Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

The Foreign Secretary has announced plans for a new sanctions regime to hold Iran to account for its hostile and destabilising behaviour around the world.

• Foreign Secretary announces plans for a new Iran sanctions regime, which will give the UK greater powers to target decision makers in Iran for hostile activities in the UK and around the world
• new sanctions designations to be announced on individuals and organisations responsible for human rights violations in Iran
• announcements come as the UK drives international condemnation of Iran’s behaviour at the UN Human Rights Council and UN Security Council this week

The Foreign Secretary has today outlined new action to hold Iran to account for the regime’s threats to the UK and our partners, including a new sanctions regime which will give the UK greater powers to target Iran’s key decision makers.

Iran has increased its efforts to kill or kidnap individuals perceived to be enemies of the regime outside of Iran, including in the UK. Since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to more than 15 credible threats to kill or kidnap British or UK-based individuals by the Iranian regime.

The regime has publicly called for the killing or capture of these individuals and in some cases detained and harassed the individual’s families in Iran. The Iranian intelligence services have developed close relationships with organised criminal gangs in UK and across Europe to expand the capability of its networks.

The UK will not tolerate such threats. The Foreign Secretary is announcing today our intention to create a new sanctions regime which will give the UK greater powers to target Iran’s key decision makers and those doing their bidding.

The regime will significantly expand the UK’s sanctions powers by creating new criteria under which individuals and entities can be sanctioned, including:

• the Iranian regime’s activities undermining peace, stability and security in the Middle East and internationally
• the use and spread of weapons or weapons technologies from Iran
• the Iranian regime’s undermining of democracy, respect for the rule of law and good governance
• other hostile activities towards the UK and our partners emanating from the Iranian regime, including threats to our people, property, or security

The announcement comes as the UK drives international condemnation of Iran’s behaviour at the UN this week. Yesterday, the UK co-signed a statement calling out the regime for the significant rise in executions over the last year.

Later today in New York, the UK will lead international opposition to Iran’s weapons proliferation and nuclear escalation at the UN Security Council as part of the UK’s Presidency in July. The UK has handed over extensive evidence to UNSC members demonstrating the Iranian regime continues to send weapons to the Houthis in Yemen and to Russia for use in Ukraine, in violation of UNSC restrictions. The UK and our partners will condemn this malign behaviour in the presence of the Iranian Permanent Representative to the UN, who is anticipated to attend the event.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The Iranian regime is oppressing its own people, exporting bloodshed in Ukraine and the Middle East, and threatening to kill and kidnap on UK soil.

Today the UK has sent a clear message to the regime – we will not tolerate this malign behaviour and we will hold you to account.

Our new sanctions regime will help to ensure there can be no hiding place for those who seek to do us harm.

The UK is also announcing a raft of new sanctions under the FCDO’s existing Iran Human Rights sanctions regime, which enables the designation of individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.

The list of 13 individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses includes prison governors overseeing torture and inhumane treatment, organisations charged with collecting private information of regime opponents and individuals leading the repression of women through Iran’s compulsory hijab laws. Examples of those now subject to asset freezes and travel bans are:

• Heidar Pasandideh (Governor of Sanandaj prison): has overseen regular torture and abuse within the prison. A prisoner reportedly died in Sanandaj after being severely beaten and denied medical treatment
• IRGC Cyber Defence Command (CDC): the CDC monitors the emails, websites and online activities of regime opponents and sends evidence to other parts of the IRGC to investigate
• The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution (SCCR): the SCCR set Iran’s policies on cultural and educational matters, including wear of the hijab, which is implemented by the Morality Police who were responsible for beating Mahsa Amini before her death in custody in September 2022

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland voices UK support for the work of the OSCE High Commissioner and calls for the protection of national minorities in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Mr Martin Harris CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ukraine in succession to Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG.

Mr Martin Harris CMG OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ukraine in succession to Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

Mr Harris will take up his appointment in September 2023.

On his appointment, Martin Harris said:

I am delighted to be returning to Ukraine to lead our Embassy’s vital work in supporting the Ukrainian government and people as they defend their country and our common values.

The UK’s relationship with Ukraine has never been stronger, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Martin was previously in Kyiv from 2003 to 2008 where he was Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Martin Harris

Place of birth:  Edinburgh

Dates	Role
2017 to 2022	FCDO, Director, Eastern Europe and Central Asia
2014 to 2017	Moscow, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission
2010 to 2014	Bucharest, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2008 to 2010	Cabinet Office, Deputy Director
2003 to 2008	Kyiv, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar (oral progress report). As delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s ongoing aggression as we approach 500 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On 1 June, which was the International Day of the Protection of Children, many in this room, including me, called on Russia to stop its persecution of two Ukrainian teenagers, Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanganov. Aged just 16 and 17, these boys endured months of abuse at the hands of the Russian authorities. I was horrified to hear that Tihran and Mykyta were both killed on 24 June. There is never a justification for the abuse and murder of children. Those responsible must face justice. The UK supports those working to uncover the full circumstances of their deaths, and our thoughts are with Tihran and Mykyta’s families.

I was also appalled by the missile strike on Kramatorsk on 27 June. Three children were among the thirteen people killed as they ate at a restaurant. The award-winning Ukrainian writer and war crimes researcher Viktoria Amelina was also killed. We are also deeply concerned by reports overnight of casualties in Lviv, after missiles struck a residential building. Attacks on civilians, especially children, are completely unacceptable in any circumstance. We will not let this barbarism become normalised. We also note Russia’s continued recklessness in its control of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We once again call on Russia to return control of the plant to the Ukrainian authorities.

Mr Chair, 500 days ago today, the Russian Delegation told us that “the key to lasting peace, the restoration of civil accord in Ukraine and the defusing of the tension around this country lies in the implementation of the Minsk agreements in good faith”. That very evening, Russia tore the Minsk agreements apart by recognising Luhansk and Donetsk as so-called “independent states”. For 500 days since, we have seen the same formula from Russia: broken promises, unwarranted aggression, lies, and threats.

When Russia launched its unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, it trampled on its international commitments. Russia violated the Helsinki Final Act, contravened UN Charter Article 2(4), and breached the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Their claims of self-defence are manifestly false. Cynical allegations of genocide and Nazism are untrue, not to mention deeply offensive. Indeed, Mr Prigozhin, President Putin’s erstwhile confidant, recently admitted what the whole world already knew. That the justifications given by the Kremlin for the invasion were simply not true. That there was no threat from Ukraine or NATO. That President Putin’s campaign is one of aggression and conquest.

The UK, along with our partners, will not tire of countering Russia’s disinformation. Russia itself knows that its falsehoods convince no one. That is why it resorts to threats. These threats are designed to deter international support for Ukraine, but only serve to strengthen our resolve, and to damage Russia’s global standing further.

Mr Chair, Ukraine is fighting for freedom, for peace, but also for truth. And with the help of its partners, Ukraine’s future will be that of a stronger and more prosperous country than ever, safe within its internationally recognised borders. In contrast, Mr Chair, Russia’s reputation will be damaged for years to come.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar, as delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) tells an OSCE joint committee meeting that the UK is committed to working with international partners to reduce the risks of trafficking.

Thank you, Madam moderator. And thank you to the speakers for sharing your thoughts with us today. It’s really valuable to hear the perspectives from civil society. And it’s clear from what has been said that this issue crosses all three of the OSCE’s dimensions.

As we have heard from the deputy minister, Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine has left many Ukrainians vulnerable to human trafficking. Unfortunately, this includes highly gendered and toxic demand for sexual services, as criminals prey on the vulnerability of the displaced. The UK is committed to working with international partners to reduce the risks of trafficking for the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.

In this challenging context, we thank the Office of the Special Representative for their leadership on anti-trafficking prevention and support to cyber and trafficking police, technology companies, and NGOs working to combat online exploitation. We also thank ODIHR for its important work.

The Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons in April was an important milestone for the OSCE region, demonstrating the importance of national leadership and a global response to tackling human trafficking. Although progress has been made in recent years, there is still a long way to go. That is why the UK is committed to supporting Theresa May in her work to establish a new Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Such a commission will inject political momentum at this critical time, and will support the global community to achieve our shared goal of eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking by 2030. We encourage participating States who have not already done so to evaluate how they can support this important new initiative.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Children and Armed Conflict.

My thanks to our briefers, in particular Ms Violeta for your tremendous courage and valuable insights on the impact of conflict on children.

The scale of grave violations outlined in the Secretary-General’s report is shocking. Over 8000 children were killed and maimed in 2022. Attacks on schools and hospitals increased by 112%. Violations in the Sahel increased by 85%, in Myanmar by 140%. And over 1,500 children were recruited and used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These are not just statistics. These are the stories of real children and their families and communities.

For the first time, a Permanent Member of this Council, the Russian Federation, is listed for over 1200 grave violations against children. A listing based on robust UN data that represents the tip of the iceberg. There is only one solution to ending the suffering of Ukrainian children: an end to Russia’s illegal invasion.

We will continue to support the Government of Ukraine’s efforts to protect its children and bring them home after Russia’s forced deportations.

International frameworks to ensure children’s rights such as the Safe Schools Declaration, the Children and Armed Conflict Working Group and the CAAC Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism need our full support.

The United Kingdom is taking action. We support programmes delivering psychosocial support, safe spaces, and addressing the drivers of recruitment. And we are a major donor to Education Cannot Wait, helping over 8.8 million children achieve their right to an education.

We will continue to drive the global response to conflict-related sexual violence. To remove barriers to justice, increase support for child survivors, and implement our commitments under the Platform for Action Promoting the Rights and Wellbeing of Children Born of conflict-related sexual violence.

Children do not start wars but they continue to be the most vulnerable to its effects.

We should do better.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

The UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East has urged the Iranian regime to end the surge in executions, following a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council.

The UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East Lord (Tariq) Ahmad has urged the Iranian regime to listen to the calls from the international community and end the surge in executions, following a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council today.

The UN Fact Finding Mission, set up by the Human Rights Council earlier this year to investigate Iran’s human rights violations, reported to the Council on human rights violations during recent protests in Iran.

Following the meeting, more than 50 states, including the UK, signed a statement led by Costa Rica criticising the ‘alarming pace’ of executions in Iran.

The regime has carried out more than 300 executions in 2023 alone. This is a shocking trend – executions are on track to exceed 2022, and more than double 2021’s figures. Analysis of the executions has shown that many are for minor crimes such as non-violent drug offences and the list included five individuals arrested following the death of Mahsa Amini.

The statement called out the frequent reports of forced confessions, following torture and inhumane treatment, leading to death penalty sentences in Iran.

Lord Ahmad said:

The UK and our partners have today condemned the Iranian regime for their brutal use of executions to stifle dissent.

The regime cannot continue to ignore the calls from the Iranian people, and the international community, for change.

A moratorium on the death penalty must be the first step in the regime changing course and listening to the concerns of the Iranian people.

The UK has more than 350 sanctions in place on Iranian individuals and entities in response to the regime’s actions, including on the Prosecutor General and Deputy Prosecutor General who are responsible for Iran’s application of the death penalty.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Venezuela, as delivered by Simon Manley, UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva.

Thank you, High Commissioner, for your report. The UK notes your office’s improved engagement with the Venezuelan authorities.

Nonetheless, we remain concerned by the continued deterioration of social, economic, and cultural rights. According to the last National Survey of Living Conditions (ENCOVI), 81.5% of the Venezuelan population live in poverty. More than nine million people have a chronic health condition and a strained public healthcare system does not have the capacity to respond.

Human rights defenders continue to operate under a high risk of arbitrary detention and harassment. Civil and political rights must be protected, including the right to participate in public affairs. It is right that your office closely monitors the situation, given the upcoming electoral period and the ongoing practice of disqualifying candidates without due process.

The Concluding Observations of the CEDAW in May also evidenced a challenging reality for women: unequal access to justice, little prevention of gender-based violence, and harassment of female rights defenders, journalists and opposition leaders and limited action against human trafficking.

High Commissioner,

What is your assessment on the adequacy of current guarantees and protections regarding civic space as elections approach? Is your Office engaging with the Administration to follow up on the recommendations issued by the CEDAW?

Thank you.