Tag: Foreign Office

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

UK-Kenya partnership creates first Kenyan Marine Commando Unit to counter threats and fight terrorism.

Friday 5 May – The first-ever Kenyan Marine Commando Unit (KMCU) have made history by successfully completing their basic training, marked by a passing-out parade at Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa.

The KMCU will be an elite fighting force with the ability to conduct specialised amphibious operations to weaken and disrupt threats to Kenya, and take the fight to Al-Shabaab by land and by sea.

Ten British Marines from 40 Commando Royal Marines trained the KMCU over twelve weeks as part of a training programme including physical fitness and amphibious assaults.

Potential recruits were selected from the Kenyan Military to undertake rigorous training programme. The UK-funded obstacle course that was constructed at Mtongwe Naval Base is a near identical replica of the course used at the Royal Marine Commando training base in Lympstone, UK.

This first cohort of Marines have kick-started a self-sustaining training cycle, whereby the Kenyan Navy will eventually be able to train their own Marine Commandos.

This joint endeavour to create the Marine Commando Unit is an example of the UK and Kenya’s enduring commitment to building a strong, capable and adaptable Kenyan Military that is already an anchor of regional stability and security.

The UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, is an ambitious five-year agreement delivering mutual benefits for the UK and Kenya, and keeping our people safe; it is underpinned by the Defence Cooperation Agreement that provides the framework for this training programme.

The US Military are also an integral part of the creation of the KCMU by ensuring this specialist and formidable force are equipped to the highest standard.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot said:

“The UK, Kenya the US stand shoulder to shoulder in the shared endeavour of countering Al Shabaab. This history-making partnership – the creation of the first-ever Marine Commando Unit – is a clear signal of our three countries’ enduring commitment to the Kenyan Military and to regional security.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

Norwegian Ambassador to the OSCE Anne-Kirsti Karlsen gives a statement on safety of journalists on behalf of 16 participating States.

Mr. Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the informal Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists, which consists of the following participating States: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Yesterday, on the 3rd of May, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Three decades ago, the members of the UN decided to devote a day to the importance of press freedom. This day we commemorate the bravery of journalists, and other media actors who strive to uncover the truth. For 30 years, this day has also served as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom, and to do their utmost to ensure the safety of journalists and media actors.

However, the issue of safety of journalists is more pressing than ever. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has imperilled journalists throughout the region. It has led directly to the deaths of journalists, uncovering atrocities and countering disinformation, related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s drastic censorship and suppression of media freedom also enables relentless state-sponsored disinformation about its war of aggression against Ukraine. It is spread virtually unchallenged to the public in Russia. We condemn the Russian Federation’s actions to silence journalists and other media actors, including the detention of Russian and foreign journalists. These actions are part of what the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFOM) has rightly qualified as: “one of the worst declines in media freedom” since the creation of her mandate. We urgently call on Russia to immediately end its attacks on independent media, at home and abroad. We also call on Russia to release all those detained under spurious charges for exercising their rights, and freedom of expression. Access to factual and up-to-date information is always necessary for citizens to make informed choices, but it becomes essential in times of war and uncertainty.

Mr. Chair, we are witnessing a worrying rise in abuse online, with a disproportionate targeting of women journalists, with harassment, threats, and reprisals. Online attacks have a chilling effect on women’s participation in the media, and in society. We must ensure a safe environment for all journalists and media actors, both online and offline.

Journalists play a crucial role in holding governments and institutions to account, while informing the public about matters of public interest. It is crucial that journalists are able to work independently, and without fear of harassment, intimidation or persecution. When peace and security come under threat, so does media freedom and democracy. And when media freedom and democracy are threatened, so is peace and security.

Mr. Chair, as participating States of the OSCE, we have all affirmed and reaffirmed that freedom of expression and media freedom are cornerstones of our common security. To protect the safety of journalists is to protect the freedom of expression and media freedom. We call on all participating States, to take the necessary steps to implement our OSCE commitments on media freedom, and safety of journalists.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

Acting Ambassador Deirdre Brown thanks the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Davenport, for the Mission’s ongoing work to strengthen Kosovo’s institutions.

I would like to welcome Ambassador Davenport back to the Permanent Council. Thank you to you and your team for this comprehensive report, which provides a helpful summary of developments and activities over the reporting period.

The United Kingdom highly appreciates the work of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, its close engagement with government institutions, municipalities, and civil society, and its delivery of important initiatives across the three core pillars of its mandate.

The UK commends the Mission’s engagement and support on electoral legal reform during the reporting period – including through technical support to the Central Election Commission, and amendments to legislation in line with the recommendations of international election observation missions.

The UK also appreciates the recent work of the Mission in monitoring the overall security situation during the early municipal elections in northern Kosovo on 23 April – while noting that the Mission did not have a direct role in the election process itself. We regret the lack of participation of Kosovo Serb political parties in these elections, and the resulting lack of choice for Kosovo Serbs. Reports of pressure and threats to not participate are concerning.

The UK values the Mission’s continued support to government institutions on human rights and inter-community relations. In particular, the support for the development of an action plan to address the issues of non-majority communities, implementation of a strategy on property rights, facilitating dialogue among communities on freedom of religion or belief, and continuing to support the protection of cultural heritage. The UK also highly values the Mission’s ongoing work in support of tackling domestic and gender-based violence.

Mr Chair, for many years Kosovo has faced a unique challenge – the absence of a normal relationship with its neighbour Serbia. This has implications for regional stability, and a detrimental impact on communities in both countries. It is vital that all parties work towards creating the conditions for a secure and safe environment in the north of Kosovo – one which provides space for sustainable agreement and growing prosperity, rather than isolation and a continued security vacuum.

In this context, we welcome the considerable progress that has been made in recent months in the Normalisation Dialogue under EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák – including the 27 February Brussels Agreement, and its Implementation Annex negotiated on 18 March in Ohrid. The 2 May declaration on missing persons is a positive first step, but work on the remaining parts of the Agreement must continue without delay. It is important that both parties engage in the Dialogue in good faith, honour their commitments, and avoid actions or rhetoric that could reduce prospects for a comprehensive and sustainable normalisation agreement. In line with the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, we urge both parties to engage constructively, including on the establishment of an Association of Serb Majority Municipalities as soon as possible.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains a long-standing and strong supporter of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. We remain committed to supporting an inclusive, diverse and multi-ethnic democracy in Kosovo, and its full participation in the international system. We value and appreciate the Mission’s continued engagement and commitment to its work to strengthen Kosovo’s institutions. The considerable improvement over the last year – reflected in Freedom House’s international rankings on political rights and civil liberties – is testament to Kosovo’s progress.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you, Ambassador Davenport, for your leadership of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo during this reporting period, and to thank your team for their continued expertise, engagement and hard work over the last six months.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

The UK and the Netherlands co-hosted a conference of nations, companies and organisations to raise funds for the UN operation to prevent an oil spill off the Yemen coast.

The UK and the Netherlands, in partnership with the United Nations (UN), co-hosted a fundraising event which now enables the UN to start the operation to prevent a major oil spill from the FSO Safer oil tanker off the coast of Yemen.

Unmaintained since 2015, an explosion or leak from the tanker could occur at any moment, spilling over one million barrels of oil into the Red Sea. Such a spill would cost an estimated £16 billion to clean up, devastate marine life, exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, and hinder an estimated 10% of global trade costing billions more every day.

The conference raised over £6 million. This followed £80 million already pledged by over 20 other countries and a range of private sector donors. With this boost in funds, the United Nations can now start the operation to transfer the oil onto a replacement vessel and resolve the immediate threat.

Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell announced an additional £2.5 million from the UK bringing our total commitment to £8 million.

FCDO Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said:

This conference has made vital progress towards avoiding an environmental, economic and humanitarian catastrophe on a massive scale.

The Safer tanker is at real risk of leaking. I am proud of the UK’s leadership on this crisis and we now look to the UN to begin the emergency operation as soon as possible.

Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher said:

The international community has a unique opportunity to stave off disaster. Let’s demonstrate our commitment to protecting people and the planet.

We call on the rest of the international community and the private sector to work together to secure the remaining funding necessary to fully cover the costs incurred by the UN and provide a long-term solution for the tanker.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

Ambassador James Kariuki gave a statement at the United Nations Security Council meeting on the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

The UK government has concluded its successful evacuation operation and announced that it will provide £5 million of lifesaving aid to people fleeing Sudan.

• the final UK flight departed from Port Sudan airport last night after an 8-day, multi-route evacuation
• 2,450 people evacuated via Wadi Saeedna airfield and Port Sudan since flights started on Tuesday 25 April
• the UK will deliver £5 million of lifesaving aid for people fleeing the violence in Sudan

The final UK evacuation flight from Port Sudan departed last night (3 May), concluding the longest and largest evacuation of any Western nation.

The successful operation has evacuated more than 2,450 people on 30 flights, the vast majority of them being British nationals and their dependents.

It comes as the UK announces it will provide an initial £5 million of life saving aid to help meet the urgent needs of those fleeing the violence. As a longstanding and committed donor to Sudan, the UK has contributed more than £250 million in humanitarian aid in the past 5 years.

Humanitarian organisations face enormous obstacles in delivering support in Sudan, with the eruption of violence leading to aid workers being attacked and killed and humanitarian supplies being looted. Many relief agencies have ceased operations in the country in the wake of the volatile conditions.

The UK is working in close coordination with international organisations and partners to push for safe access for humanitarian workers. This will allow aid to flow to those worst affected by the violence.

The aid will ensure practical items such as food, shelter, medical care and clean water for tens of thousands of people reaches the most vulnerable.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK has coordinated the longest and largest evacuation of any Western country and brought 2,450 people to safety from Sudan.

We remain focused on supporting those who are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and continue to press for a long-term ceasefire.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

I am truly grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of our armed forces who have evacuated more than 2,000 people from Sudan from over 20 counties and continue to provide medical and humanitarian support from Port Sudan, supported by the Royal Air Force.

Their efforts are a source of national pride.

International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

The package we have announced today will provide food, shelter, medical care and clean water for tens of thousands of people who have fled the violence in Sudan.

While this aid will help alleviate some of the immediate suffering in the region, the ongoing violence is creating huge additional needs.

The UK continues to pursue all diplomatic avenues to end the violence, de-escalate tensions and secure safe humanitarian access, including engaging with the African Union and partners to help coordinate these efforts. There can be no aid without safe access and a ceasefire which is permanent.

The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Africa Minister have engaged, directly or through intermediaries, with the 2 military leaders to urge a ceasefire, and have coordinated with key international partners on the global response to the crisis.

As part of the evacuation efforts, the UK has helped evacuate more than 1,200 people from other nations, including the US, Ireland, Netherlands, Canada, Germany and Australia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

The second Joint Economic Data Hub report outlines the value of the defence sector to UK jobs, businesses and exports.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

Acting Ambassador Deirdre Brown welcomes the OSCE Moscow Mechanism report and calls for an immediate end to deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia.

Thank you, Mr Chair. I wish to make a statement in my national capacity, to supplement the statement delivered by the Ambassador of Finland.

Dr Hellestveit and Dr Šteinerte – welcome to the Permanent Council. Professor Bilkova – welcome back. Thank you for your expertise, independence and diligence in providing such a comprehensive report on this distressing issue.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom strongly supported the invocation of the first and second Moscow Mechanisms in Ukraine, which highlighted the truly terrible humanitarian impacts of Russia’s invasion. This third report has further exposed the abhorrent actions carried out at the behest of the Russian leadership.

While the independent authors of the report were not able to ascertain the exact number of children deported so far, the report indicates figures in the several thousands, with the true figure likely to be far higher. Several thousands of children – taken away from their homes, families and friends – and forcibly placed in strange and unfamiliar environments, exposed to yet more trauma caused by Russia’s inhumane practices.

Mr Chair, the report makes clear that these children were mostly deported without the consent of their parents or guardians. Many were separated from their families at filtration centres, removed from institutions, or simply never returned from so-called ‘recreation camps’. Moreover, the report makes explicit that, in violation of international humanitarian law, there is no functioning mechanism for the reunification of children with their relatives, or repatriation to Ukraine. Rather Russia has created obstacles to the return of these children.

We simply cannot imagine the pain this inflicts on the children, parents and families involved. At one filtration point, Russian forces separated a father from his 3 children – aged just 12, 7 and 5 years old. The 12-year-old was able to contact his father to inform him he had just 5 days to collect them, or they and their siblings would be placed in an institution or adopted. A single mother sent her son to a so-called ‘recreation camp’, only for the Russian authorities to subsequently refuse to return him. The mother was forced instead to travel to Russia twice before the Russian authorities would release her son. These are just 2 stories of thousands. Many families still do not know the whereabouts of their children at all.

Mr Chair, Russia’s intention is clear. It is attempting to forcibly and permanently alter the demographic makeup of Ukraine. It is attempting to erase Ukrainian identity and culture, and it is attempting to erase Ukraine’s future. The independent authors of the report received numerous reports suggesting children in the temporarily Russian-controlled territories and, especially in the Russian Federation, are exposed to pro-Russian information campaigns often amounting to targeted re-education.

Moreover, the report outlines the clear steps Russia has taken to simplify the process for changing the citizenship of orphaned or unaccompanied Ukrainian children. We are deeply concerned that the easing of requirements for obtaining Russian citizenship may be used to facilitate adoptions.

Mr Chair, the report concluded that the Russian Federation has committed numerous and overlapping violations of the rights of the children deported, including their right to identity, family, education and liberty. Russia must immediately cease the practice of forcible transfer or deportation of Ukrainian children to temporarily Russian-controlled territories and to the Russian Federation. We demand immediate, safe and unfettered access of humanitarian organisations to all places were children who have been forcibly transferred or deported are residing. We demand the immediate return of all affected Ukrainian children. And, we vow to Ukraine’s children and their families, that the UK will do all in our power to ensure those responsible face justice.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

Vesa Häkkinen, Finnish Ambassador to the OSCE, gives a statement on behalf of 45 OSCE participating States on the Russian deportation of children from Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 May 2023.

Acting Ambassador Brown says that if Russia wanted peace, it would stop bombing Ukraine’s civilian population, demonstrate commitment to the Black Sea Grain Initiative and cease its campaign of disinformation.