Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

The United Kingdom announces a further £5 million of support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to provide non-lethal support to Somali Security Forces.

• UK announces a further £5 million of support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
• The funding will be used to provide non-lethal support to Somali Security Forces in their fight against al-Shabaab, including communications equipment, shelter and medevac assistance.

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has allocated a further £5 million in funding for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia through the UNSOS Trust Fund. The UNSOS Trust Fund provides non-lethal support to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in their fight against al-Shabaab. This reinforces the UK’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the SSF to ensure the safety and security of Somalia and the wider region.

The Trust Fund, administered by UNSOS, plays a crucial role in providing non-lethal logistical support to the SSF, including vital resources such as rations, tents and lifesaving medevac assistance. The Trust Fund currently supports 14,900 Somali National Army and 1,000 Somali National Police forces and with the support of contributing countries like the UK is aiming to boost support to 18,900 SSF.

Continued support to troops will not only contribute to the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts against al-Shabaab but also facilitate the further development of the SSF’s capability through provision of logistical support such as fuel and rations but also the materials to set up forward operating bases (‘field defence stores’). Communications equipment will also be provided to increase the operational readiness and effectiveness of the SSF.

Increasing the capability of the SSF is an essential component of the ongoing security transition process in Somalia, which has seen the SSF take on greater responsibility for ensuring national security and stability. The UK remains a steadfast supporter of the transition process and a committed partner in Somalia’s fight against terror.

British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said of the new funding:

This latest round of support from the UK will make a vital difference to Somali Security Forces who are working tirelessly to defeat violent extremists like al-Shabaab and restore stability in Somalia and the region.

The UK will continue working side by side with the Federal Government of Somalia and other partners to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis. We go far when we go together.

The Commander of the Somalia National Army, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, welcomed the announcement of this additional contribution from the UK.

He outlined the importance of consistent support in this transition period as SSF take over forward operating bases from ATMIS whilst also being on the offensive against al-Shabaab:

We welcome the trust placed in the Somali Security Forces, including the Somalia National Army, and the practical support to peace and security in Somalia.

Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNSOS, expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued support, emphasising its significant impact on bolstering the capabilities of the Somali Security Forces. Kacyira highlighted the UK as a central and dedicated donor to the Trust Fund enabling UNSOS to support the logistical priorities of Somalia Security Forces.

She reaffirmed UNSOS’s commitment to providing essential logistical support to the Somali Government, supporting its endeavours to establish a stable and secure Somalia.

This new UK funding follows a substantial contribution of £5 million in December 2023. Since 2022 the UK has given over £20m of voluntary contributions in support of UNSOS, supporting a safer Somalia and going far, together.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

The UK delivered a statement during Nigeria’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President, and we warmly welcome His Excellency the Minister of Justice of Nigeria to today’s Review.

The UK acknowledges Nigeria’s progress on human rights since its last Review, and welcomes Nigeria’s commitment to investigating allegations of human rights violations by security forces, which should be conducted robustly and transparently and ensure perpetrators are held to account.

We recommend that Nigeria:

1. Protect civilians and ensure all violations of International Humanitarian Law and all human rights violations or abuses are fully investigated, ensuring accountability when civilians are unlawfully killed.
2. Ensure that the human rights of those accused of blasphemy are protected and ensure accountability for related mob killings.
3. Enact further legislation to strengthen the rights of women, including the five bills it has committed to re-introducing, and increase women’s political participation and promote gender equality.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward The Duke of Edinburgh has spent the last two days in South Africa (22 – 23 January), marking the first Royal visit of its kind since President Ramaphosa’s historic State Visit to the UK in November 2022.

During the visit, His Royal Highness met Acting President Mashatile at Oliver Tambo House.

Alongside Ms Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, The Duke explored Pretoria’s Botanical Garden with CEO of the South African National Institute (SANBI), Mr Shonisani Munzhedi. This followed President Ramaphosa’s visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and marked the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa’s rich plant diversity.

HRH met a wheelchair user and her husband who are regular users of the Enabling Garden, to learn about the different indigenous plants suitable for hanging baskets. He learnt about some of South Africa’s abundant flora biodiversity and medicinal plants, as well as viewing the National Herbarium where the largest collection of plant specimens in southern Africa are hosted (with over one million currently being digitised).

HRH met biodiversity organisations to hear about how they are conserving nature and reversing biodiversity loss.

At the British High Commissioner’s Residence, The Duke toured an exhibition of President Award winners, moving from stand to stand to talk to young people about their journeys, alongside Award Chairman Modise Makhene and Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Kwati Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

This year, the President’s Award (The Duke of Edinburgh International Award) celebrates its 41st anniversary in South Africa.

Launched in 1994 with Nelson Mandela as the Founding Patron-in-Chief, the Award

today continues to serve as a shining example of our shared values of youth empowerment, community service and creating opportunities for all.

The Award supports approximately 3,000 young South Africans each year. Since 2011, over 65,000 young people are estimated to have participated in the programme.

HRH also attended a Reception at the Residence with Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, to celebrate the launch of the UK’s new International Science Partnership Fund.

UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:

“This visit reflects the significant breadth and depth of our modern-day friendship with South Africa – from youth empowerment, to climate, science research, biodiversity and democracy – our countries’ shared values are clear. Continued collaboration and investment in these areas of mutual interest demonstrate our commitment to working together to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

Lord Cameron will visit Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar and Turkey to urge regional leaders to work with the UK to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.

• Foreign Secretary to visit Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar and Turkey to hold high-level talks with regional leaders to get more aid into Gaza, hostages out and reach a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.
• David Cameron will focus on advancing discussions with the Israelis and Qataris for an urgent humanitarian pause in Gaza
• He will build on efforts to secure the safe release of hostages, pushing forward the cases of British and dual nationals through all diplomatic routes.

The Foreign Secretary travels to the Middle East and Turkey this week where he will urge regional leaders to work with the UK to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, so that Israelis and Palestinians can build a peaceful future together.

The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have set out the necessary elements for progress – Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages, they can no longer be in charge of Gaza and the threat from their terror and rocket attacks must end. An agreement must also be put in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza in order to provide governance and services and, increasingly, security.

In Israel, the Foreign Secretary will speak to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Katz, calling for more to be done, more quickly to significantly increase the flow of life-saving aid into Gaza. He is also expected to raise UK concerns over the high number of civilian causalities.

The Foreign Secretary will reiterate that more crossing points need to be open for longer for aid deliveries to Gaza, including the port at Ashdod and the Kerem Shalom crossing, and that water, fuel and electricity must be restored during his meetings.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

No-one wants to see this conflict go on a moment longer than necessary. An immediate pause is now necessary to get aid in and hostages out. The situation is desperate.

This week I am in the Middle East working with partners to help build a plan to move from that pause to a sustainable, permanent ceasefire without a return to hostilities.

Such a plan would require Hamas to agree to the release of all hostages, Hamas to no longer be in charge of Gaza launching rocket attacks at Israel, and an agreement in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza in order to provide governance and services and, increasingly, security.

The Foreign Secretary will also meet with President Abbas and will highlight the UK’s long-term support for a two-state solution so that Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in peace.

In Qatar, David Cameron will see first-hand UK-Qatar co-operation to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza for those who need it most, and meet counterparts to discuss how the two countries can work more closely together to do even more.

He will also hold detailed talks on efforts to secure the safe release of hostages, pressing the cases of British and dual nationals through as many diplomatic channels possible.

Qatar has been a key mediator throughout the conflict to allow for the release of hostages. It is important the UK continues to work with Qatar, and others in the region, to secure a sustainable ceasefire and the release of all further hostages held by Hamas.

The UK is working with both Qatar and Turkey to address regional instability, seeking the safe return of hostages, working together to tackle terrorism and support those affected by conflict.

In Turkey, the Foreign Secretary will meet Turkish Government leaders to discuss regional security in the Middle East alongside a range of other shared challenges. The UK and Turkey have a close partnership and will continue our essential work on tackling terrorism and illegal migration and shoring up support for NATO and Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

Joint Statement from the Governments of Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States.

In response to continued illegal and reckless Houthi attacks against vessels transiting the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, the armed forces of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted additional strikes against eight targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, in accordance with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence, consistent with the UN Charter.

These strikes were designed to disrupt and degrade the capability of the Houthis to continue their attacks on global trade and innocent mariners from around the world, while avoiding escalation.

The thirty-plus attacks that the Houthis have launched on commercial and naval vessels since mid-November constitute a threat to all countries that rely on international maritime shipping.  We condemn these attacks, and demand an end to them.  We also underscore that those who supply the Houthis with the weapons to conduct these attacks are violating UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law.

The January 22nd international response to the continuing Houthi attacks demonstrated shared resolve to uphold navigational rights and freedoms, and to defend the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

Statement by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon at the United Nations Security Council open debate on the Middle East.

Thank you, Mr. President, and may I begin by also thanking the Secretary-General for his very detailed introduction to today’s very important debate.

What is very clear is the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening daily. People have lost their families. People have lost their homes. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are now facing the risk of famine. They’re suffering, frankly put, is unacceptable and our priority must be to alleviate it. Last month, together with the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, we both visited Al Arish near the Rafah crossing. Amongst other engagements, it was a privilege to meet Egyptian Red Crescent Society staff who, along with others including UNRWA and many other international organisations, are working tirelessly to get life saving aid into Gaza. May I put on record that we sincerely commend all UN and humanitarian teams for their ongoing work, amid hugely difficult conditions on the ground. Many, as we’ve heard, already have paid with their lives. I’ve heard also first-hand reports of what can only be described as shocking and harrowing medical operations and procedures taking place, including on young children, desperate conditions, no anesthesia and, as a backdrop to that, mass burials taking place. To put it succinctly and directly, this must end. Agreements are needed now, and the UK is calling for an immediate humanitarian pause as being necessary to get lifesaving aid in and hostages out. We must alleviate the pain and suffering for all.

In parallel and in accordance with resolution 2720, we urgently call on Israel to significantly increase the flow of aid into Gaza, including through opening Ashdod port and increasing immediate access through Kerem Shalom. This needs to happen and happen now. The United Kingdom has trebled our financial aid commitment to support Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year. And I assure you, Mr. President, we will continue to do everything we can to get more aid in and open more crossings.

Yes, the UK supports Israel’s security, its right to self-defense, but this must be in line with international humanitarian law. And of course, like others, we condemn all forms of terrorism. Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks have had an irreversible impact on innocent lives. I’ve seen this as I saw again last week in my meetings together with the Foreign Secretary, with families of some of the hostages still held in Gaza. But what is very clear is that this conflict must not go on a moment longer than necessary. We must collectively work towards a sustainable ceasefire which ends this shocking destruction, which ends fighting, which ends loss of life and prevents the resumption of hostilities.

So what do we need to do to achieve this? Hamas would have to agree the release of all hostages. No longer can they be in charge of Gaza and no longer pose a threat to Israel through terror attacks. But we also need an agreement in place for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, as well as a complete rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Peace, Mr. President, remains the only way to end this tragedy and suffering that has engulfed Israelis and Palestinians once and for all. Stability, peace, justice and security is the only way forward. For a peaceful solution, four things must also happen: There must be a Palestinian led government in Gaza and across the West Bank, there must be a concrete plan to help revitalize and support the Palestinian Authority, there must be a massive reconstruction plan for Gaza, and importantly, there must be a political horizon towards the delivery of a two-state solution. It is now the time in this tragedy that engulfs us to grasp the moment, to choose hope over despair, peace over conflict, and again commit ourselves to working together to make that vision for peace a true living reality of two states, Israel and Palestine, side by side in the Middle East.

Thank you, Mr. President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

The UK, US and Australia have sanctioned a Russia-based cyber hacker in coordinated action aimed at cracking down on international cyber crime.

Today’s sanctions target Russian national Aleksandr Ermakov who has been identified by the Australian Signals Directorate and Australian Federal Police along with international partners as a key actor in the Australia Medibank cyber attack in 2022.

The attack, largely considered one of the worst cyber incidents in Australia’s history saw 9.7 million customers’ records, containing medical and personal data, and data on over 480,000 health claims leaked on the dark web.

The data leaked contained highly sensitive medical information about individuals’ treatment, including records on mental health, sexual health and drug use.

Today’s measures will hold the individual responsible for this atrocious attack accountable. Ermakov will now be subject to a series of asset freezes and travel bans.

The UK has sanctioned Aleksandr Ermakov as part of our wider commitment to cracking down on malicious cyber activity and working with our international partners to promote international security and stability in cyberspace.

Sanctions Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

We stand with our allies in Australia and the US and will continue to hold cyber hackers to account for damaging cyber attacks designed to undermine global democracies.

These cynical and reckless attacks cause real damage to people’s lives and livelihoods. We must work together to call out and combat these malicious attacks.

These sanctions have been delivered jointly with Australia and the US and are the latest in our efforts to counter malicious cyber criminal activity emanating from Russia that seeks to undermine our, and our allies’, integrity and prosperity.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

The UK, US and Australia have announced new sanctions on key figures in the financial networks of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

• UK, US and Australia have today sanctioned key figures in the financial networks of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
• targets include a key Hamas financier who has used his money exchange and cryptocurrencies to move Iranian funding to terrorist groups
• coordinated sanctions show “there is no place to hide” for Hamas financiers, says the Foreign Secretary

The UK, US and Australia have imposed coordinated sanctions on Hamas today to disrupt the terrorist group’s financial networks.

Five key figures and an entity involved in the leadership and financial networks of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) are the subject of the UK’s new sanctions, which will help to cut off the flow of funding that supports these terrorist groups, including from Iran.

Today’s announcement is the third round of sanctions imposed on Hamas and PIJ by the UK following the 7 October attacks on Israel, which build on existing sanctions against the groups.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

These sanctions send a clear message to Hamas – the UK and our partners are committed to ensuring there is no hiding place for those financing terrorist activities.

To reach a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas can no longer be in power and able to threaten Israel. By disrupting the financial networks which sustain Hamas’ operation, including from Iran, these sanctions support that crucial aim.

The UK is committed to working with partners to tackle Iran’s destabilising activities in the Middle East, including its long-term support to terrorist and militant groups. Today’s sanctions target Zuheir Shamlakh, a man with an infamous reputation as Hamas’s ‘main money changer’ since 2019, and a key figure in the group’s shift towards cryptocurrencies.

Shamlakh exploited digital currencies and existing systems of informal money transfers to move large sums of money from Iran to Hamas ahead of the tragic 7 October attacks. This underground financial network uses legitimate businesses as a front to conceal the flow of terrorist funding.

Those now subject to UK asset freezes and targeted arms embargoes include:

• Zuheir Shamlakh: a key Hamas financier including through his company Al Mutahadun for Exchange
• Ahmed Sharif Abdallah Odeh: a key operator in Hamas’s financial network who previously ran their international portfolio of companies
• Ismail Barhoum: a member of Hamas’s Political Bureau in Gaza and the group’s governing Shura Council
• Hassan Al-Wardian: a senior leader of Hamas in the Bethlehem/West Bank region
• Jamil Yusuf Ahmad Aliyan: a senior PIJ official and representative based in Gaza

The individuals are also subject to a travel ban, and will be unable to enter the UK.

The UK, along with our G7 partners, has committed to take action to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out atrocities. The EU announced on Friday 19 January 2024 a new EU sanctions regime against Hamas and sanctioned 6 targets which had previously been sanctioned by the UK and US.

This is the third tranche of sanctions the UK has imposed against Hamas and its associates since 7 October under the UK’s International Counter-Terrorism sanctions regime. Previous packages have targeted other top-ranking officials and financiers of Hamas.

The Foreign Secretary continues to work with allies and partners to find a peaceful resolution to this conflict. During his visit to Davos last week the Foreign Secretary spoke with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Masrour Barzani.

Background

• Hamas and PIJ themselves are already sanctioned by the UK, and are subject to an asset freeze and arms embargo
• membership and expressing support for Hamas or PIJ is an illegal act in the UK, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union, have designated Hamas and PIJ as terrorist groups
• an asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world
• a travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971
• this follows 2 previous rounds of UK-US coordinated sanctions action against Hamas following the 7 October attacks on Israel:
  • first round: UK and US hit Hamas leadership with targeted sanctions
  • second round: UK and US target Hamas with new sanctions to isolate terror group
• on 14 December 2023 the Foreign Secretary announced a new Iran sanctions regime, giving the UK extensive new powers to hold Iran to account. Further information on this and the first round of sanctions under this regime: New Iranian sanction regime comes in to force

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, delivered a statement during China’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The UK has four recommendations:

1. Cease the persecution and arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and Tibetans, and allow genuine freedom of religion or belief and cultural expression without fear of surveillance, torture, forced labour, or sexual violence, and implement OHCHR recommendations on Xinjiang.
2. Repeal the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong as recommended by the UN and cease prosecutions, including of Jimmy Lai.
3. Guarantee an impartial judiciary and cease the harassment of lawyers, the use of the death penalty, and ‘residential surveillance in a designated location’.
4. Cease the restriction of civil society and independent media, end forced repatriations, and stop targeting human rights defenders.

Thank you Mr. President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2024.

Singapore has formally ratified the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming the second existing member to do so after Japan late last year.

The UK signed up to the vast Indo-Pacific trade group in July 2023, with our accession bolstering the trade bloc’s combined worth to £12 trillion, or 15 percent of global GDP. Under the deal, over 99% of UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will face zero tariffs, including British whisky and cars.

Accession will also upgrade the UK-Singapore bilateral relationship, providing opportunities to deepen participation in each other’s supply chains, diversify trade, grow investment into our economies, and collaborate on shared priorities, all while supporting greater access and opportunities for business.

British High Commissioner to Singapore, Kara Owen, said:

It is great to see Singapore ratify the UK’s accession to CPTPP, taking us a step closer to UK business accessing the benefits of the agreement. Accession will connect the UK to a group of economies that are the most dynamic and ambitious on free trade. It provides opportunities for our business to build on the strong £21 billion bilateral trade relationship with Singapore.

We look forward to growing our trading partnerships with all members through the ambitious liberalisation commitments, enabling new rules of origin arrangements and opportunities for investment and collaboration.

Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:

I’m delighted that Singapore has ratified the UK’s accession to CPTPP. UK accession to CPTPP highlights our commitment to deepening our £124bn trade relationship across the Asia Pacific, one of the most dynamic and fast-growing trading areas in the world. I look forward to working with partners across the region to help businesses make the most of the CPTPP.

To bring the deal into force for the UK, the government has introduced the Trade (CPTPP) Bill in parliament. Entry into force is expected in the second half of 2024 once the UK and CPTPP Parties have finished their legislative processes.