Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2026.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on South Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr Vice President,

We thank the High Commissioner for this report and commend OHCHR’s continued technical assistance in South Sudan.

The report makes clear that the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Escalating political tensions and intensified hostilities have driven a sharp increase in violence, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt, including through indiscriminate attacks and widespread sexual violence.

All parties must meet their obligations under the Revitalized Agreement and international law and take steps to de-escalate, protect civilians, and prevent further deterioration.

While we note some progress, including legislation on transitional justice, implementation remains far too slow. Continued delays to the Hybrid Court risk entrenching impunity and undermining confidence in the peace process.

We are deeply concerned by restrictions on civic space, including harassment and intimidation of civil society and journalists.

Technical assistance plays an important role, but cannot replace political will. We urge the transitional government to advance accountability, operationalise transitional justice mechanisms, and protect civic space.

South Sudan’s leaders now face a clear choice: translate commitments into action, or risk further instability and suffering for civilians. We urge renewed political engagement, including with regional partners, to put the country back on a credible path towards peace, justice and democratic governance.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2026.

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

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General for their report. Our thoughts are with all those affected by Russia’s devastating attack on Kyiv this week.

We remain deeply concerned by Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and ongoing human rights atrocities in temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea. We condemn Russia’s actions highlighted in the reports, including: restrictions on fundamental freedoms, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and the persecution of Crimean Tatars and other communities. We are also concerned by the transfer and deportation of Ukrainian civilians and children.

The UK reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including Crimea. We remain committed to supporting accountability for violations of international law and continue to support international efforts to maintain attention on Crimea, including through the International Crimea Platform.

We welcome continued UN monitoring and reporting, which remain vital for promoting accountability and protecting human rights.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2026.

Coalition Statement for the Urgent Debate on El Obeid. Delivered by Ireland, a member of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan.

Mr President,

This statement is on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan.

The conflict in Sudan continues to devastate the country, resulting in widespread civilian harm, mass displacement, and constraints on humanitarian access and press freedom.

In El Obeid, intensifying drone strikes have killed civilians and damaged critical infrastructure, driving acute shortages. With the start of the rainy season, needs are increasing, while humanitarian personnel face unacceptable attacks. The risk of large-scale atrocities is rising, with 500,000 civilians in grave danger.

Mr President,

We must act with urgency to address the escalating risk of serious human rights violations and abuses in and around El Obeid. Today’s debate and accompanying resolution sends the strongest possible signal that the world is watching. We reiterate our support to the vital work of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.

We urge the Rapid Support Forces to end the siege-like conditions in El Obeid. All parties to the conflict should immediately de-escalate, facilitate safe passage for civilians and guarantee rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

We call on all States to refrain from harmful external interference, use their influence to call for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and the prevention of further atrocities, and to support a Sudanese-led path to peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2026.

UK Statement for the Urgent Debate on El Obeid. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President,

We are appalled by the deteriorating situation in El Obeid.

As we have heard repeatedly this morning, escalating drone strikes have killed civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure. Key supply routes have been hit, along with fuel stations and the electricity grid.

Access to basic services has been cut off for over 500,000 people – and 100,000 already displaced.  

Last year, the world watched in horror as the Rapid Support Forces raped, pillaged, and murdered their way through El Fasher. This cannot be repeated.

As our Foreign Secretary has warned, El Obeid is on the precipice of an atrocity that will deepen the wounds already inflicted on Sudan. This Council must act with urgency to help prevent further harm to civilians.

The UK has led efforts to urge de-escalation and adherence to international law so civilians can leave safely and reach desperately needed aid.

This year, the UK is providing £146 million in aid, including £15 million for local responders, ensuring lifesaving aid is delivered to the frontlines of the conflict.

However, aid alone is insufficient. Ending impunity is essential.

The Fact Finding Mission remains vital in establishing accountability for crimes, including any committed in El Obeid. It must be granted full access across Sudan to carry out its mandate.

The violence must end in Sudan. Civilians must be protected.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2026.

UK Deputy National Security Adviser in Lebanon to reaffirm UK commitment to security and sovereignty.

The UK Deputy National Security Adviser Dame Barbara Woodward concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon (1-2 July), focused on strengthening further cooperation between the UK and Lebanon, supporting regional stability, and reaffirming the UK’s long-standing commitment to Lebanon’s security and sovereignty.

Accompanied by Ambassador Hamish Cowell, Dame Barbara met Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, and Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal. Discussions centred on the UK’s support for Lebanon’s efforts to extend state authority across all Lebanese territory, strengthen state institutions and a political settlement consistent with UNSCR 1701.  

Dame Barbara reiterated the UK’s strong support for the Government of Lebanon and welcomed recent historic decisions, including the announcement of the trilateral framework agreement between Lebanon Israel and the United States. This agreement will be central to advancing progress towards withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, disarmament of Hizballah and the full deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces across Lebanese territory. 

The visit highlighted the UK’s readiness to play its part in supporting this diplomatic process including through humanitarian and development aid and as a leading supporter of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).  

The UK continues to support the Lebanese Armed Forces – Lebanon’s sole legitimate defender – through border security infrastructure, training, and equipment. Dame Barbara commended LAF’s work securing the Syrian border, managing severe challenges in the South, and maintaining stability during an exceptionally difficult period. 

Dame Barbara Woodward said:  

This visit comes at a pivotal moment as Lebanon and its partners work toward a sovereign and peaceful future. The UK will continue to support diplomatic efforts that deliver lasting peace and security for both Lebanon and Israel. 

Diplomacy is the only viable path to a lasting political settlement leading to Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, Hizballah’s disarmament and full LAF deployment across Lebanon.

Ambassador Hamish Cowell said:  

An important visit for Dame Barbara to Lebanon. The UK warmly welcomes the announcement of the trilateral framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel and the United States.    

The UK remains committed to Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty, working closely with Lebanese and international partners to advance peace and protect civilians.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Bahrain.

The United Kingdom strongly condemns Iran’s reckless attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait, and on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

First, these attacks are directly contrary to resolution 2817, put civilian lives in danger, and risk destabilising an already fragile region.

We stand in solidarity with Bahrain, Kuwait, and all our partners across the Gulf. 

The United Kingdom remains committed to regional security and stability, and we will continue to provide practical support to strengthen the defence and security of our partners.

Second, the UK gives our strong backing to the International Maritime Organisation’s efforts to evacuate vessels and seafarers, which has seen a number of vessels able to safely exit the Strait, some after months of being stranded. 

The IMO have had to pause their efforts as a direct result of these attacks, and we hope they will be able to resume their work as soon as possible.

We call for the right of transit passage to be fully restored in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It is critical that the Strait is free from the threat of violence and any form of tolls or unlawful impediments, and that all parties comply with their obligations under international law.  

The UK is committed to playing our part to achieve this, including through a strictly defensive and independent multinational military mission, led jointly with our French partners to provide reassurance to commercial shipping.

Finally, President, the UK welcomes and supports the implementation of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding and the ongoing negotiations.

We recognise this as a moment of opportunity to restore stability, not only for the region but also for the global economy. 

It is essential that global security and economic interests are safeguarded under a final agreement.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Ambassador Holland thanks the Director of the OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre for the institution’s work across the region, which remains crucial at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with Russia’s malign activities a key factor.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Director, Dear Kate, thank you for your report and for your leadership of the Conflict Prevention Centre in what you rightly describe as a highly challenging operating environment. Please also pass on our thanks to your hard-working and brilliant team.

As your report makes clear, the context in which the CPC operates is marked by heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing polarisation. At the heart of this challenge lies Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and its continued hybrid activity across the OSCE region. These actions fundamentally undermine our shared security and reinforce the importance of strong and effective conflict prevention tools.

The Russian Federation has a long track record of establishing frozen conflicts on its periphery which it uses as tools to manipulate and to control.  Georgia has been under hybrid attack from Russia since the 2008 war which saw 20% of Georgian territory effectively annexed. We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, and rebuild the trust that underpins the OSCE and our common security.

Dear Kate, against this backdrop, your report clearly demonstrates the central role of the CPC, its impact across the region, and the breadth of its reach. The United Kingdom places particular value on its core functions: providing early warning and situational awareness; delivering timely, fact-based reporting; facilitating dialogue and mediation; and maintaining strong connections between the Secretariat, participating States, and field operations.

We are grateful in particular for the CPC’s role in coordinating the Support Programme for Ukraine. This work is vital in helping Ukraine to address the consequences of Russia’s aggression and in strengthening resilience across civilian institutions. And in this context, I am pleased to announce a further UK contribution of about half a million Euros to support this programme.

We also note the CPC’s continued engagement across key regions. Its support to mediation and dialogue processes – including the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and the Geneva International Discussions – underlines the enduring importance of sustained attention to Moldova and the South Caucasus. The CPC’s ability to connect field insight, analysis, and dialogue facilitation remains a critical asset.

The CPC plays a pivotal role, but, like the organisation as a whole, does not always get the recognition it deserves, though I note your great work on digitalisation from your presentation.  I would welcome your thoughts, Director, on whether there is scope to increase the Centre’s visibility?

Director, we reiterate our strong support for your mandate and for the role of Director CPC. Looking ahead, we note ongoing discussions on the structure and resourcing of the Secretariat and we stand ready – alongside other participating States – to work in partnership with you and with the Secretary General on the future structure and focus of the CPC. Your report rightly highlights the need to ensure that the Centre remains flexible, responsive, and adequately resourced to meet evolving challenges. And we strongly agree with that.

Mr Chair, in an increasingly contested security environment, the CPC’s ability to link early warning with action, and policy with implementation, remains essential. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that this capability is preserved and strengthened.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Denmark, on behalf of the UK and 38 other countries, reaffirm commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture, condemning its continued use across the OSCE region, including by Russia and Belarus.

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the following 40 participating states: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia Herzegovina, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the European Union and its Member States, including my own country, Denmark.

The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to prevent and eradicate torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The prohibition of torture under international law is absolute and unconditional.

Civil society organisations, human rights defenders, media and international bodies have all reported the use of torture by a number of participating States. There can be no doubt that torture is a grave assault on human dignity. Yet worryingly, such acts continue to be perpetrated in the OSCE region.

Such practices stand in stark contrast to the spirit of the Helsinki Final Act and to the human rights commitments that all participating States have undertaken since.

Various international mechanisms, including the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, and ODIHR report that members of Russia’s forces have committed widespread and systematic acts of torture and ill-treatment against prisoners of war and civilians.

Staggering accounts from Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees describe torture and ill-treatment experienced during detention by Russian authorities clearly indicating patterns of systemic abuse.

In addition, the lack of Russian cooperation with independent international monitoring mechanisms is alarming. Constrained access to places of detention and external verification denies redress for the victims. This is a continuation of the abuse.

In Belarus, the UN Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in 2026 documented widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment. This includes beatings, electric shocks, forced psychiatric treatment, sexual violence, and inhumane detention conditions.

We condemn these gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the strongest possible terms. We regret the decision of the Russian Federation to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (ECPT) and urge them to reconsider before the withdrawal becomes effective by November this year.

We recall the commitments by all participating States undertaken in the 2020 Tirana Ministerial Council Decision on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and call for their full implementation throughout the OSCE region.

These commitments are unequivocal: no exceptional circumstances, whether armed conflict, security concerns or states of emergency, can ever justify torture. We welcome the Swiss Chairpersonship’s important work developing a Roadmap on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture in the OSCE region.

Mr. Chair,

Torture does not end when the act itself ends. It leaves victims and survivors with deep, long-lasting trauma, affecting them both physically and psychologically. And its impact extends to families, communities, and societies as a whole.

Fighting torture and ensuring accountability requires a joint effort, grounded in a victim- and survivor-centred approach. Victims and survivors must have access to effective remedies, including justice, redress and rehabilitation.

This includes ensuring access to appropriate medical, psychological and social support, particularly for victims of sexualized torture, conflict-related sexual violence and other forms of gender-based abuse.

We welcome the survivor-centred approach reflected in the Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture as presented by the UN Special Rapporteur on torture. Independent and impartial efforts to document, investigate and prosecute such violations remain essential. The relevant OSCE,

UN and other international accountability mechanisms play an important role in this regard. To this end we recognize the important, autonomous mandate of ODIHR and their valuable contributions towards efforts to combat torture and uphold human rights across the OSCE region.

We urge the participating States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) as well as its Optional Protocol (OPCAT)

Mr. Chair,

We as participating States must continue to advance our efforts. And in these efforts, the needs of victims and survivors have to come first.

We further encourage investigation and documentation of allegations of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence, to align with the “Méndez Principles” that outline Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering.

We urge all participating States to use all appropriate measures to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment and to apply international standards such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the so-called Bangkok Rules), the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the so-called Beijing Rules) and the UN Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty.

Mr. Chair,

In closing, we jointly reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture and to strengthening our efforts to eradicate its use across the OSCE region. We owe that to the people of our region. I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2026.

Ambassador Holland condemned Russia’s ongoing aggression, highlighting rising civilian casualties, cultural destruction and reports of conflict-related sexual violence, while exposing persistent disinformation. He criticised Russia’s disinformation and conduct in the OSCE and underlined that such actions must not be normalised.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Mr Chair, accompanying Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is an attempt to normalise the unacceptable. Through its actions on the ground and in this Council, Russia seeks to condition us to accept the unacceptable .

Every day brings further death and destruction across Ukraine. The Russian attack on Kyiv overnight, which killed at least thirteen people and injured a further 86, is the latest example. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

Colleagues, despite attempts to persuade you otherwise, we believe any loss of life is tragic. Yet the scale of suffering we continue to witness is the direct result of a deliberate decision: Russia’s choice to launch and sustain this war. That is the root cause of the instability in our region.

Since February 2022, the UN has verified over 62,000 civilian casualties, including more than 16,000 killed. Recent data underline that this toll is not diminishing rather intensifying. May 2026 saw the highest monthly casualties since April 2022. Early data indicates that June may be even higher. Civilians are killed and injured across the country, often far from the frontline, as missile and drone strikes reach cities and towns nationwide. These are the foreseeable consequences of Russia’s aggression.

Cultural and religious heritage has not been spared. Historic sites – symbols of identity and continuity – have been damaged or destroyed. The recent Russian attack that damaged the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a stark example. This struck the cultural foundations of Ukraine.

A further example is Russia’s use of conflict-related sexual violence. And such is the weight of evidence against Russia, the 2026 UN Annual Report lists the Russian armed and security forces among the parties credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of conflict-related sexual violence.

And alongside its actions on the ground, Russia continues to undermine this Council. We see a steady stream of disinformation, including fabricated allegations and  “false flag” narratives. This is not good-faith engagement. It is a deliberate effort to obscure reality and deflect responsibility from the root cause of conflict in our region – their invasion of Ukraine, starting with Crimea in 2014 and leading on to the full scale invasion in 2022.

For example, in relation to Bucha, we see repeated attempts to deny, distort, and recast compelling evidence of atrocities as staged provocations, despite extensive documentation and verification by independent and international sources. Such tactics aim to blur the line between truth and falsehood – and, again, to normalise what should never be accepted.

We also see a degradation of language and conduct in this room. Established diplomatic norms are increasingly cast aside. Baseless slurs, including references that trivialise the gravest chapters of history, are deployed. Last week, this trend reached a new low, and we will come back to this topic later in this meeting.

Mr Chair, recent remarks by President Putin illustrate clearly what we have long argued: that Russia is not serious about peace. While Ukraine has repeatedly made clear its desire for a ceasefire or direct Leader-level talks, Russia remains committed to continued territorial advances, whatever the cost. This again demonstrates where the commitment to peace lies. Ukraine continues to pursue practical avenues to reduce harm and create space for diplomacy. Russia continues to reject them.

This Council must continue to speak with clarity and purpose. We must support Ukraine, uphold international law, and ensure that the unacceptable is neither accepted nor forgotten.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2026.

UK Senior Military Advisor, Colonel Joby Rimmer condemns the contradiction between Russia’s rhetoric of dialogue and its continued aggression, and calls for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains unequivocally committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: one that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of every participating State to choose its own security arrangements, in line with the Helsinki Final Act. Our support for Ukraine is long-term, and we support every credible diplomatic effort to bring this war to an end. But credible diplomacy requires seriousness, a willingness to engage directly, and to negotiate in good faith.

The Russian Federation has not done any of these. It is not choosing negotiation. It is choosing to continue the war. This is the contradiction at the heart of Russia’s position. Russia speaks of dialogue but rejects the conditions that would make talks meaningful. Russia speaks of peace but refuses a ceasefire. Russia speaks of diplomacy but continues to attack Ukrainian cities. Russia’s message is negotiation but Russia’s method is war.

On 23 June, President Putin again claimed Russia was open to peace. Yet the Russian Federation continues to refuse a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. President Putin has not accepted President Zelenskyy’s repeated offers of direct dialogue, including in his recent open letter to the Kremlin. A State serious about peace does not refuse every opportunity to meet, to talk, and to stop the killing.

A short while ago on 6 May, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued formal notes to Embassies in Kyiv. On 25 May, after one of the largest single-night attacks on Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian Ministry of Defence advised diplomatic personnel to leave the city “as soon as possible”. And on 24 June, in this Forum, Russia reiterated that this threat “remains in force”.

This is not diplomacy. It is pressure. It is an attempt to intimidate the diplomatic community, undermine confidence in Ukraine’s capital, and present Russian escalation as inevitable. The response has been clear: Embassies have not left or announced plans to leave Kyiv.

Last week, in this Forum, the distinguished representative from Belarus stated the Union State framework includes the use of, in its own words, “all possible means available, including nuclear means”. The Russian Delegation repeated and amplified this nuclear signalling multiple times. This rhetoric is irresponsible and coercive nuclear signalling. This does not support negotiation. This is designed to intimidate. This does not bring peace closer, it increases risk. But let me reiterate, this is not a nuclear crisis, and nor should it become one.

The Russian Federation’s conduct of the war tells the same story. It continues to sustain casualties of some 38,000 a month, for negligible gains on the ground. It persists in the reckless use of Oreshnik nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities. It intensifies long-range strikes that kill civilians far from the front line. These are not the actions of a State seeking peace. They are the actions of a State seeking to sustain the war while blaming others for the absence of negotiations.

The Russian Federation must stop the war and engage meaningfully in negotiations. Peace will not come through rhetoric while the Russian Armed Forces continue to fight. Peace will not come through threats while Russia refuses direct engagement. And peace will not come through claims of openness while Russia rejects the ceasefire.

Mr Chair, we continue to call on the Russian Federation to de-escalate, starting by ending its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Federation should agree to an immediate ceasefire and open the channels with Kyiv that President Zelenskyy has repeatedly offered. The path to peace is clear and Russia can choose to take it at any time. Thank you, Mr Chair.