Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

The UK announces support to the BBC Media Action project, to amplify Somali women’s voices, build community resilience, and promote female participation.

On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the British Embassy in Mogadishu has announced more than $1 million dollars of conflict security and stability funding to a BBC Media Action project. This is meant to amplify women’s voices to raise awareness on the impact of climate change, conflict and support efforts towards peacebuilding, and promoting gender equality.

BBC Media Action will work with local media partners in each Federal Member State and Somaliland to develop capability for female journalists to promote community-led action on issues affecting women, with a focus on the active participation of women.

This grant is testament to the UK’s longstanding role as champion of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Somalia. Media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and a crucial component of a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia.

British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said:

The UK believes a free, fair and independent media speaking truth to power is essential to democracy. Within this, the voice of women is critically important. This BBC Media Action project will empower cohorts of female journalists throughout Somalia to report on the issues that matter most – including on climate change, conflict and peacebuilding, and gender equality.

Open access to information is vital. Informed citizens make better informed decisions, and this leads to a more open society and resilient communities. I therefore see this as a step in the pathway towards a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia. In the words of His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh, a “Somalia at peace with itself and the world”.

BBC Media Action Chief Executive Officer, Simon Bishop, said:

Access to trusted, impartial information is critical wherever you are in the world, as an essential cornerstone of democracy and prosperity. This vital support will help to strengthen local media, which face tremendous financial pressures, while ensuring women’s voices remain at the heart of respectful discussion, debate and decision-making around the issues that matter most in their everyday lives.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

Lord Ahmad will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East.

• Lord Ahmad set to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East
• he will advocate for immediate humanitarian pauses to help aid reach Gaza, for British nationals to leave Gaza, and steps towards a political resolution which provides justice and security to both Israelis and Palestinians
• visit follows announcement that the UK will provide an additional £30 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza

Minister for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, is travelling to Israel and the West Bank as a part of the UK’s diplomatic efforts to get aid into Gaza, secure the release of hostages, recognise Israel’s security concerns and prevent regional escalation.

The UK continues close work with partners and allies in the region to ensure vital lifesaving aid, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, reaches Gaza as fast as possible. Lord Ahmad will stress this point in his engagements with Israeli leaders, including advocating for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow aid to enter and for steps towards allowing British nationals to leave Gaza as soon as possible.

Lord Ahmad will also be discussing with leaders from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories efforts to prevent regional escalation and move closer towards achieving a two-state solution, as part of a political resolution which provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Lord Ahmad said:

I am travelling to the Middle East to further efforts to get lifesaving aid into Gaza, to help ensure British nationals can leave Gaza and prevent regional escalation.

We need a collective effort to get aid into Gaza as quickly as possible – including food, water, fuel and medical supplies.  The UK has contributed another £30 million in aid to this end and I’ll be discussing what more action must be taken.

I will raise with Israeli and Palestinian leaders the urgent need to avoid regional escalation following Hamas’s terrorist attack and push for a two-state solution as part of a political resolution to this conflict, which provides justice and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

The minister’s visit comes off the back of a raft of senior diplomatic engagement. On 20 October the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak with the Prime Minister Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

The Foreign Secretary was in the United Arab Emirates on Monday for discussions on the crisis, following recent talks in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, and calls with his Egyptian and Israeli counterparts over the weekend. He was also the first Foreign Minister to visit communities affected by Hamas’ terror attack in the south of Israel.

The UK’s diplomatic efforts are supported by an additional £30 million of humanitarian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million). The funding will include support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) in responding to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

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

Thank you Mr President, and thank you High Commissioner Grandi for your sobering briefing. This meeting comes at a crucial time. As we’ve heard, the number of people who have been forced from their homes has reached a record high of 110 million. Sadly, this trend is set to continue.

New emergencies are pushing the limits of an already strained humanitarian system, including the crisis in Gaza. We are committed to responding to humanitarian needs. It is also vital that regional stability is maintained, not least given the already high number of refugees in the region.

This Council has a role in tackling rising displacement. And I’ll make four points in this regard.

First, we need to shine a light on neglected crises. In 2017, over 740,000 Rohingya fled horrific ethnic cleansing in Myanmar and sought refuge in Bangladesh. They remain vulnerable and reliant on dwindling aid. This is why this month, the UK, with UNHCR and the US, co-convened a high-level event on Rohingya refugees, where we announced an extra $5.5 million of UK humanitarian support.

Second, we need to establish conditions that enable refugees to return in a safe, voluntary and dignified way. In Syria many refugees in the region want to return home, but report that they do not feel safe to do so. This Council, and all those with influence, must insist that these conditions are in place.

Third, we must recognise that as well as conflict, climate change is also driving displacement. The UK is partnering with the UAE at COP28 to increase access to climate finance for the most vulnerable, including displaced people. We aim to ensure that they have the means to manage the impacts of climate change, to help reduce climate-driven displacement and instability.

Finally, the Global Refugee Forum in December will be a key moment for us to tackle rising displacement together. The UK will be making several pledges to drive initiatives on education, inclusion and protection, and help deliver long-term solutions for refugees and host countries.

We hope other Members will join us in these pledges. To conclude, President, in the face of unprecedented need we agree with the High Commissioner: now is the crucial time to collectively deliver meaningful change for displaced people.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

The Minister of State for the Middle East and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain co-chaired the first session of the UK–Bahrain Strategic Dialogue on 31 October 2023.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Nick Whittingham, made a statement on the conclusion of the Guatemalan General Election Process 2023.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 May 2023.

The UK, US and Canada have coordinated new sanctions on Myanmar military financiers and arms dealers.

• UK, US and Canada announce further round of sanctions to maximise pressure on the Myanmar military regime
• sanctions target arms dealers responsible for the supply of restricted goods to the security forces, as well as financiers of the military
• UK reiterates calls for accountability and a return to democracy and freedom in Myanmar

The UK, US and Canada are today (31 October) announcing further sanctions on arms dealers and financiers of the Myanmar military responsible for the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar. The latest round of UK sanctions are against 5 individuals and one entity involved either in providing financial services to the regime or the supply of restricted goods including aircraft parts.

Today’s sanctions package comes as part of the UK’s concerted efforts with international partners to restrict the sale and transfer of arms and finance in response to ongoing and worsening aerial attacks, including against civilians in Myanmar. In 2022, alone there were over 600 reported airstrikes perpetrated by the Myanmar military.

Since the coup in February 2021, at least 3,857 have been killed by the military, and at least 1.2 million have had to flee their homes due to violence, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office.

The announcement follows a report from UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews, which called for further coordinated sanctions to prevent arms dealers bypassing restrictions.

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

The UK unequivocally condemns the regime’s brutal campaign against the Myanmar people.

Together with our international partners, we are closing the net on Myanmar arms dealers and the Myanmar military’s financiers with new sanctions that will aim to limit their access to key resources and revenue to prevent further such attacks.

The UK will continue to call for accountability, justice and an end to the violence. We remain steadfast in our support for the Myanmar people and their aspirations for a peaceful and democratic future.

On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and installed a military regime. Since then, they have used violence and atrocities to maintain power and suppress any opposition voices.

The UK, US and Canada have taken coordinated and targeted action to hold the military regime to account for their brutal suppression of opposition voices. The sanctions designations announced today will maximise concerted pressure on the Myanmar military regime to engage with calls for a return to democracy and aim to limit regime access to key resources while minimising consequences for the civilian population.

Since the coup, the UK has designated 25 individuals and 29 entities under the Myanmar Sanctions Regime and designated the military’s 2 key conglomerates and their 111 subsidiaries under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The UK continues to lead international efforts to undermine the regime’s credibility and constrain their access to revenue and arms.

Background

Those sanctioned today are:

• Myo Thitsar: has been involved in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar through the supply to Myanmar of restricted goods. Namely, through her role as having been Head of Department, Procurement & Supply of Dynasty International
• Htoo Htet Tay Za: has been involved in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar through the supply to Myanmar of restricted goods and/or restricted technology, and/or of material related to such goods or technology, and through making available funds or economic resources to the Myanmar security forces. Namely, through his role as having been a director of Htoo Group of Companies
• Pye Phyo Tay Za: has been involved in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar through the supply to Myanmar of restricted goods and/or restricted technology, and/or of material related to such goods or technology, and through making available funds or other economic resources to the Myanmar security forces. Namely, through his role in Myanmar Avia Services, Yangon Aircraft Engineering Company Limited and Htoo Group of Companies
• Kyaw Min Oo: has been involved in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar through the supply to Myanmar of restricted goods and/or restricted technology, and/or of material related to such goods or technology. Namely, through his role as director of Sky Aviator Company Limited
• Sit Taing Aung: has been involved in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar through the supply to Myanmar of restricted goods and/or restricted technology, and/or of material related to such goods or technology. Namely, through his role as having been director of Yatanarpon Aviation Services and work with Mottama Holdings
• International Group of Entrepreneur Services Company Limited (IGE): has been involved in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar through making available funds or other economic resources to the Myanmar security forces

Asset freeze

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.

Travel ban

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.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 October 2023.

The first United Kingdom Central America Association (UK-CAAA) ministerial Council has taken place in London, to discuss issues including co-operation and trade.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 October 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Gaza.

Thank you, President.

I’d like to thank Commissioner-General Lazzarini, Executive Director Russell and Director Doughten for your stark and clear briefings.

Let me start by recognising the courage, commitment and sacrifice of UN employees and humanitarian workers in Gaza, and in particular the 103 aid workers – including the 64 UNRWA staff – who have been killed in Gaza in the last 22 days.

We also offer our sincere condolences to all Palestinians and Israelis who have suffered or lost loved ones.

Since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October, the United Kingdom has underscored Israel’s right to self-defence against terrorism. We continue to be clear that this must be done in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Our efforts, with our international partners, have focussed on the protection of civilians, securing and scaling up humanitarian access, and the release of hostages. Sadly, despite these efforts the situation in Gaza deteriorates daily. Hamas bears sole responsibility for starting this conflict.

President, I would like to highlight three priorities.

First, we call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality, distinction and necessity. This requires all parties to take every possible step to avoid the harming of civilians and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.

Second, we must urgently co-operate to scale up aid into Gaza, and to ensure sufficient access points are open. For this to happen successfully there needs to be a safer environment, which necessitates humanitarian pauses. We support UN-led efforts in this regard.

Since the latest escalation in Gaza, the UK has committed over $36 million in additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. An RAF flight arrived in Egypt on 25 October carrying 21 tonnes of UK aid for Gaza. But the access environment needs to improve immediately so that these and other lifesaving resources can reach the people who desperately need them.

Third, we cannot allow this conflict to spread. We call on all countries in the region to help avoid escalation and warn non-state actors not to exploit the current situation.

President, the Palestinian Authority has a key role as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. We call on Israel and other states to support the PA. We call on Israeli authorities to tackle the rising number of settler attacks and killings in the occupied West Bank, recalling that it is their responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians there.

The UK retains the long-term goal of a Two State Solution with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully.

To reach that goal, we have a responsibility to ensure a plan for Gaza that offers the population hope, security, stability, prosperity, and effective governance so that their political wishes can be fulfilled. In this regard, some fundamental principles apply.

There should be no mass displacement of Gazans to neighbouring countries. The Palestinian Authority should play a central role. And nothing should be done that cuts across progress towards a Two State Solution, with Gaza as an integral part of a Palestinian state.

Thank you, President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 October 2023.

Minister Rutley and Chile’s Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs will sign a joint commitment to work together to enhance the protections for the Antarctic.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Minister for the Americas and the Caribbean, David Rutley MP, arrives today in Chile to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Chile, as both nations celebrate 200 years of bilateral relations.

While in the country, Minister Rutley, together with Chile’s Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, will sign a joint commitment to work together to enhance the protections for the Antarctic.

The Letter of Intent on Antarctic Co-operation reaffirms both countries commitment to enhancing environmental protection for the Antarctic and to ensuring that it remains a region that is dedicated to peace and scientific research.

During his visit minister Rutley will also meet young climate leaders who have been selected by Chile to attend COP28 later this year. He will hear about their work with the British Embassy Chile and discuss the efforts of both countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change and achieve the roadmap to net zero.

The Minister will then go on to Villa Grimaldi, a former detention centre during Chile’s dictatorship to demonstrate the UK’s strong commitment to democracy and human rights, and to mark the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile and reflect on the suffering it caused.

His visit to the country also includes a trip to the Araucanía Region to meet and engage with members of the indigenous community, as well as regional authorities and local organisations that promote women’s entrepreneurship.

FCDO Americas Minister David Rutley MP said:

It is an honour to be able to visit Chile as we celebrate 200 years of bilateral relations.

Ours is a friendship underpinned by longstanding historical links, shared values and commitment to democracy, and we’re putting that into action this week with a clear commitment to extend our landmark co-operation agreement on the Antarctic.