities in the Territory and drawing from their insights as I set about my work.

    I will be a Governor who is accessible to everyone, including all branches of civil society, public servants and the private sector.

    And of course I will engage with the Government of the United Kingdom, representing the interests of these islands to the best of my ability.

    As Governor I look forward to collaborating with all those who have the best interests of the people of this Territory at heart, in positive and productive partnership.

    My appointment as Governor was made following an open competition, and was approved by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister and His Majesty The King, Charles the Third.  Rachael and I were granted an Audience with His Majesty before we left the UK.

    I have been a public servant, as a Member of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, for over 3 decades.  For me it has been a privilege to build my career in service to citizens and to wider society.  And I should like to celebrate all those who work in the public sector – dedicating their professional lives to serving their communities.

    An important part of my career has been to listen to, and to seek to understand, diverse views.  Inevitably perspectives and opinions differ. But that is a precious quality of a vibrant democracy – the ability to disagree in a respectful way.

    I look forward to discussing and understanding the many issues that matter to the people on the Islands:  the cost of living, tackling crime, the chance to build a better, safer future for your children.  These are all challenges that families across the world face at the moment.

    The modern partnership with the United Kingdom should help address these challenges – as the recent Joint Declaration on the Overseas Territories, agreed in November last year, set out.

    My top priority will be delivery:  working in partnership with all concerned to make positive and lasting change to the benefit of everyone.

    And with that in mind I make today 3 pledges to the people of this Territory:

    • first, I will do my best to keep everyone safe:  by fulfilling my responsibilities for security working with everyone in the community
    • second, I will champion excellence in governance:  by working to ensure the system serves the people, and does so efficiently and transparently
    • and third, I will support the efforts of partners across government and beyond to build a better future, including opportunities for the young and protection of this precious and stunningly beautiful  natural environment

    And in fulfilling these pledges I will of course work closely with colleagues in the Virgin Islands Government to fulfil the commitments made in response to the findings of the 2022 Commission of Inquiry: commitments made by a number of parties, include the office of Governor.

    Delivering the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry will help us achieve the positive changes we all want to see, including better access to services, a fairer society with opportunities for all, and a more accountable and transparent government.

    So all of us involved in this critically important work bear a shared responsibility – and an individual accountability – to approach it in the spirit of determination and collaboration.

    I ask you to judge me on the basis of what I achieve during my time here. Judge me on results.

    I will serve everyone, all communities, all islands, without fear or favour.

    I will be as open and transparent in my work as possible. I believe passionately that openness and democracy go hand in hand. So I will set myself a high standard of transparency. And I hope those I work with will help me achieve that.

    Of course, I am new to this role. I will rely on wise counsel around me as I listen and learn throughout my tenure as Governor.

    And I should like to take this opportunity to say directly to the people of the Virgin Islands themselves:

    • I will welcome your advice and guidance
    • I will work hard to earn your trust
    • and I will rely on your support

    In concluding I should stress that it is the honour of my life to hold this position.

    Thank you for your attention and may God bless the Virgin Islands and all who live here.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Central African Republic [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Central African Republic [February 2024]

    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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary returns to Middle East to support efforts towards regional stability [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary returns to Middle East to support efforts towards regional stability [January 2024]

    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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Settlements Bring Security’ conference in Jerusalem: FCDO statement [February 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Settlements Bring Security’ conference in Jerusalem: FCDO statement [February 2024]

    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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We urge the Sudanese authorities and all relevant parties to cooperate fully with the ICC: UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : We urge the Sudanese authorities and all relevant parties to cooperate fully with the ICC: UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    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.

    Madam President, I thank Prosecutor Khan for his thirty-eighth report on the Situation in Darfur and for his detailed briefing today.

    I also welcome the participation of the representative of Sudan at today’s Council meeting.

    Let me begin with the proceedings currently ongoing before the International Criminal Court. The UK welcomes the continued progress in the trial of Mr Abd-Al Rahman.  This is the first trial to come before the ICC in the Darfur Situation. The case is an important milestone for victims and for affected communities who have suffered for far too long.

    We note, however, that the other suspects with outstanding arrest warrants have not yet been surrendered to the Court. To date, those in power in Sudan have failed to provide the ICC with the necessary cooperation.

    We therefore call upon the Sudanese authorities to respond substantively to the Office of the Prosecutor’s request for information, as to the whereabouts of Ahmed Harun, Abdel Raheem Hussein and Omar Al-Bashir.

    We also urge the Sudanese authorities and all other relevant parties to cooperate fully with the ICC, including in relation to the 35 outstanding requests for assistance referred to by the Prosecutor’s thirty-eighth report and in his briefing today.

    Turning to the current situation in Sudan the UK is alarmed by the continuation of the conflict, including in Darfur.  We are deeply concerned at allegations that further atrocities have been committed in recent months, including credible reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions, violence targeted at specific ethnic groups and conflict-related sexual violence.

    The UK condemns alleged atrocities committed by all parties to the conflict and reminds both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces that the Prosecutor’s mandate in Darfur is ongoing.

    In this very challenging context, we welcome the Office of the Prosecutor’s deployment of investigative teams to the region. We also welcome the Office’s other ongoing work on the ground, including with victims, affected communities and civil society organisations in the region.

    Madam President, let me conclude by expressing our continued support to the Court in delivering justice for the people of Darfur and ending this cycle of impunity.

    Thank you, Madam President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Former First Minister of Scotland welcomes launch of VSO project with visit to MILF camp [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Former First Minister of Scotland welcomes launch of VSO project with visit to MILF camp [January 2024]

    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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the interim ICJ ruling in South Africa vs Israel [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the interim ICJ ruling in South Africa vs Israel [January 2024]

    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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on allegations about UNRWA staff and 7 October attacks [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on allegations about UNRWA staff and 7 October attacks [January 2024]

    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.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Iran’s Soraya satellite launch – E3 joint statement [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Iran’s Soraya satellite launch – E3 joint statement [January 2024]

    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.”