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Tag: Foreign Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement to the 110th Session of the Executive Council of the OPCW [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement to the 110th Session of the Executive Council of the OPCW [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2025.

    Statement by His Excellency Chris Rampling, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 110th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

    Mr Chair,

    Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to His Excellency, Director-General Fernando Arias for his timely and substantive update to this Council, for his leadership and to the Deputy Director-General for all her work too. I also extend my thanks to you Mr Chair, for your steadfast leadership of this Council during a pivotal moment in this Organisation’s history.

    Mr Chair,

    Our shared vision to rid the world of chemical weapons rests our capacity and willingness to confront breaches of the Chemical Weapons Convention whenever and wherever they occur. Russia’s growing and brazen violations in Ukraine continue to undermine the principles this Council was established to uphold. In July, Dutch and German intelligence services concluded that Russia is escalating its use of chemical weapons. Ukraine has now reported over 10,000 breaches of the Convention since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022 – which is a grim milestone that this Council must not ignore.

    As His Excellency, the Director-General has highlighted three Secretariat reports have confirmed multiple violations across the Ukrainian frontline. Member States have urged the Secretariat to attribute these breaches under already existing mandates, and we strongly endorse Ukraine’s request for OPCW assistance to identify perpetrators. The Secretariat should act swiftly. Attribution is essential for the Council to fulfil its core mandate: to take measures to redress what is flagrant and destructive non-compliance.

    We also remain deeply concerned by reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan. We welcome ongoing discussions between the United States and the Republic of Sudan and encourage Sudan to investigate allegations thoroughly.

    Mr Chair,

    While the global risk of chemical weapon use continues to grow, the Syrian Arab Republic and Secretariat are intensifying efforts to rid the country and the region of Assad’s terrible chemical weapons legacy. This is despite the extraordinary challenges that Syria faces as it transitions towards a stable and democratic future. The UK is grateful for the substantive update from the Director-General today and all this work.

    The Secretariat has deployed to Syria on five separate occasions since last December, visiting both declared and undeclared sites. This work must continue to accelerate. The recent discovery of evidence of highly toxic nerve agent at a previously undeclared chemical weapons site is alarming and underscores the urgency of this mission. States Parties must help Syria and the Secretariat intensify procedural and operational planning, coordination and delivery to eradicate chemical weapon risks without delay. We agree with the Director- General that further financial and in-kind support is critical. In light of this, the UK has committed £2.8m since December last year.

    This Council also has a central role to play. We thank Syria and Qatar for giving the Council the opportunity over several weeks to review and refine the critical Decision on Expedited Destruction. This must pass by consensus this week.

    The dedicated pursuit of accountability for all perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks must continue. The Syrian people, after all they have been through, deserve justice. We look forward to receiving the Secretariat report relating to the attack in Kafr Zita and the outcomes of other ongoing investigations.

    Mr Chair,

    The threat of chemical weapon development and use has never been higher. Strong leadership of a diverse and expert workforce, committed to gender equality, with adequate financial resources to meet the challenges of today and the future are essential for international security. The UK is therefore advocating for a strong budget that places tackling non-compliance at its heart. The UK also has full confidence in the current process to identify the next Director General. We must work constructively towards consensus for the strongest candidate.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Malaysia deepen climate co-operation with new adaptation initiatives [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Malaysia deepen climate co-operation with new adaptation initiatives [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2025.

    Minister Seema Malhotra has launched two new climate adaptation initiatives with Malaysia.

    The UK Minister for the Indo Pacific, Seema Malhotra, has launched two new climate adaptation initiatives with Malaysia, at a ceremony held at the Forest Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (6 October). The event was also attended by Datuk Mas Rizal bin Mohd Hilmi, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

    The UK will work in partnership with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Malaysia to support Malaysian efforts to protect itself from the effects of climate change. This includes the use of innovative financial tools to attract new green investment from businesses and banks for climate-related projects.

    The UK will also partner with Monash University Malaysia on a project that helps local leaders in Selangor make informed decisions about water, energy, and food consumption. The project will fund economic models to show how changes in one area – like building more hydropower – could affect others, such as farming or wetlands. This in turn helps the local leaders make choices that protect their people, nature and economies.

    UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Malhotra said:

    The UK and Malaysia have a long history of working together on climate and the environment. Today, we are taking our climate partnership further still. These joint projects will deliver practical, community-focused solutions that strengthen Malaysia’s ability to respond to climate impacts such as flooding and heat stress.

    This work is part of the UK’s wider commitment to supporting climate resilience across Asia and is supported through the UK’s flagship Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme.

    Representatives from UNDP Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia joined the ceremony to exchange grant agreements and present their project plans. The event marks a key milestone in UK-Malaysia climate cooperation, ahead of COP30, where Malaysia is expected to play a leading role in shaping regional climate outcomes.

    Mr. Edward Vrkić, UNDP’s Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam said:

    Climate change is not a distant challenge. It is already reshaping lives and livelihoods in Malaysia. Scaling up climate finance, especially for adaptation, is critical to ensure communities, ecosystems, and economies remain resilient. With this support, UNDP is working closely with financial institutions, regulators, and government partners to unlock new pathways for sustainable investment. This collaboration builds on our ongoing initiatives, including the Climate Finance Network and MyClimateFinHub, and reflects our shared commitment to direct finance towards solutions that leave no one behind. 

    Professor Stephen Boyle, Monash University Malaysia’s Vice President for Education shared:

    CARA’s support aligns perfectly with Monash’s commitment to building thriving communities in a changing climate. This funding will support the development of strategies that optimise water, energy, and food systems while conserving our natural ecosystems – an integrated approach essential for climate adaptation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda globally – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda globally – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2025.

    Statement by Archie Young, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the UN Security Council meeting on Women, Peace and Security.

    25 years ago, this Council adopted UN Security Council Resolution 1325, delivering a united message that for peace to be sustainable, it must be inclusive. This means it must be with women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation.

    Whilst there is much to celebrate since then, decades of hard-won progress are under threat. From Sudan to Ukraine to the DRC, conflict and violence is escalating and women and children continue to bear the brunt. 

    Women in Gaza are suffering from the unprecedented scale of violence and lack of access to basic services and healthcare. I pay tribute to the courageous women across the globe that have dedicated their lives to peace and security, often in the most challenging circumstances.

    The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda globally. There are three areas on which we must focus our attention and take collective action:

    First, as underlined by the Secretary-General, we must do more to turn our commitments on women’s participation into action. 

    The UK has supported greater involvement of women in peace processes in Sudan and the Philippines; in peacebuilding in Myanmar and Syria; and in defence in Ukraine; and in reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    The increasing threats and reprisals against women who engage in peace and security are unacceptable. The UK will continue to work with UN Women to help Member States prevent, and mitigate the impact of, reprisals.

    Second, we need renewed efforts to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and strengthen justice and accountability for survivors.

    Since 2012, the UK has spearheaded the flagship Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and we continue to work consistently to confront rising violence against women and girls, including in Ukraine, Sudan and the DRC. 

    We commend Ukraine’s leadership of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and their important work to respond to sexual violence perpetrated by Russian forces. 

    We call for an end to impunity and urge decisive action around the world to support survivors and to ensure their voices shape our response.

    Third, we must address the changing nature of conflict, and the impact this has on women and girls. 

    On the frontline and online, people are being targeted because of their gender, undermining national security and exploiting societal vulnerabilities. The rights of women and girls are under attack, threatening our shared national security and our global security.

    Humanitarian and health crises are exacerbated by reproductive violence and the gendered impacts of conflict. In Gaza and Sudan, pregnant and breastfeeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition and have lost access to critical reproductive health services. In Yemen, a woman dies in childbirth every two hours – less time than we will spend in this chamber today.

    The past 25 years have shown us that efforts to champion the role and rights of women and girls in peace and security can deliver meaningful change. We must redouble our efforts to protect those gains and accelerate implementation – for the next generation of women and girls.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on Sudan [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on Sudan [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2025.

    UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

    Thank you Mr President,

    On behalf of a core group of Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK, I present draft resolution L.18, which responds to the Humanitarian and Human Rights Crisis in Sudan.

    Mr President, the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s findings are clear: the warring parties have committed war crimes, with the Rapid Support Forces’ actions constituting crimes against humanity.  Civilians are targeted and killed on the basis of ethnicity and sexual and gender-based violence is perpetrated on an overwhelming scale.

    Over 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Yet even as famine and cholera spreads across Sudan, access is deliberately blocked. The Rapid Support Forces’ continued siege on El Fasher and the Sudanese Armed Forces’ brutal reprisal killings, including 26 in just one village, demonstrate, yet again, a total disregard for international law.

    Mr President, we would prefer not to have to present this resolution. The international community has repeatedly called for all parties to immediately agree a ceasefire, protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access. And yet indiscriminate shelling and destruction of schools, hospitals and places of worship continues to intensify.

    This Council cannot sit idly by as the world braces itself for yet further mass atrocities in North Darfur. We must stand united.

    The UN Fact-Finding Mission is the only independent investigative body documenting and reporting on these violations across Sudan. Extending its mandate is crucial to ending the cycle of impunity that devastates Sudan.

    There is sadly no credible international or national alternative. As the FFM itself has made clear, Sudan’s ‘national committee’ remains unwilling and unable to conduct thorough, prompt and impartial investigations. Without the FFM’s documentation efforts, the victims of these international crimes will not see justice. 

    Our Core Group held consultations and discussed this draft extensively with all delegations, starting with Sudan. We took on board many of the proposals made, including a number from Sudan. Yet unfortunately, despite our best efforts, these changes were not enough for the Sudanese authorities.

    Mr President,

    It is brave Sudanese local responders who continue to stand by the people of Sudan. I want to pay tribute to the commitment of these mutual aid groups who risk their lives to provide humanitarian assistance, and hope across the country.

    The Sudanese authorities may not be in favour of this resolution, but the people of Sudan are. They want accountability. They want peace.

    Let us show the people of Sudan that they are not forgotten, by voting in favour of this resolution.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on Sri Lanka [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on Sri Lanka [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 October 2025.

    UK Core Group Statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on Sri Lanka. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer.

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    I have the honour to introduce draft resolution L1 Rev1 on behalf of the core group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom.

    Let me begin by paying  tribute to Dr. Kasipillai Manoharan, who sadly passed away during this session. Dr. Manoharan was a tireless advocate for justice following the killing of his son, Ragihar, one of five students murdered in Trincomalee in 2006 in an emblematic human rights case.  Dr Manoharan’s unwavering pursuit of truth and accountability, including his campaign at the United Nations and his presence at this Council, inspired many. His passing is a solemn reminder that too many family members have passed away without seeing justice for their loved ones, or without knowing the fate of those who were disappeared.

    For those who remain – survivors, families, communities – their call for truth and justice grows ever more urgent.

    Mr. President,

    This draft resolution acknowledges the steps taken and the commendable commitments made by the current Sri Lankan Government to address long-standing human rights concerns, and the deep wounds left by decades of ethnic conflict. We urge the Government to translate these commitments into tangible action.

    The exhumation of mass graves holds the potential to deliver long-awaited answers to families. It is imperative that these investigations are conducted in a manner that, ensures they support future identification efforts and uphold the dignity of victims.

    The establishment of an independent prosecutor’s office would mark a vital step toward dismantling the entrenched impunity surrounding conflict-era violations and abuses.

    The repeal and reform of key legislation in line with international standards, notably the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Online Safety Act, would demonstrate a meaningful shift in approach;

    And an end to the surveillance and intimidation of human rights defenders and families of the disappeared is essential to rebuild trust and foster reconciliation.

    As these efforts progress, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights continues to play a crucial role – through technical assistance, reporting, and its work to advance accountability.

    We extend sincere thanks to the Sri Lankan delegation and to all delegations who have engaged constructively on this resolution. We have worked hard to strike the right balance between recognising progress and urging action on the challenges that remain.

    We hope that all members of this Council will adopt this draft resolution without a vote.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

    UK Statement for the Item 10 General Debate. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Madame Vice President.

    The UK remains deeply concerned by the seriousness and scale of human rights violations in Yemen. This includes growing restrictions on women and their freedom of movement, child and forced marriage, sexual violence, and attacks on freedom of religion and belief. We strongly condemn the arbitrary detentions by the Houthis, including of UN personnel, humanitarian workers, and NGO staff, as well as indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We call upon all parties to the conflict to respect their human rights obligations.

    In Nepal, we regret the loss of life during recent protests. It is vital now that Nepal’s interim government is able to deliver its agenda to strengthen democratic institutions and create a peaceful and inclusive transition ahead of elections in March.

    We welcome Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with OHCHR and the establishment of a three-year mission, and urge full implementation of the UN act-finding recommendations. We support the consensus-led reform process in Bangladesh and encourage credible democratic elections that uphold human rights, strengthen institutions, and reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people. We urge the protection of the rights and dignity of Rohingya refugees.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update on Ukraine [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update on Ukraine [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President.

    Thank you, High Commissioner, for your update.

    We condemn the Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian civilian detainees. Civilians are subjected to arbitrary detention, to torture and frequently held in dire conditions.

    International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians can only be detained on lawful grounds and must be released from detention as soon as the lawful grounds for their detention cease to exist. Russia must cease unlawful detention and abuse of Ukrainian civilians, ensure humane conditions, and release those who have been arbitrarily detained.

    They must also ensure the return of all Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. Children must not be a pawn of war.

    We recognise that, as a result of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the number of conflict-related detainees has strained the Ukrainian criminal justice system. We welcome the progress the Ukrainian authorities have made to improve detention conditions.

    We urge the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that conflict-related civilian detainees are treated in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. How best can the international community support Ukraine in these efforts?

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK fully supports the 2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia, which remains one of the most successful peace processes of the past 50 years – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK fully supports the 2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia, which remains one of the most successful peace processes of the past 50 years – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

    The UK fully supports the 2016 Peace Agreement, which remains one of the most successful peace processes of the past 50 years. 

    It has delivered tangible improvements in security and prosperity for Colombia and remains a roadmap for further progress.

    Approaching the ninth anniversary of the Agreement, we remain concerned at the speed of implementation and call on the Government to accelerate its efforts. 

    The UN Mission continues to have a vital role to play.

    While nothing could put right the wrongs of fifty years of crimes, the 2016 Agreement put restorative justice at its heart to promote reconciliation within Colombian society.  

    Last month, landmark sentences were issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) against those responsible for hostage taking and extra-judicial killings. 

    This represents real progress in delivering justice and accountability for the victims. 

    We urge the Colombian government and the SJP to work together to ensure full implementation of these and future sentences, in line with the expectations of victims. 

    We also welcome progress on rural reform and reintegration efforts of former combatants. 

    But sustainable progress to deliver the transformational change envisaged through the 2016 Agreement will only be possible with sustained parallel action to tackle criminality. 

    This includes drug trafficking, extortion and illegal mining which plague communities across Colombia. 

    The UK is concerned about ongoing violence towards peace signatories, community leaders and security forces. 

    480 peace signatories have been killed since the Agreement was signed. 

    We call upon the Government to do more to protect signatories and all vulnerable communities.  

    As we look ahead to elections next year, we are clear political violence, has no place in Colombia. 

    The assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe was a tragedy and a warning of the risks that Colombia faces. 

    We urge strengthened protection measures and improved institutional coordination to counter further violence.

    The UK is and will remain a committed friend and partner to the people of Colombia as they journey towards lasting peace and security.  

    We look forward to working with partners in the council on the mandate renewal of the UN mission. This should reflect the situation on the ground and include efficiencies and streamlining of the mission, where appropriate.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President, and thank you, Special Rapporteur.

    We welcome Cambodia’s progress in healthcare, education, social protection and climate action. We reaffirm our support for its ambition for a smooth transition from Least Developed Country status in 2029.

    However, we remain concerned about ongoing restrictions on civic space. Judicial harassment of opposition voices, human rights defenders and journalists undermines democratic principles. We are particularly concerned by the wide application of Article 495 of the Penal Code on incitement and its chilling effect on freedom of expression.

    The UK is concerned by tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and we support efforts to uphold the ceasefire, rebuild trust and address the humanitarian needs of affected communities.

    We are deeply concerned by reports of trafficking and forced labour linked to the online scamming industry. We encourage stronger, more consistent law enforcement and victim support.

    We also urge Cambodia to continue working towards the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations, including on strengthening judicial independence and enabling civil society to operate freely. Looking ahead to the next elections, inclusive dialogue and the participation of all stakeholders, will help build confidence and stability.

    A vibrant press, active civil society and respect for freedom of expression will not only reinforce democratic principles, but also support Cambodia’s long-term prosperity and international reputation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Technical Cooperation in Libya [October 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 60 – UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Technical Cooperation in Libya [October 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2025.

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Technical Cooperation in Libya. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President.

    We welcome OHCHR and United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) technical assistance and capacity building in Libya, and their growing cooperation with the Libyan authorities. We support Libya’s renewal of this Item 10 resolution so that it stays on this Council’s agenda. 

    The OHCHR’s report raises a number of concerns, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture, with limited accountability. 

    We urge Libya to address threats to civic space, including reprisals against civil society and restrictions on youth organisations. Women and girls reportedly face violence and discrimination while migrants suffer abuse and are subjects of disinformation. We call for international non-governmental organisations to be permitted to operate in accordance with international humanitarian law and domestic regulations, and deliver vital services to vulnerable groups.

    We urge the Libyan authorities to adopt legislation on reconciliation, women’s protection, and to close all unofficial detention centres.

    We welcome the extension of the ICC’s jurisdiction in Libya, and we support calls for a comprehensive, rights-based transitional justice process. The UK stands ready to support inclusive Libyan-led efforts to restore the rule of law and deliver justice for victims.

    Mr Vice President, how can the international community support Libya to ensure transitional justice efforts are inclusive, victim-centred, and lead to meaningful accountability?