Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 December 2023.

The FCDO has issued a statement on the escalation of violence in Sudan.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development spokesperson said:

The past week has seen an escalation of violence in Gezira State, Sudan, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have advanced towards Wad Medani. The town had been a safe haven for displaced people and an important hub for the delivery of essential humanitarian aid. We urge the RSF to cease their attacks and we condemn reports of the arbitrary arrests of civilians in Wad Medani carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces.

We are very concerned by the situation in El Fasher, following reports of renewed fighting on December 16. We call on both sides to comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, and urge them to refrain from actions that will exacerbate the conflict and further divide Sudan along ethnic lines. The only way to sustainable peace is through a civilian-led and inclusive peace process and we commend the recent efforts by regional partners, led by The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to bring the parties together.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 December 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

Thank you, President, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza and the intense suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians shows no sign of abating. Israel is reckoning with the brutal horror of the 7 October attacks. More than 130 hostages continue to be held by Hamas. Just this morning, I met with the parents of one girl still held hostage, I will carry their words with me for a long time.

As my Prime Minister has said, we need a sustainable ceasefire that breaks the cycle of violence. Hamas must stop firing rockets into Israel, all hostages must be released, and aid must flow into Gaza. This is the only way to achieve a sustainable peace based on a two-state solution, in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.

President, we are focused on three areas:

First, too many civilians have been killed. Israel must be targeted and precise in its efforts to address the threat posed by Hamas, and should do more to discriminate sufficiently between terrorists and civilians. Civilian infrastructure must be protected in line with international humanitarian law. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have repeatedly delivered this message to Israel, and we will continue to do so.

Second, we need to continue to work on increasing the amount of humanitarian support into Gaza through as many direct routes as possible. The agreement to open Kerem Shalom is welcome. We look forward to its urgent implementation. Israel should also immediately increase the range of humanitarian items allowed into Gaza.

Third, as we heard today, in recent months the violence of extremist settlers in the West Bank has dramatically increased.  Since 7 October, there have been eight Palestinians killed by Israeli settlers, including one child, and at least 1,257 displaced amidst settler violence and access restrictions. We strongly condemn these hateful acts, which undermine prospects for peace. We are banning those responsible for settler violence from entering the UK to make sure our country cannot be a home for people who commit these intimidating acts. Israel also must do more to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to end the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian property.

And we reiterate our call on Israel to immediately and completely stop all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and its Lower Aqueduct. We are clear, these settlements are illegal under international law, present an obstacle to peace, and threaten the physical viability and delivery of a two-state solution which must become a reality to ensure justice and peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, responds to North Korea missile tests.

The UK condemns the latest launches of an Intercontinental ballistic missile on 18 December and a short range ballistic missile on 17 December by North Korea; these actions clearly breach multiple UN Security Resolutions.

This repeated escalation of testing is deeply damaging for regional stability and further destabilises the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges North Korea to refrain from illegal launches, return to dialogue swiftly and to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

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

Thank you, President. Let me thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and the wider UN Secretariat for their support in the implementation of resolution 2231. I also thank Ambassador Olof Skoog for his briefing and Ambassador Frazier for her briefing and work as facilitator.

President, since refusing the opportunity to restore the JCPoA through the deals tabled in 2022, Iran has continued to escalate its nuclear programme. Transition Day has now passed and the UK & EU have maintained proliferation-related sanctions on Iran, in accordance with the JCPoA’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism. The UK is fully committed to using all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from delivering a nuclear weapon.

The IAEA reports that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is 22 times over JCPoA limits. It manufactures and operates thousands of prohibited advanced centrifuges, gaining irreversible knowledge which the JCPoA sought to prevent. Iran continues producing highly enriched uranium, for which there is no credible civilian justification, calling into question the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Additionally, Iran is launching missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons and is testing technologies directly applicable to medium and long-range ballistic missiles, in the form of satellite launch vehicles.

President, Iran’s missile programme remains of fundamental concern for nuclear non-proliferation.

The Secretary-General has acknowledged evidence showing that, during the period of restrictions under this resolution, Iran developed and exported missiles without seeking the Council’s authorisation. Iran supplied ballistic missiles to armed groups in Iraq, Yemen and Syria, which are targeting Red Sea shipping and Coalition personnel in the region. And as USG DiCarlo said, the UK has also provided evidence that Iran supplied UAVs to Russia. These UAVs have subsequently been used to attack civilians in Ukraine. All such transfers were in violation of resolution 2231.

Resolution 2231’s restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile activities may have been lifted, but the Council must continue to hold Iran to account for its proliferation activities by this or any other resolution.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

Joint statement by UK, France and Germany following the Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231.

Today, the Security Council discussed the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, particularly Iran’s nuclear activity, missile development and continued weapons proliferation inconsistent with that resolution.

In November, the IAEA Director General yet again issued a report which starkly outlines the deplorable state of Iran’s commitments under the JCPoA.

The IAEA reports that the total stockpiles of Iran’s enriched uranium now stand at 22 times the JCPoA limit. Iran’s stockpiles of high enriched uranium up to 60% are unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme.

Iran has been in violation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA, which is endorsed by resolution 2231, for more than four years. There is no credible civilian justification for the state of Iran’s nuclear programme. The current trajectory only brings Iran closer to weapons-related capabilities; this is of utmost concern for international peace and security.

Iran’s ongoing lack of cooperation with the IAEA prevents the IAEA from carrying out vital work to determine the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and undermines the global non-proliferation architecture. Iran’s agreements with the IAEA and its legal obligations must be pursued in full, without further delay, as repeatedly requested by the Director General. It is especially concerning to see Iran flatly deny to the IAEA its legal obligation to implement Modified Code 3.1. All these actions undermine the case that Iran’s nuclear programme is of an exclusively peaceful nature as well as any confidence the international community has in its wider commitments and obligations.

We welcome the Secretary General’s recognition of the UK’s evidence exposing Iran’s proliferation of missiles and missile technologies to non-state actors in the region and beyond, which endanger the region and the whole international community, and were carried out in violation of resolution 2231.

Furthermore, while restricted by this resolution, Iran transferred hundreds of UAVs to Russia, deliberately supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Deliveries took place in the knowledge that Russia uses them to target Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Neither Russia nor Iran have ever sought authorisation for these transfers, which are therefore a breach of resolution 2231 by both states. We continue to urge Iran to cease its reckless proliferative activities in the region and beyond.

Iran has developed and tested ballistic missiles and related technologies extensively in complete disregard for this resolution, undermining global non-proliferation principles and architecture. This requires particular scrutiny as resolution 2231 restrictions on Iran’s missile programme were automatically lifted on 18 October, despite Iran having consistently ignored these restrictions.

Today we must reflect on Iran’s continued and long-lasting contempt for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 and its restrictions. We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation. We emphasise once again our determination to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis, as demonstrated by our consistent efforts in that regard.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

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

We welcome the SRSG’s efforts to convene representatives of the five major stakeholders in a preparatory meeting as a next step towards resolving the outstanding issues related to elections.

We note, however, that only three of the five invited parties – the High State Council, Government of National Unity, and Presidential Council – have so far nominated representatives, with others setting preconditions for their participation.

The SRSG has been clear that the preparatory meeting will provide space for all parties to express their concerns. We therefore reiterate our expectation that Libya’s leaders respond to the SRSG’s invitation constructively. We call on all parties to engage in good faith without preconditions. To do otherwise prevents progress towards the elections that 2.8 million Libyans have registered for.

President, we remain concerned at the shrinking space for civil society across Libya, alongside the alarming trend of human rights violations, particularly in regard to migrants and refugees, that continue without accountability.

Civic space must be protected to allow Libyans to hold their leaders accountable and empower everyone to play a role in developing an open, democratic society with freedom of association, operation and assembly. We also regret the tragic incident of 61 migrants who drowned following the shipwreck off Libya this weekend.

As Libya begins reconstruction in response to the devastating floods in September, it remains vital that this is funded through a unified Libyan approach, with full transparency, effective oversight, and accountability. Libyan public funds must be used for the benefit of all Libyans, with the Libyan people having a voice in how public money is spent.

President, the benefits of setting Libya on the path towards a democratic, united, and stable state would be enormous. It would allow the full reintegration of Libya’s people and economy into the international community.

We urge those invited to the preparatory meeting of the major stakeholders to fully engage in order to fulfil their responsibilities to the Libyan people. The UK will continue to support the SRSG and work across Libya’s divides to deliver for the Libyan people.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

Statement delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at the UDHR commemoration event in Geneva.

Thank you, Deputy High Commissioner.

The United Kingdom is delighted to have submitted five pledges.

First, to support the vital work of Human Rights Defenders, through funding their work, monitoring their cases and raising concerns with other governments.

Second, to advance equality by increasing our support to LGBT organisations, to persons with disabilities, and to women and girls through bilateral aid.

Third, to prioritise the right to freedom of religion or belief and to strengthen international coalitions seeking to uphold this right.

Fourth, we will support survivor-led organisations and civil society working to end modern slavery in our funding to international programmes.

And fifth, we will work towards raising the standards of public and private security organisations through greater adherence to voluntary standards.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 December 2023.

UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, spoke on a number of issues, including fisheries, at the Trade Negotiations Committee on 12 December 2023.

Thank you very much Chair.

Let me start, first of all, by offering a very warm welcome to our new Deputy Director General Johanna Hill. It is fantastic to have you here.

Let me also just take a moment to thank you DG, GC Chair and the Chairs of our various negotiating committees.

I think if we needed any confirmation of how tough all your jobs are it would be listening to today’s discussion, and to some of the discussions over previous weeks.

You deserve our support. You certainly have our support for the tough job that you’ve got over the days and weeks to come.

You said yourself, DG, that we’ve got a long way to go to ensure that MC13 is a success. We also have remarkably little time once we actually start looking at the calendar of the days and weeks ahead of us. So, this week is important.

Let me just touch briefly on some of the issues that we have to sort out over the next few weeks.

Dispute settlement – clearly an absolutely essential issue for this organisation if we are to prove our worth. Let me commend the work others have done. Our facilitator, Marco Molina, he’s doing a great job.

As our colleagues meet at COP28, let me congratulate you again DG and your colleagues, not only from the WTO but also from the ITC, UNCTAD and the ICC on the very first COP Trade Day. The Trade House is so important in defining what this organisation and our partner organisations can do to enable us to make that transition to net zero.

Let me stress the importance once again of doing what we can here on fisheries over the weeks to come to ensure that we can curb harmful subsidies to help restore global fish stocks and to help ensure that there is a sustainable future for our fishing communities. As you hinted Chair, tomorrow we bring you the instrument of ratification in the safe hands of my Minister of Development, the Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP.

On agriculture, DG, you have asked us to be honest, and it is not looking good but we do have substantive proposals on the table for the first time in a long time including, I might say, one from the UK on export restrictions.

So we very much welcome an effort to intensify our discussions over the next few weeks. We agree that we should have a Head of Delegation level discussions to try and push that forward.

We offer our 101% support to the CoA-SS Chair and sorry to hear what he feels he has suffered over recent days and weeks.

On development, I think we should be proud of what we have achieved over the last few weeks. Whether than be on LDG Graduation or IFD. There is important work that we have still got to do to make sure that we have a genuinely impressive development package for MC 13. We welcome the submission of further G90 papers and the process that our distinguished CTG Chair is leading on.

At this Ministerial, which is so soon upon us, we do need to look to the future. We do need to ensure that this organisation is responding to the biggest trading challenges that we have today.

We cannot hide from those challenges; we cannot pretend that they do not exist. We share your disappointment, DG, that we are not further ahead on Services, an area of such extraordinary potential for the global economy, for both developed and developing nations.

It is also clear from our discussions from the SOM that there is appetite here in this organisation for a dedicated industrial policy forum. We think that will be a key outcome from the Ministerial and we support the efforts of the GC Chair to help us elucidate an outcome document that is going to set out what it is we are going to do post MC13.

One thing we do not have to wait for MC13 to do is to renew the E-commerce moratorium. This is something we should be doing this very week, in the General Council.

We want to welcome the ACP Group’s recent communication. We now have over 100 members of this organisation calling for an extension and we look forward to getting it done this week.

Before MC12, DG, you may recall that we said Geneva needed to become the city that never sleeps. We do need to make sure that we are back here in January with determination and the spirit of collaboration and responsible consensus so as to ensure that MC 13 builds on the success of MC 12, and show this organisation, and the global trading system, that we are back in business and backing business.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 December 2023.

Ambassador Cowell expressed his condolences for the death of a LAF soldier in Lebanon and called for restoring calm on the Blue Line.

The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, the US Ambassador, Dorothy Shea, and the Canadian Ambassador Stefanie McCollum, met the Commander in Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) General Joseph Aoun during the High Level Steering Committee (HLSC) to discuss security on the Lebanese-Syrian border.

The HLSC oversees internationally funded efforts to support the four Land Border Regiments to continue to deliver external security and reinforce the authority of the Lebanese state along its land border with Syria.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Cowell said:

It was an honour to meet General Aoun to discuss positive progress on the border project.

I was saddened to hear about the death of a LAF soldier in south Lebanon last week. I convey my deepest sympathies to his family and comrades.

With General Aoun I stressed the need for a cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line and for a renewed commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Ongoing hostilities in South Lebanon only serve to delay any long-term solution for peace.

I am, as ever, impressed by Lebanese Armed Forces’ outstanding work of its officers and soldiers during this challenging time.

Since 2009, the UK has committed over £99 million to support optimisation of LAF capabilities, including through development and modernisation. We are proud of our contribution to building the LAF’s reputation as a respected, professional armed forces able to defend Lebanon and provide security along its border with Syria.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 December 2023.

On behalf of the UK and other states Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen of Norway reaffirms our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recalls the impact of Russia’s invasion on human rights in Ukraine.

Madam Chair.

On behalf of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom we will all solemnly reflect and reaffirm our commitment on this 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The past decades have witnessed the transformative power of human rights in improving lives across the globe. Members of civil society and others who stand up for human rights and democracy have played a pivotal role in advancing the respect and protection of human rights. However, today’s challenges remind us that our journey towards upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms is far from over. Respecting human rights of all people is key to our common future, peace, and stability.

In Ukraine, civilians suffer from Russian hostilities. Evidence of atrocities is being collected for accountability and memorialisation purposes.

In Iran, human rights defenders and particularly women continue to face arbitrary detention and lengthy prison sentences.

In Afghanistan, women and girls are facing systemic and institutional discrimination. They have been excluded from public life and banned from secondary and higher education.

In Belarus the practice of incommunicado and lengthy detentions – with a risk of enforced disappearances – continues to increase for members of the political opposition.

In Russia, fear of repression has led protesters to use blank sheets of paper as a symbol of their silenced voices. The assault on LGBTQI+ rights has become a symbol of Russia’s rejection of universal human rights.

Madam Chair.

We face a complex web of conflicts, the lingering effects of the pandemic, climate crisis, disinformation, and attacks on democratic institutions, all stressing our human rights system.

In the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, over 100,000 people had to flee to Armenia and had to leave everything behind.

Recognizing Israel’s right to ensure its security, we also remind the belligerents of their obligations in the conduct of hostilities. In particular that of respecting the principles of international humanitarian law, including humanity, proportionality, distinction, and precaution in all circumstances.

Madam Chair.

Shrinking civic space is a fundamental challenge to the role of civil society in the promotion and protection of human rights. Human rights defenders need protection and support. In particular, we need to defend and promote the rights of all women and girls and to ensure their full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation in all spheres of public life.

Without the liberty for media to operate freely, to report and analyse events without fear of censorship or reprisal, true security cannot be achieved.

Nowhere in the OSCE region is media freedom under greater threat than in the Russian Federation and in the parts of Ukraine that Russia has illegally occupied.

Protecting journalists and ending impunity is key to the OSCE’s vision of comprehensive security. And we applaud the OSCE’s Representative on the Freedom of the Media in upholding this fundamental pillar.

Madam Chair.

We acknowledge democratic governance and the rule of law as the cornerstones of stable, prosperous and peaceful societies safeguarding democracy is an important part of that.  We commend ODIHR for conducting an impressive number of 24 election observation missions in 23 OSCE participating States this year alone.

The principle of universality and indivisibility of human rights needs to be upheld. Political shifts and economic progress cannot undermine fundamental freedoms; security should never be prioritized over the rights of individuals; the need for online privacy cannot conflict with our duty to protect children from sexual abuse. Just as managing migratory flows should never be more important than protecting people who need protection.

Madam Chair.

The promotion and protection of human rights is not just a moral imperative or a strategic necessity, it is based on legal obligations. It’s an integral part of a broader approach that recognizes the interdependence of human rights, economic development, and political stability in achieving lasting peace and security.

Violations of human rights serve as early warning signs of greater instability or impending conflict. By monitoring and addressing these violations, the OSCE can take proactive measures to prevent the escalation of conflicts, thereby contributing to the security of the whole region.

As we commemorate this anniversary, we confirm our dedication to these rights and principles, understanding that the path towards a world where every individual’s dignity and rights are respected is a continuous journey, one that we must undertake with unwavering commitment and collective effort.

I thank you.