Tag: Foreign Office

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

The UK and the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus deliver a joint statement on elections in Belarus and the deteriorating human rights situation.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country, Norway.

The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Italy, Lichtenstein, Montenegro, Slovakia Switzerland and Ukraine.

Since the fraudulent presidential election of 2020, Belarusian authorities have engaged in a brutal crackdown on opposition figures, human rights defenders, civil society activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who dare voice any opposition or dissent. The ongoing repression and restrictions on political participation, including legislative and constitutional reforms that severely curtail the freedom of expression, assembly, and association, have only increased in the leadup to the parliamentary and local elections held last Sunday, February 25. It is clear that the conditions for free, fair, and genuine elections have not been met, and Belarus continues to show utter disregard for OSCE principles and commitments.

We regret that Belarusian authorities failed to invite election observers from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). ODIHR rightly noted that Belarus’ decision was contrary to its commitments and, quote, “went against both the letter and the spirit of collaboration on which the OSCE is based.” End quote. Further, we join ODIHR in reminding Belarusian authorities of their international obligations and OSCE commitments to respect human rights and the rule of law, and to ensure accountability for human rights violations.

Madam Chair, we also commend the work of courageous Belarusian human rights defenders and civil society organisations who continue to advocate for the Belarusians’ rights and freedoms despite this risk. Organizations such as the Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the Viasna Human Rights Center continue to advance democratic reform and promote the human rights of Belarusians at home and in exile through initiatives such as the “Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections” campaign. We join them in calling for the unconditional release of the approximately 1,400 political prisoners held by Belarusian authorities. As the 2023 Moscow Mechanism report detailed, many of these political prisoners are subject to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment, face isolation, and are often denied necessary medical care. Tragically, five political prisoners have died in Belarusian correctional institutions since May 2021.

Finally, Madam Chair, we pledge to continue to stand with the people of Belarus in support of their aspirations for a democratic future for as long as it takes. We will not stay silent on the abuses perpetrated by Belarusian authorities nor will we stop advocating for the protection of human rights in Belarus. The bravery and resilience of the Belarusian people to call for a democratic society that respects their rights and freedoms inspires us all.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

UK and 38 other participating States call for release of political prisoners and a full investigation into Alexei Navalny’s death.

Madam Chairperson,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following 39 participating States, inter alia those that on 28 July 2022 invoked the Moscow Mechanism on the Threats to the Fulfilment of the Provisions of the Human Dimension Posed by the Human Rights Violations and Abuses in the Russian Federation. These countries are: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country Lithuania.

The report under the Moscow Mechanism clearly showed the Russian Federation’s complete disregard for its OSCE commitments in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The report determined that “a decade of reform legislation in Russia has completely changed the scope of action of Russian civil society, cutting it off from foreign and international partners, suppressing independent initiatives, stifling critical attitudes towards the authorities, silencing the media and suppressing political opposition”.

Such internal clampdowns on human rights and fundamental freedoms helped the Russian Federation prepare the ground for its war of aggression against Ukraine. Over the last two years, Russian authorities have further tightened internal repressions in an apparent attempt to silence all opposition voices.

The sudden tragic death of the prominent opposition politician Alexei Navalny in a Russian penal colony, following years of detention in poor conditions which, according to UN experts, amounted to torture and ill-treatment, as well as unjust detentions and the use of excessive force against people peacefully mourning his death, heralds a grim level of state repression. In this context, we call on Russia to immediately release those unjustly detained and to promptly launch a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Alexei Navalny’s death in custody. We were relieved that Mr Navalny’s body has finally been released to his family; we call on Russia to respect their wishes.

In accordance with international law, States should take all necessary measures to protect the lives and health of individuals deprived of their liberty. However, according to numerous testimonies the situation of political prisoners in Russia is dire. While in detention they face the persistent use of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, and threats of sexual abuse by law enforcement officers. Many, as in the case of Alexei Navalny, are imprisoned in conditions that could amount to torture and ill-treatment, including prolonged detention in punitive isolation cells in cold and damp conditions, deprived of access to adequate medical care leading to the deterioration of their health.  Political prisoners are also removed from public view, cut off from access to their lawyers, as well as denied contacts with family and loved ones.

We are particularly concerned about the Russian opposition politician and long-time champion of OSCE principles Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is serving a 25-year sentence for simply speaking truth to power by criticizing the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine. Despite having a serious medical condition resulting from two poisoning attempts, since September 2023 he has been kept in punitive solitary confinement in a Siberian prison.  We continue to stand with Evgenia Kara-Murza and support her efforts to raise Vladimir’s case.

We reiterate our call to the Russian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Vladimir Kara-Murza and all political opposition activists, human rights defenders, journalists and other media actors, including: Oleg Orlov, leader of the Nobel Prize winning human rights organization Memorial sentenced on February 27 to 2.5 years in prison for allegedly “discrediting” the Russian army, former Moscow lawmaker Alexey Gorinov, sentenced to seven years for a number of anti-war statements; Maria Ponomarenko, sentenced to six years for disseminating so-called “fake news” about the Russian army; Alexei Vladimirovich Moskalyov, sentenced to two years on the charge of “actions aimed at discrediting the armed forces“ after his daughter drew an anti-war painting in school; Dmitry (Dima) Aleksandrovich Ivanov, sentenced to eight years and sixth months on the charge of spreading false information about the deployment of the Russian armed forces; as well as Ilyja Yashin, Olga Smirnova, Alexandra Skochilenko, Boris Kagarlitsky, Yuri Dmitriev, Igor Baryshnikov, Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeeva, Ivan Safronov and many, many others.

We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the denial of the human rights of LGBTI persons and the fact that any action perceived as supporting individuals belonging to these groups is criminalized by the authorities in Russia.

We will keep reminding the Russian Federation of its international obligations and commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms, including OSCE principles and commitments which it willingly signed up to.

We reiterate our call on the OSCE to continue giving priority attention to the most critical issues in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia that continue to seriously undermine democratic stability, peace, and security throughout the OSCE region and could have even greater unpredictable consequences at national and international levels.

We express our deep admiration and our strong support to the members of Russian civil society who despite extremely difficult conditions and the permanent threat of attack and arrest, continue to work for a free and democratic Russia, respectful of human rights, the rule of law, and committed to peace and our collective security.

Russia must stop its relentless attacks and repressions against dissidents, independent journalists, and ordinary citizens exercising their freedom of expression. Policies aimed at suppressing civil society will have devastating long-term consequences. There is no future in violence. There is no future in repression.

I thank you.

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

Ambassador Neil Holland condemns repression in Russia and calls for a full and independent investigation of Alexei Navalny’s death.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Alexei Navalny was a fierce advocate for Russian democracy and a brave campaigner against corruption who demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life.

Russian Federal Security Service operatives poisoned him with Novichok in 2020. He was imprisoned for peaceful political activities and was sent to an Arctic penal colony. The conditions of his detention amounted to torture and ill-treatment. No-one should doubt the oppressive nature of the Russian system he faced.

His death is a tragedy, for his wife and family as well as for the people of Russia. His death must be investigated fully and transparently. Those in the Russian regime responsible for his death must be held to account.

To that end, the UK has sanctioned six individuals responsible for running the prison where Navalny was killed. The UK was the first country to impose such sanctions and had already designated 14 individuals following Mr Navalny’s poisoning in 2020. We have been clear in expressing our outrage at his death and summoned the Russian Ambassador on the day of Navalny’s death.

As Minister Trevelyan said at the Reinforced Permanent Council meeting last Friday, Mr Navalny’s death shows how the Russian regime silences those who speak out, acting in complete defiance of the OSCE principles and commitments to which Russia itself has subscribed, as well as Russia’s wider international obligations.

Alexei Navalny’s death is a tragic reminder of the harsh conditions facing political prisoners within Russia. Madam Chair, in this forum we have regularly raised the cases of others imprisoned on political grounds, including Vladimir Kara-Murza.

And just this week Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the Nobel Prize winning organisation Memorial, was sentenced to two and half years in prison for speaking out against Putin’s war. This is a further indictment of Russia’s appalling human rights record. We will continue to call for their immediate release.

Russia’s internal repression enables external aggression, as we have seen all too clearly in Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine.

Madam Chair,

When challenged to account for Mr Navalny’s death, Russian diplomats and officials have tried to claim that international scrutiny represents illegitimate interference in Russian internal affairs.

In this Council, I say plainly, we disagree. It is a founding OSCE principle that participating States hold one another to account for implementation of shared commitments including freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, the right to a fair trial and the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

In the Astana Commemorative Declaration, Heads of State and Government agreed that one State’s implementation of OSCE commitments is a matter of: “immediate and legitimate concern to all participating States”.

That means Mr Navalny’s death is a matter of immediate and legitimate concern to the countries represented in this room.

The UK will stand up for human rights and security in our region and globally. And we will continue to back the OSCE and its institutions in pursuit of them.

Thank you.

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

Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, is visiting Southeast Asia 29 February-4 March with a focus on maritime security and strengthening the UK’s diplomatic network.

• Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, is visiting Southeast Asia to highlight UK commitments to maritime security and strengthen the UK’s global diplomatic network.
• The Minister set out how the UK is addressing global threats to maritime security in her pre-recorded keynote speech at the Regional Maritime Security Symposium in Bali.
• In Timor-Leste, the Minister will announce the UK’s intention to re-open a permanent diplomatic mission in Dili.

Global maritime security is under greater threat than ever, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan today (29 February) told a UK-funded conference aimed at boosting vital collaboration between maritime countries in Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.

Minister Trevelyan is visiting Indonesia from 28-29 February, the third UK ministerial visit within twelve months as the two countries celebrate their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Following her visit to Indonesia the Minister will travel to Timor-Leste on 1 March, where alongside Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão she will announce the UK’s intention to re-open a permanent diplomatic mission in Dili, the Timorese capital. The decision builds on existing UK commitments to support Timor-Leste’s development, including the UK’s public backing for Timor-Leste’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

UK Minister for the Indo Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

The UK is committed to building stronger long-term partnerships in the Indo-Pacific to support maritime and economic security, using our global diplomatic network to support these relationships.

By sharing expertise, increasing maritime resilience, and looking to expand our diplomatic presence to Timor-Leste, the UK is working to safeguard long-term global security and prosperity.

British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Dominic Jermey, said:

As we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Indonesia, we remain committed to strengthening our partnership with Indonesia to support maritime and regional security.

I first established the UK Mission to the UN Transitional Administration to East Timor twenty-four years ago, and I am proud that the UK will now look to re-open a permanent presence in Timor-Leste. The UK has become home to the largest Timorese overseas diaspora, and our countries have long been friends. We will support Timor-Leste to continue developing as a stable and prosperous nation.

The Bali Regional Maritime Security Symposium is a week-long event (26 Feb-1 March 2024) delivered and funded by the UK government. It aims to improve collaboration in a range of areas, from maritime law (UNCLOS), maritime domain awareness, port security, the ASEAN Maritime Outlook, through to illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and climate security.

The Symposium includes participants from ASEAN governments, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei Darussalam.  The Symposium is also joined by observers from countries including the US, Australia, Japan Canada and France.

Concluding her visit to Southeast Asia, Minister Trevelyan will visit Cambodia from 2-4 March, where she will meet with senior government officials, non-governmental organisations, British businesses, and promote recently launched UK educational institutions in Cambodia.

Notes to editors

• The UK and Indonesia began formal diplomatic relations on 19 December 1949 and will celebrate 75 years of the relationship during 2024.
• The British Embassy Jakarta in Indonesia has been responsible for developing and maintaining ties with Timor-Leste since 2006, when the UK Embassy in Dili was closed. Further details on the re-opening of the Embassy will be announced in due course.

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

Ambassador Holland calls on Russia to release all individuals arbitrarily detained in Crimea, the temporarily controlled territories, and those transferred to Russia. He notes that Russia’s actions may be in breach of the Geneva Conventions, constituting war crimes.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you and the Minister for chairing last week’s Reinforced Permanent Council which was an important demonstration of overwhelming support for Ukraine.

10 years ago on 20 February 2014, Russia began its illegal annexation of Crimea, paving the way to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Monday marked the Day of Resistance to Occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol – the democratic spirit of this day still rings true in Ukraine. The UK will never recognise Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, or of any Ukrainian territory.

Since 2014, Crimea has been used to further Russia’s war effort, including as a destination for illegally detained Ukrainian civilians. Many of them have been transferred to detention centres on the peninsula, and sometimes to the Russian Federation. Crimean Tatars continue to endure a ruthless campaign of persecution simply for existing in their homeland. Many who are legitimately politically active have been arrested and labelled as ‘extremists’.

As well as in Crimea, the number of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war being held in the temporarily controlled territories and in the Russian Federation continues to rise. Their families do not know where they are or when they will return. There is no way to monitor the presence of these civilians and no mechanism to facilitate their release.

There are also widespread reports of human rights abuses and violations committed against prisoners of war and civilian detainees by Russian authorities – including torture, sexual violence and summary executions. Even within the last week Ukrainian authorities have reported several cases of their soldiers being executed by Russian forces in Avdiivka and Bakhmut.

Yesterday at an event hosted by the Ukrainian delegation, we heard from a Ukrainian prisoner of war, who was held at Volnovakha Colony No.120, in the temporarily controlled territory of the Donetsk oblast. They detailed horrendous conditions, including lack of access to medical treatment, food, and water, as well as being subjected to hours of torture.

Russia must also release all individuals arbitrarily detained in Crimea, the temporarily controlled territories, as well as those who have been transferred to Russia. Russia’s actions may be in clear and serious breach of the Geneva Conventions, constituting war crimes. We also call on Russia to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the dignified and humane treatment of those detained. Russia must allow access for international humanitarian and human rights organisations. Only through this access can those responsible for Russia’s systematic campaign of human rights violations be held to account.

Madam Chair. We remain extremely concerned for the welfare of our three OSCE colleagues of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM). They have been wrongly held by the Russian authorities for over 700 days. There is absolutely no justification for their detention. They and their SMM colleagues were simply performing their official duties, duties mandated by all participating States of the OSCE. They must be released and allowed to go home. Thank you.

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

Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner – oral update on: Occupied Palestinian Territories. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

High Commissioner, thank you for your report and update.

On 7 October, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas.

In Gaza, Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian catastrophe.

We need to avert this. We need the fighting to stop now.

That is why we are calling for an immediate cessation – to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire with no return to fighting.

There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support.

We have trebled humanitarian aid in Gaza to over 60 million pounds sterling including a further £4.25 million support for vulnerable women and girls.

As the occupying power, Israel has to make sure that humanitarian aid—including food, water and shelter—is available to civilians in Gaza.

The impact of IDF operations on the civilian population is deeply concerning. Already, too many civilians have been killed. International Humanitarian Law must be respected by all parties and civilians must be protected.

Mr President, we are committed to improving the lives of all Palestinians across the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The United Kingdom continues to work intensively in support of a two-state solution that guarantees: security and stability for Israeli and Palestinian people; and two secure and sovereign states – Israel and Palestine.

Thank you.

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

The UK’s Statement for Enhanced ID on Human Rights in Eritrea, delivered at the UN Human Rights Council.

Thank you Mr Vice-President,

The UK thanks the speakers for their interventions, and we share their concerns, including on Eritrea’s continued policy of indefinite national service, which affects the lives of thousands, and is the reason many young Eritreans give for leaving their country. Eritrea should take steps to regularise the duration for national service and increase the exemptions to it.

Mr Vice-President,

We call again on the Government to fully respect the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, of religion or belief, and of peaceful assembly and association.  All those arbitrarily detained or held incommunicado in Eritrea must be released, including those detained solely based on their religion or belief.

We regret that the human rights situation in Eritrea is not improving.  We again call on Eritrea to re-engage with the international community, work with this Council and its mandate holders, implement fully its accepted UPR recommendations, and open itself to support and assistance, so progress toward full respect for human rights can start to be made.

A free and open society is the bedrock of stability and prosperity. The UK again restates our offer to engage with the government of Eritrea, in the hope that a better human rights situation can in turn deliver better economic opportunities for the people of Eritrea, particularly younger people.

Finally, Mr Vice-President,

We would like to ask the panellists for their assessment of whether any progress has been made or could possibly be made to hold perpetrators of human rights violations to account.

Thank you.

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

Two years on, the international community’s support of the principles of democracy and freedom, and the Ukrainian people’s bravery and resilience, remain steadfast.

Thank you, Mr Chair. We have recently passed 2 landmark dates in Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine. Over a decade ago, on 20 February 2014, Russia illegally, and unacceptably sought to annex Crimea. While, last week, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine entered the third year. That President Putin supposedly intended his full-scale invasion to be a 3-day operation is a testament to many things; to Putin’s arrogance and hubris, to his strategic miscalculation, to the international community’s steadfast support of the principles of democracy and freedom, and to the enormous bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Although the land war in Ukraine continues to be strongly contested, any territorial land gains come at enormous strategic cost to the Russian armed forces, for limited tactical gains. Russia originally deployed 130 Battalion Tactical Groups for its invasion of Ukraine, comprising 1,300 tanks, over 5,000 infantry fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers (IFVs and APCs), and at least 100,000 personnel. In 2 years of conflict, Russia’s losses now match – and in many cases surpass – those that comprised its original force. Confirmed Russian losses include over 2,700 tanks and 5,000 IFVs and APCs, whilst Russia’s killed and wounded stand at over 350,000 personnel.

20% of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has now been destroyed. Further losses were sustained on 14 February 2024 when Ukrainian forces conducted a successful Uncrewed Surface Vessel attack on the Russian Ropucha-class landing craft ‘Tsezar Kunikov’. As a consequence, 3 of 10 Ropucha-class vessels have now been destroyed by Ukrainian strikes and the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, has been removed from his post.

In the air domain, Russia has lost its second A-50 MAINSTAY early warning and airborne control aircraft in 6 weeks. NATO now has more member states as a direct consequence of Putin’s illegal war of aggression. In contrast Russia’s military alliances are diminishing in recognition of the security proposition on offer.

Mr Chair, this all matters because Russia would love for nothing more than to deflect from the realities of its strategic errors. It would like for us to debate the technical wranglings of arms control, perversely attempting to obfuscate the key point that Russia invaded another country. Russia’s continual efforts to focus on the tactical to deflect from the strategic bigger picture. This is a reinforcement of the very behaviour that enabled it to send a generation of Russian boys into the meat grinder. This has all been done as part of Putin’s vanity project to realise his imperial ambitions, the sole aim of which is to preserve power for himself and a narrow Russian elite as part of his despotic regime.

When we reflect on where things stand, 2 years after the start of the full-scale invasion, we see a stronger NATO, a defiant, democratic Ukraine, the consolidation of an international community drawn together around the principles of democratic institutions and the respect for law and sovereignty. The vast majority of members in this Forum have aligned with these principles and will stand up against a nation that believes it can invade another with impunity. The vast majority of nations recognise, that for all of Russia’s attempts to divide us, to sow misinformation, to deflect, we will remain focussed on the strategic reality that Russia invaded its neighbour, Ukraine, and we will stand by Ukraine now and for as long as it takes. Thank you.

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

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Mr Hirose in recognition of his exceptional contribution to furthering UK-Japan relations.

Mr Katsusada Hirose has had a long and distinguished career as a public servant, including as former Vice-Minister at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and as Governor of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu Japan from 2003 to 2023.  During his time as Governor, Mr Hirose was instrumental in building deep and lasting links between Oita Prefecture and the United Kingdom, and with Wales in particular.  His vision for closer collaboration between Wales and Oita began with the warm hospitality shown to the Welsh rugby team and fans when Oita hosted two of the Wales matches during the Rugby World Cup 2019; and it culminated in the signing in 2022 of a Memorandum of Understanding between Oita Prefecture and Wales.  Focused on developing people-to-people links, through Arts and Culture, Sport, Academia, Tourism and Food and Drink, the MOU has laid the foundation of a relationship that continues to grow from strength to strength.

The British Embassy in Tokyo and Consulate General in Osaka look forward to building on Mr Hirose’s legacy over the coming years.  We are committed to working with our partners in Oita to strengthen existing links and create new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as decarbonisation and innovation. We look forward to continuing to grow our economic, cultural and social links for the benefit of the people of both nations.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2024.

UK National Statement, delivered by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK’s Minister of State (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth).

Mr President,

The United Kingdom is proud to stand up for freedom and democracy.

We welcome the spotlight the Human Rights Council shines on the worst violations and abuses of human rights, and its work to hold those responsible to account.

I welcome the opportunity to reflect on three key areas of concern.

Ukraine / Russia
Beginning with President Putin’s barbaric assault on Ukraine, which has been marked by some appalling violations of human rights.

Within the last week, we have seen reports from the Ukrainian authorities of their soldiers being executed by Russian forces.

The independent Commission of Inquiry has uncovered mounting evidence of war crimes, and possible crimes against humanity.

From acts of torture and sexual violence to the killing and forced deportation of innocent civilians… it is vital to establish the full facts and gather evidence.

Only then can we bring those responsible to justice.

It is imperative that this session renews the Commission’s mandate.

Turning to matters within Russia, we were appalled by the news of Alexei Navalny’s death, and hold the Russian authorities fully accountable.

We offer our deepest sympathies to Mr Navalny’s family and are pleased that his body has finally been returned.

There must be a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death.

We reiterate our call for the release of all those imprisoned in Russia on political grounds, including British dual national Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Israel / OPTs
Now turning to Israel, the immediate priority must be a humanitarian pause in the fighting, which is the best route to secure the safe release of hostages and significantly step up the aid reaching Gaza.

We want that pause to lead to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to further fighting.

That remains the focus of our diplomatic efforts.

There must be a reduction in civilian casualties, and we call on all parties to act within international humanitarian law.

We are particularly concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s people are sheltering.

We urge Israel to take greater care to limit its operations to military targets and avoid harming civilians and destroying homes.

Meanwhile, we have sanctioned extremist Israeli settlers involved in some of the most egregious abuses of human rights in the West Bank.

The UK remains committed to a two-state solution, guaranteeing security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

We must generate momentum now towards a permanent peace.

The UK wants to see all countries face appropriate scrutiny of their human rights record, but opposes the disproportionate focus of Item 7, which damages efforts to achieve peace.

China
Meanwhile, the UK will continue to press the Chinese authorities to improve their human rights record, including in multilateral institutions, where last year we led another record statement at the Third Committee on Xinjiang.

In Hong Kong, we urge the authorities to repeal the National Security Law, and release Jimmy Lai.

Mr President, I have only reflected on three of the many areas of concern.

We also continue to watch developments closely in Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar and other countries where citizens’ most basic rights are being trampled.

Also South Sudan, where we have witnessed horrendous cases of sexual and gender-based violence as well as the targeting of journalists.

It is vital that the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights is extended.

Those who abuse or violate those rights must be held to account.

We will continue to support all efforts, including through this Council, to ensure that is the case.