Tag: Foreign Office

Thank you, President, and I join others in thanking Special Envoy Pedersen and Director Wosornu for their briefings.

As we have heard today, this remains a live conflict and an entrenched humanitarian crisis. I want to set out three tangible steps that would improve the situation for the people of Syria and these overlap very closely with Special Envoy Pedersen’s four priorities.

Firstly, we need to ensure sustainable, predictable and efficient aid flows across the whole of Syria. There is no substitute for cross-border access to deliver for people in the North West. Short term, last minute agreements are inappropriate.

As Director Wosornu just said, we must insist that cross-border access is granted for as long as humanitarian needs demand, across all three crossing points.

We have also heard that humanitarian funding remains inadequate. The UK continues to be a top donor for Syrians in humanitarian need, pledging up to $180 million this year alone. But as a donor, we are concerned that 17 cents of every dollar in aid being sent to UN agencies based in Damascus is being lost to the regime who manipulate exchange rates for their benefit.

Secondly, at a fragile moment for the region all parties should be focused on avoiding further escalation of conflict elsewhere in the Middle East. We are concerned at reports of increased Iranian-affiliated militia activity, and increasing hostilities between Israel and militia groups in southern Syria. We call on the regime to prioritise de-escalation and to focus on fostering stability and prosperity.

Thirdly, this backdrop of violence in the region underscores even more urgently the need for a viable political process in Syria. We call on the regime to act in good faith and engage.

Thus far, attempts at normalisation have not borne fruit. Insecurity persists, the captagon trade continues, and the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees remains out of reach. The UK’s position has not changed – we will not engage Damascus without evidence of genuine, consistent behaviour change.

Resolution 2254 provides the framework to deliver an inclusive and sustainable political process. The Constitutional Committee has been deadlocked for too long. We strongly support efforts to convene a meeting, with the Syrian parties alone if necessary, in Geneva later this year.

Thank you, President.

The UK abstained on the Jordanian-drafted resolution.

We welcome the draft’s call for all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law, including the protection of civilians, for the immediate release of hostages and for full and sustained humanitarian access.

These are UK priorities and we have been working tirelessly with partners to achieve these on the ground, including the UK Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary’s engagements with Egypt to open the Rafah crossing to get aid to the Palestinian people.

We are proud to have pledged an additional $37 million in UK aid to help civilians in Gaza since the beginning of the crisis. The UK Prime Minister has been clear that we recognise the need for humanitarian pauses to deliver this aid safely and in a sustained way.

We also welcome the draft’s emphasis on preventing regional escalation of the conflict. It is in no-one’s interest for this conflict to spread.

However, we are deeply disappointed with the draft’s omission of an unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ terrorist attacks that killed over 1,400 people and took over 200 hostages last week. This should not be controversial.

That is why we voted in favour of the Canadian amendment which would have corrected this.

But we cannot vote for a resolution that is silent on the largest terror attack in Israel’s history.

Hamas has embedded itself in civilian populations, is still holding civilians hostage, and firing rockets at Israel while using Palestinians as human shields. It is clear that Israel is under attack by terrorists and is entitled under international law to defend itself. Any resolution on the situation in Gaza and Israel should be unequivocal on that too.

This is why we abstained on this resolution.

We will continue to work closely with Israel, Palestine, the UN and our partners in the region to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. To ensure that civilians are protected and have access to food, water, medicine, and shelter. And to work towards the peace and stability which can only be achieved by working towards a sustainable Two State Solution.

Thank you, Mr President.

May I begin by expressing our deep appreciation, our deep appreciation for this institution, the United Nations, and indeed all of our humanitarian partners for their incredible efforts, life-saving efforts, in what are the most challenging of circumstances.

And at this point, I also want to share our sincerest of condolences for the 30 UNRWA staff and the 16 medical staff who have lost their lives since the 7th of October. Equally, we record our sincere condolences to the victims and the families of the horrendous Hamas’ terrorist attacks on the 7th of October on Israel. And equally, we extend our condolences to the families of the innocent Palestinians who have been killed in this tragic conflict. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. To God we belong to God. We return. Your Excellencies, Mr. President, every life, every life that is lost is a tragedy, not just for a family in Israel or Gaza or the West Bank, but it is a loss for all of humanity, an Israeli life or a Palestinian life, irrespective of being Jewish, Christian or Muslim. Every life matters. Every life lost is a tragedy. Therefore, as we recall the tragic consequences of what we are witnessing, we call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law. Yes, this means the unconditional release of the hostages and taking every possible step to avoid the harming of civilians and importantly, enabling unhindered humanitarian access.

We all know it has been said from this podium countless times during this debate that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is growing. On our part, the United Kingdom has provided an additional $37 million to help provide water, to help provide food and medicine and fuel in Gaza. And in this regard, may we put on record our thanks to the tireless work of the Secretary-General and the United Nations to ensure this lifesaving aid reaches those most in need. Whilst we welcome the important first step of 54 trucks passing through Rafah Border Crossing, we urge the scaling up of this assistance, including to enable fuel for civilian use to pass into Gaza, vital to keep hospitals and the humanitarian response running. And these humanitarian pauses are an important part of ensuring that this can happen. Turning to the attacks on Israel on the 7th of October, my Prime Minister has been clear: the United Kingdom stands with Israel in the face of Hamas’ terrorist attacks. We will always support an ally against a terrorist attack and its right to self-defence. But this must be, I assure you, Mr President, and we make that case, it must be within international humanitarian law. And if I may just put also from a personal perspective as a muslim: terrorism is evil.Every terror act is against humanity, and we should condemn it unequivocally.

So, Mr President, the draft resolution in front of us could have been clearer on this very point. It should also, in our view, unequivocally condemn these terror attacks, Hamas’ terror attacks that killed over 1400 people. And as we know at this very time, hold over 200 hostages. However, we have equally been clear that all possible precautions and steps are taken to minimise harm to civilians in this conflict and indeed, for any movement of civilians to be both voluntary and safe.

Mr President. We stand at a crucial juncture. Yet in this moment of darkness. Let us come together, this United Nations, that we come together and not lose sight of the promise that this United Nations holds true of a two-state solution: a secure, safe Israel side by side with a viable Palestinian state. And I assure you of this, that we, the United Kingdom, will continue to work closely with all partners in the region and beyond in these efforts, because peace must prevail, and to prevent the situation from spreading and causing wider insecurity and instability.

It was my Prime Minister who said hope and humanity must win against the scourge of aggression and terrorism. Love over hate. Light over darkness. Peace. Shalom. Salam.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Over 600 days into Russia’s brutal war of aggression, Russian forces have shown nothing but contempt towards the civilian population of Ukraine. The Russian delegate has sat in this Forum and condemned others for violence against civilians, acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks. When will the Russian government apply the same principles to its own conduct?

As Russia increases its attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, so the devastation increases for innocent people in Ukraine. This past weekend, six civilians were killed and 17 injured, when a Russian missile reduced a postal distribution centre to rubble in Kharkiv oblast. The victims, aged between 19 and 42, had no time to flee from this reprehensible attack. Of the 17 injured, seven are reported to be in a critical condition. Madam Chair, Russia’s continued disregard for human life cannot, and will not, be overlooked. The UK and our international partners will help to ensure that those responsible are held to account.

Last week, the UK spoke of Russia’s isolation in continuing to justify its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Russia’s desperation has become even more apparent. Russia has sourced arms from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to be used against Ukraine. This violates UN Security Council Resolutions, including Resolutions for which Russia itself voted in favour. Nothing seems off limits to Russia, whose soldiers are fighting a prolonged, yet ultimately, losing battle.

According to reports, Russia has suffered over 200,000 casualties since February 2022. In Avdiivka, entrenched Ukrainian forces have so far held back the Russian advance, with the latter sustaining heavy equipment and personnel losses. Despite these heavy losses, Russia continues to send more and more personnel to the Avdiivka region. This is further evidence of how little the Russian government values the lives of its own people.

While Russia is sending its poorly equipped soldiers to their deaths, Ukraine is doing all it can to protect its citizens from Russian aggression. And that is why the UK will continue to support Ukraine with military and non-military aid as long as it is necessary.

Madam Chair, the UK will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, as the brave Ukrainian people defend their homeland and fight for the simple right to a free, peaceful and prosperous future. Ukraine will win. Thank you.

President.

Let me thank SRSG Rugwabiza for her briefing. I welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Baipo Temon and the Under Representative of Angola at this meeting. Let me first emphasise our continued appreciation for MINUSCA’s peacekeepers as they seek to fulfil their mandate in challenging circumstances. The Mission’s improved cooperation with the CAR authorities highlights the importance of effective leadership in pursuing efforts to stabilise the country after decades of conflict.

The UK welcomes the positive progress outlined by the Secretary-General in the latest report. This includes improved border management policy, more inclusion of women in political processes and achieving milestones in disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation and reintegration operations. Now is the time to build on these achievements on the path to peace and stability.

First, CAR authorities must de-conflict its security partners, ensure they abide by international law and end impunity for human rights violations they commit. Wagner Group’s systematic human rights abuses and spread of mis and disinformation are not the solution to the multifaceted challenges in CAR. They only serve to strengthen the narrative of armed groups.

Second, all parties in CAR must recommit to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, to ensure a long-term solution to the conflict can be realised. We call on the Government to redouble its efforts to facilitate inclusive dialogue and implement the joint roadmap with all political actors and armed groups. MINUSCA’s role in providing good offices and supporting the peace process continues to be crucial.

Third, conducting local elections remains important for extending democratic local governance and fulfilling the decentralisation required for sustainable peace. With the support of MINUSCA, CAR authorities must fufil their commitment to local elections in 2024.

In conclusion, President, we urge the Council to renew MINUSCA’s mandate with the provisions necessary to allow the mission to further increase its effectiveness. The UK fully supports the Mission in supporting the extension of state authority through joint operations with the CAR military, enabling access to basic services, improving mission capacity, supporting local elections and promoting human rights.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.  President. I thank the Secretary-General and all of our briefers today. 23 years on from Security Council Resolution 1325, the United Kingdom remains resolute in our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Yet our collective gains are being reversed. Women and girls’ rights are under attack and we need to take urgent and coordinated action. President, in the spirit of today’s theme of bringing theory to practice, I’d like to highlight three areas.

First, participation. We know that women’s participation significantly boosts the chances of long-lasting peace. The UK’s new National Action Plan focuses on putting women’s meaningful participation into action. Most recently, my Foreign Secretary met with Sudanese women peacebuilders to hear their insights into enhancing women’s participation. The UK was also proud to support Colombia in developing its WPS National Action Plan, and we applaud its extensive consultation with women and civil society.

We will continue to advocate for women to take on leading roles in resolving conflict, including in UN-led peace processes. As a member of the WPS Shared Commitments, we are committed to amplifying women’s voices and following up on the recommendations of civil society. We hear clear calls-to-action from the women who brief this Council – women from Afghanistan, from Ukraine, the DRC, Syria, and beyond – and we should turn those calls into action.

Second, empowerment. Women’s rights organisations are vital to sustaining conflict prevention and resolution efforts. As part of our International Women and Girls Strategy, we launched a $46 million programme to support grassroots women’s rights organisations around the world. Through our Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, we are putting survivors at the centre of decision-making and promoting their leadership, supported by a dedicated Survivor Advisory Group.

And in Ukraine, we are providing expertise on conflict-related sexual violence and providing over $4 million of funding on gender-based violence in Ukraine and across the region.

And third, protection. Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by conflict. From South Sudan to Israel and Gaza, we see the impact of conflict on women’s lives. And this is particularly true for women’s rights defenders. The Secretary-General’s report highlights that 172 women human rights defenders were subjected to reprisals because they engaged with the United Nations. President, we’ve heard today clear and specific recommendations from the Secretary-General, and from the Executive Director of UN Women and from many others. Let’s commit to moving from words to action.

Thank you.

President, we regret that the draft resolution proposed by the United States was not adopted. The text would have had a real impact on the ground by calling for hostages to be released, for aid to get in, including through humanitarian pauses. Through this resolution the Security Council would have rightly, and for the first time, unequivocally condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks.

The United Kingdom could not support the resolution proposed by Russia, which once again failed to recognise Israel’s right to self-defence.

As so many of us have said, there is a grave crisis unfolding in the Middle East. The Russian text was put to a vote without a single minute of consultation with the Council members. It was not a serious attempt to have this Council speak with one voice.

We are committed to continuing to work across the Council towards a balanced text that condemns Hamas, reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself, is clear on the need for everything to be done to protect civilians in line with international humanitarian law and gets more aid flowing into Gaza.

I thank you.