Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2023.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, has announced a further £4.5 million in humanitarian support at a UNHCR conference on Rohingya refugees.

• UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, announces further UK funding of £4.5 million to provide vital humanitarian services to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh
• Minister Trevelyan is co-convening a UNHCR conference on the Rohingya crisis in Bangkok
• Minister Trevelyan will meet Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr A K Abdul Momen, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi during the conference

The UK has extended funding to support Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh, providing an additional £4.5 million for vital humanitarian services. UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, announced the funding at a UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) regional conference on the Rohingya crisis.

Minister Trevelyan is attending the conference alongside Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

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

The UK is committed to finding a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis. This includes their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar, when the conditions there allow.

Until the Rohingya can safely return to their homeland, we are committed to providing ongoing humanitarian support. That is why we are announcing £4.5 million of further UK support for protection services, healthcare and clean energy to the refugees in Bangladesh.

Today’s conference is an important opportunity to discuss sustainable solutions in Myanmar, and support for the Rohingya and their host countries.

The package of £4.5 million funding includes:

• £2.1 million provided through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for healthcare and clean energy for the Rohingya refugees and host communities
• £2 million provided through NGOs for the protection of refugees and host communities. This includes the Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee, and Humanity and Inclusion
• £450,000 provided through the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and provide sexual and reproductive health services

Since 2017, the UK has provided £370 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, and nearly £30 million to support Rohingya and other Muslim minorities in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. This has included food, water and sanitation, healthcare and protection services that are vital for women and girls in the camps.

The UK supports peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific and continues to stand with the people of Myanmar. We reiterate our call for an end to all violence and for the protection of civilians and safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need.

The UK’s sustained support for the Rohingya people demonstrates its long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, critical to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy, in line with the Integrated Review Refresh published in March 2023.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

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

Thank you, President,

I thank SRSG Bathily for his briefing and the Permanent Representative of Japan for his update on the 1970 committee. I also welcome the participation of the Representative of Libya in this meeting.

Firstly, I want to express the UK’s deep condolences to the people of Libya following the devastating flooding in Derna. The UK is committed to supporting those affected by the flooding. We have mobilised over $6 million in support, contributing to the UN Flash Appeal, deploying UK emergency medical teams, and technical engineering support. We will continue to coordinate closely with the UN and Libyan authorities on further support required.

We welcome SRSG Bathily’s statement on the need for a national mechanism to direct recovery and reconstruction efforts. To be effective, any reconstruction efforts must be unified across eastern and western Libya, and coordinated with local, national and international partners. There must be full transparency, effective oversight, and accountability to the Libyan people.

President, the devastating floods simply reinforce our assessment that the status quo is unsustainable and will not deliver what the Libyan people need. Libya’s citizens continue to suffer from the lack of political progress. A unified and democratically-elected government is needed to respond effectively to citizen’s needs.

In this regard, we note UNSMIL’s assessment that the updated electoral laws constitute a working basis to hold elections and require the commitment of all major parties to implement. However, as SRSG has made clear, contentious issues remain. These need to be resolved through an inclusive political agreement.

Therefore, Libya’s leaders must urgently engage with SRSG Bathily, in a constructive manner, to give this process a chance of success. They should attend any UN convened meetings and make concessions in order to move Libya towards elections.

We look forward to working with Council Members on the renewal of the UNSMIL’s mandate later this month. UNSMIL is an essential partner in Libya and vital to efforts to help create a path towards free, fair and inclusive Presidential and Parliamentary elections. We hope this renewal will provide the continuity that SRSG Bathily needs to lead the Mission and steer international support towards an inclusive political settlement for Libya.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

£10 million of humanitarian aid announced by the Prime Minister to support civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in response to escalating conflict.

Today [Monday 16 October] the Prime Minister has announced a further £10 million in humanitarian aid funding for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), in response to the escalating conflict.

He made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons, in which he also reiterated the UK’s condemnation of Hamas’ actions in both Israel and Gaza, and called for immediate access for humanitarian organisations to be allowed to deliver life-saving aid.

This latest commitment is in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, including shortages of key goods and widespread displacement due to the conflict.

This funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies to provide essential relief items and services. These could include food, water and emergency shelter, depending on the needs on the ground.

The UK is also exploring options for moving humanitarian supplies closer to the region and is liaising with aid agencies in the region to ensure relief supplies can be distributed as quickly and effectively as possible.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I’m proud that we are a longstanding and significant provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. And I can announce today that we are increasing our aid by a third, with an additional £10 million of support.

An acute humanitarian crisis is unfolding, to which we must respond. We must support the Palestinian people – because they’re victims of Hamas too.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

We are committed to supporting the Palestinian people – they are victims of Hamas too.

This funding will provide vital, lifesaving support to Palestinian civilians who are caught up in this conflict and are in desperate need of help.

The UN estimates that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced so far. Prior to the recent escalation of hostilities, the UN estimated that nearly 60% of people in Gaza already needed humanitarian assistance, including over 1.5 million people in need of food assistance and 1.6 million in need of health and nutrition assistance.

Today’s announcement is a 37% uplift to the existing £27 million of UK funding this year which is already providing critical support to the region, including an extra £10 million announced by the Foreign Secretary during his visit last month. We will consider further support depending on the changing humanitarian needs on the ground.

The UK remains committed to mitigating the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza while standing alongside the people of Israel against the terrorist group Hamas.

The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have spoken to Israel, Egypt and other international partners about opening the Rafah crossing to allow urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza.

All UK aid funding to the OPTs undergoes rigorous oversight, and no funding goes to Hamas.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

On World Food Day (Monday 16 October) UK announces a partnership to encourage major food companies to improve the impact of their products on consumers’ health.

The UK has teamed up with a leading global nutrition charity to push the private sector to produce food which is good for people and the planet, Development Minister Andrew Mitchell announced today on World Food Day.

The partnership with the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) will encourage some of the largest food companies to help people at risk of malnutrition make healthier choices, particularly vulnerable populations in lower-income countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The UK’s £2 million package of support will allow ATNI to carry out assessments of the world’s largest food and drink companies, over a 2-year period, gathering data on factors including how healthy and sustainable their products are. They will also aim to capture for the first time how well they support and meet the needs of communities that are at risk of malnutrition and preventable deaths, specifically of women and children.

The announcement comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today announced a further £10 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). This is in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, including shortages of key goods and widespread displacement due to the conflict.

The funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies to provide essential relief items and services including food, water and emergency shelter.

The UK will partner with the UAE and Somalia to host a global food security summit on 20 November sponsored by and developed with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to galvanize action to tackle hunger and malnutrition, including through cutting edge UK funded science and technology. On the same day, the UK will publish the International Development White Paper.

Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said:

As many as 60 million children around the world suffered from severe malnutrition last year – but their pain is entirely preventable. We must act now using all the tech, science, and other tools at our disposal to stop hunger harming future generations.

Newly published statistics show that FCDO has reached 13.8 million people with food aid, cash and vouchers through bilateral humanitarian support since 2022. This helped millions of marginalised people affected by humanitarian crises such as earthquakes, famines and conflict in countries including Syria, Ukraine, Uganda, and Bangladesh. The support has provided nutritious food for children and pregnant women, vouchers that can be exchanged for things like sanitary products or household items at designated vendors, and cash that allows people to buy food.

The UK-hosted summit will explore how innovation, partnerships and the latest technological advances can ensure long-term food security and improved nutrition for people in the hardest-hit countries.

Through FCDO’s partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK is helping to find solutions to address global food and climate challenges – including developing more nutritious, resilient crop varieties and innovating to tackle pests and diseases.

Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said:

We must find new ways of responding to climate shocks and humanitarian crises, while accelerating innovations to prevent these crises in the future. UK leadership, including the upcoming summit on food security, will be critical to advancing solutions to prevent hunger and malnutrition, while building a climate resilient agriculture sector that can support a healthier, more equitable future for all.

The Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is an innovative way of tackling child wasting and famine in some of the most vulnerable countries in the world through match funding that doubles every Naira or Rupee that governments in those countries spend on preventing and treating child wasting. This allows countries to double their investment in essential services and supplies for the prevention, detection and treatment of child wasting.

Severe wasting, the most severe form of malnutrition, is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths of children under 5. The CNF is scaling up prevention and treatment services in countries with the greatest need such as Nigeria and Pakistan.

Anna Hakobyan, chief impact officer at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, said:

Hunger and malnutrition are devastating for children. There is an urgent need to scale up known solutions for prevention and treatment of child malnutrition through sustainable and concerted action from governments, civil society, and the private sector.

This needs to be coupled with systemic approaches to food systems that are fit for supporting a healthy planet and thriving children. We are looking forward to this important summit to galvanize action and innovations for turning the tide against rising hunger and malnutrition.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

UK Minister for the Middle East Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon stated that, 10 years since its accession, Syria must comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2023.

UK to highlight the growing UK-Albania partnership which has helped to decrease small boats crossings by Albanian nationals by 90% on last year.

• UK to highlight the growing UK-Albania partnership which has helped to drive down small boats crossings by Albanian nationals by 90% on last year
• trip will also underline the UK’s commitment to protecting stability in the Western Balkans during Summit of regional leaders
• Foreign Secretary to set out UK’s unique offer to the region as a key partner in upholding its prosperity and security

The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, will attend a Summit of Western Balkan and European leaders today in Albania (16 October) to urge them to preserve peace and stability amidst a growing number of tensions across the region.

Cleverly will look to build on the success of the UK’s partnership with Albania and seek increased cooperation across the Western Balkans region to tackle the drivers of illegal migration.

Close collaboration between the 2 countries has seen Channel crossings by Albanian nationals fall by 90% since the signing of the Joint Communiqué in December and a significant increase in the return of illegal migrants to Albania.

His attendance at the annual Berlin Process Summit in Tirana follows the deployment of 600 UK troops in Kosovo to bolster NATO’s peacekeeping mission in response to a build-up of military along the Serbia-Kosovo border and violent attacks against Kosovan police.

Ahead of his visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK is committed to working with the Western Balkans to tackle gangs who exploit lives for profit, as well as addressing the wider security challenges across the region.

Our partnership with Albania is doing just that. Through increased law enforcement cooperation, we have driven down small boats arrivals by Albanians by 90% on last year, and are returning those who have no legal right to remain in the UK.

The UK will always be a reliable partner standing side-by-side with the region to promote a prosperous and stable future.

The Foreign Secretary will highlight the UK’s unique role in supporting the region’s prosperity and security, from bolstering resilience against malign activity, interference and cyberattacks, to economic development and working alongside partners to tackle corruption and serious organised crime.

The Foreign Secretary will also use the Summit – attended by senior government representatives from across the Western Balkans and wider Europe – to galvanise international partners to remain steadfast in their solidarity with Israel and its fundamental right to defend itself against Hamas.

While in Tirana, James Cleverly will boost the UK’s ties with Albania. He will build on the Joint Communiqué agreed between Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Edi Rama in December 2022. The Communiqué set out new areas of collaboration on law enforcement and returns of those arriving illegally in the UK, as well as strengthening economic development.

At Tirana International Airport, the Foreign Secretary, alongside the Albanian Interior Minister, will formally open the Police Command Centre, which houses the UK-Albania Joint Migration Taskforce responsible for coordinating operational measures and actions to tackle people smugglers and traffickers facilitating illegal migrants from Albania to the UK.

To enhance trading ties between the UK and Albania, the Foreign Secretary will launch the British Chamber of Commerce in the country. The Chamber, which will help grow the economies of both countries, will be launched at an event at the Western Balkans University, a higher education institution that is developing partnerships with British Universities and providing scholarships for those under pressure to migrate from northern Albania.

Background

• the Berlin Process was set-up in 2014 to as a platform to promote high-level cooperation between countries in the Western Balkans
• since the signing of the Joint Communiqué in December 2022, arrivals of Albanian nationals to the UK on small boats has dropped from over 12,000 to under 1,000
• over 3,500 people who had no right to remain in the UK have been returned to Albania in the same period

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 October 2023.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson statement on Russia’s decision to source arms from North Korea for its illegal war in Ukraine.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

The UK strongly condemns Russia’s decision to source arms from North Korea for its illegal war. We urge North Korea to cease its arms supply to Russia and abide by its public commitments to not sell arms to Russia.

Russia’s sourcing of weapons from North Korea violates UN Security Council resolutions – including resolutions Russia itself voted for, and highlights Putin’s desperation and isolation on the global stage.

The transfer of money, military equipment or technology bolstering North Korea’s own illegal weapons programmes would significantly undermine the UN’s long standing commitment to security, and further destabilise the region. A better armed North Korea is not in the interests of its neighbours, the region and the world.

North Korea is subject to a robust sanctions regime, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that North Korea pays a high price for supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 October 2023.

The first UK government facilitated flights arrive in the UK and Cyprus.

• first UK government facilitated flights arrive in the UK and Cyprus with another successfully departing Israel on Saturday afternoon
• further government flights are planned with specialist teams deployed to support vulnerable British nationals
• British nationals in Gaza told to be ready if the Rafah crossing opens

Three UK government facilitated flights have now departed Israel for the UK and Cyprus, with more expected in the coming hours.

Two UK government Rapid Deployment Teams (RDT) and British Red Cross responders have also been deployed to support vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave on the flights.

The UK is also working with Israeli air controllers and the air industry to try to maintain commercial air links and keep a range of transport options under review. While commercial flights remain limited, a small number of routes between Israel and Europe, including the UK, are open.

Earlier this week, the government advised British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, to register their presence with the Foreign Office to receive the latest updates on departure options and updates on the security situation.

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise against all but essential travel to all other parts.

James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, said:

The UK is committed to supporting British nationals in Israel and Gaza following this brutal terror attack by Hamas.

The safety of all British nationals is our priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our advice and register their presence so we can get in touch.

In addition to arranging flights from Israel, officials are working with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate British and dual nationals, and their spouses and children, leaving Gaza via Rafah. The Prime Minister spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi this week about the situation at the Rafah border crossing, while the Foreign Secretary is in contact with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

The Israeli military announced on the morning of 13 October that the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours. British nationals in Gaza should follow this advice and have been messaged by the FCDO to ensure they are on alert to be ready if the crossing opens.

The UK continues to call for unimpeded humanitarian access to civilian populations. Vital humanitarian supplies, including food, water and medical supplies necessary for survival must be able to reach innocent civilians.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Defence deployed a significant support package to the region, including RAF surveillance aircraft and 2 Royal Navy ships, to support regional stability and help prevent escalation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown reiterates UK support for OSCE’s Human Dimension institutions and commitments.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 October 2023.

The focus is on climate and technology cooperation as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan visits India.

• Minister for the Indo-Pacific will unveil UK-India tech initiative in Chennai in boost to environmental collaboration
• Anne-Marie Trevelyan will launch new smart tech project and visit ocean technology centre, in trip focused on climate innovation
• visiting the state-of-the-art Larsen and Toubro (L&T) shipyard, Minister Trevelyan will discuss the electrification of naval fleets and closer maritime security ties

Announcing 2 new technology initiatives, aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing action on climate change, UK Minister for the Indo Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan will arrive in Chennai, Southern India today (13 October). The visit will strengthen the UK’s bilateral ties with India by deepening environmental cooperation and exploring cutting edge technologies, including on climate innovation.

During the 3-day trip from 13 to 15 October, the Minister will announce 2 new technology partnerships with India that respond to global sustainability challenges. The projects will boost joint UK-India business innovation, crucial to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK’s economy.

Minister Trevelyan will visit the National Institute of Ocean Technology for insights into India’s deep-sea programs, marine systems, and vessel management. The Minister will then meet Tamil Nadu’s Environment Forest and Climate Change Secretary and learn about UK’s partnership with Tamil Nadu on climate, including the Climate Compatible Growth Programme. At Anna University’s Climate Studio, the Minister will see the unique climate modelling systems on weather forecasting and rainfall prediction.

To reaffirm the UK’s commitment to regional security, Minister Trevelyan will tour Indian manufacturing company Larsen and Toubro’s state-of-the art shipyard at Kattuppalli. Last year the UK and India formed an Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP), bringing together expertise from the Royal Navy and UK industry with that of the Indian Navy and Larsen and Toubro. The partnership will be at the centre of industry innovation on the electrification of warships.

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

The UK and India are close partners, joining together our unique expertise to work towards a shared goal: increasing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our collaboration on a range of issues, including climate change, technology and maritime security, is crucial for addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Minister Trevelyan will launch the UK supported “Smart district” project, alongside Tamil Nadu’s IT Minister, Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. This initiative will help respond to global sustainability challenges, by piloting the placement of sensors throughout the district to collect real-time data on water and waste management, and environmental quality. These sensors will identify patterns and trends to help inform decision making on resource allocation and management.

Returning to Chennai, the Minister will speak to Chevening alumni working in gender and women’s participation.

Minister Trevelyan’s visit forms part of UK’s long-term commitment to the region. Ensuring a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a key priority for the UK, which is reflected in recent visits to the region by the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.

During a visit to the G20 in India last month, the Prime Minister strengthened regional trade ties and forged new partnerships to deliver jobs, growth and security for the British people. In meetings with India’s Prime Minister Modi, the leaders reflected on the close and growing ties between the UK and India, exemplified in the ‘living bridge’ between our people.