Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 April 2023.

International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell will give a speech today (27 April 2023) on the future of the UK’s international development work.

• International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell will set out his vision to reduce poverty, tackle climate change and reinvigorate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• the Minister will launch a new UK development brand that badges the FCDO’s work to use partnerships to advance development progress and deliver prosperity
• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will also announce plans for a new international volunteering service, and a programme to get six million more girls into schools around the world

The UK will today set out a new vision to improve global prosperity and reduce poverty through building partnerships with other countries.

In his first major speech, International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell will say the future of development relies on us working alongside countries as partners, rather than them being dependent on aid budgets.

Using the entire Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office global footprint, the UK will work with other countries to advance shared aims that benefit us all, like security and economic growth, recognising the need to tackle poverty and climate change together. The Minister will also say the international financial system needs to be fundamentally reformed, so countries can access the finance at the scale they need to drive their own development and tackle climate change in the face of global challenges.

He will announce a new brand, UK International Development, to demonstrate UK development is broader than aid, and is ultimately about working with countries by building mutually beneficial partnerships.

He is expected to say:

Placing partnership at the heart of the UK’s offer shows that at its core, international development is not about charity, handouts and dependency. It is about listening to our partners and working together to advance our shared objectives.

From today, the new brand will be on all new UK development programmes.

The Minister will set out how, using the UK’s strengths, he will champion and take forward the 7 priorities the Prime Minister set out in the Integrated Review Refresh last month: reforming the global financial system, making global tax systems fairer, delivering clean, green infrastructure and investment, improving global food security, making the case for ‘open science’, preventing the next global health crisis and putting women and girls at the heart of all development.

Building on the Prime Minister’s Integrated Review Refresh last month, the Minister will say he is making sure women and girls are at the forefront of all policy decisions.

He will announce a new programme designed to get 6 million more girls into school by improving education spending in low and lower middle-income countries and scaling up teacher training and in-class support so there is better access for vulnerable children.

In a bid to link the British public to the UK’s development work, the Minister will also announce that later this year the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will go out to tender on a new international youth volunteering programme, similar to the former International Citizen Service.

The Minister will also make clear Britain is firmly behind the ambition set out by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, last year to enable countries around the world to tackle climate change and the reversal of development progress over recent years.

The UK is pushing for concrete progress on multilateral development bank (MDB) reform, drawing on a UK initiated review, to unlock hundreds of billions in financing for developing countries and help bridge the global climate and nature finance gaps. Britain is providing technical expertise so countries can unlock funding from global climate funds. The UK government, together with the City of London, is driving innovations in insurance, paying out the first drought insurance support for Somalia.  We are ensuring part of our humanitarian relief is used in ways that builds future resilience to climate impacts.

Since taking up the International Development Minister role 6 months ago Minister Mitchell has driven work to tackle hunger and malnutrition in some of the poorest countries. During a visit to Somalia last year, he saw first-hand how children were suffering with severe malnutrition and the impact drought had on the country.

In his speech he is expected to say: “It is frankly obscene, that in the 21st century and in our world of plenty, children are today slowly starving to death.”

To bring this to the top of the development agenda the Minister will announce a food security event in London later this year to demonstrate the breadth of the UK’s work to tackle hunger and malnutrition, bringing together the expertise and skills of the academic, medical, research, philanthropic and the NGO community.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 April 2023.

Renewed commitment brings gender and equalities at the heart of UK’s work in the LATAC region, as part of the UK government’s commitment to tackle inequalities around the world.

Our Latin America and Caribbean Gender and Equality Network sets out FCDO’s commitments to build a safer, more equitable and prosperous world where everyone can fulfil their potential, realise their rights and be free from discrimination. To this end we have developed an internal Gender and Equalities Charter, in collaboration with the Education, Gender and Equalities Directorate (EdGE).

UK efforts will support, protect and empower:

• women and girls
• people with disabilities
• LGBT+ people
• indigenous peoples and communities
• children
• poor and vulnerable people
• and excluded communities, among others.

This work aligns with the UK’s prioritisation of gender and equalities issues, as outlined in the Integrated Review, International Development Strategy, International Women and Girls Strategy and FCDO’s Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy.

Through our network in Latin America and the Caribbean we commit to:

1. Take a transformative and intersectional approach – aiming to contribute to long-term change rather than focusing on short-term and superficial activity, whilst also tackling the multiple overlapping barriers faced by women, girls, men, boys, people with disabilities, LGBT+ people, poor and vulnerable people, people from specific racial and ethnic backgrounds, and excluded communities.
2. Proactively seek regional opportunities linked to bilateral activity in order to maximise our impact.
3. Support countries across LATAC as regional leaders and actively speak out to promote the rights agenda in the multilateral system.
4. Use evidence and data, through regional research and engagement with local stakeholders.
5. Prioritise the upskilling of all staff and provide specific specialised training.
6. Ensure inclusive language and visuals in our internal and external communications.

Alicia Herbert, Director, Education, Gender and Equality and Special Envoy for Gender Equality, said:

The safest, most prosperous societies are those in which all citizens can live without fear of violence or discrimination whilst playing a full and active role in their communities. However, so many people – including persons with disabilities and those in the LGBT+ community and indigenous groups – have been excluded for too long.

Rob Tinline, Director Americas, mentioned:

Women’s movements are a force at the forefront of the fight for equal rights. People with disabilities and indigenous groups are also increasingly organized in demanding their rights. Legal unions, marriage equality and safe abortions are becoming a reality in more and more countries in the region.

Finally, Kirsty Hayes, HMA to Buenos Aires and Gender and Equalities Champion, said:

LATAC is a vast and diverse region. Women and girls, LGBT+ and people with disabilities are exposed to discrimination and inequality is still one of the key regional challenges. In spite of recent positive progress in legislation and inclusive policies in some countries, increasing resistance from some sectors and ongoing structural and legal barriers are preventing some communities to advance on equality region wide.

As LATAC Gender and Equalities Champion I am very excited to drive this agenda and seek out ways for us to work together to advance equality for all.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 April 2023.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 April 2023.

Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the United Nations, gave a statement at the Security Council meeting on the situation in Haiti.

I’d like to welcome the Special Representative and thank her for briefing. We wish you every success in your new role. We’d also like to put on record our gratitude to all UN staff in Haiti who work in very challenging circumstances. I’d like to thank the Executive Director of UNODC for her briefing and I welcome the Foreign Ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic to the chamber.

Colleagues, as we’ve heard today, the situation in Haiti remains bleak and it is getting worse.

Like all of us in this room, the UK is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation: the dramatic increase in homicides and kidnappings. The widespread instances of gang rape and other forms of sexual violence perpetrated by gangs as a means to strike fear into communities. The recruitment of children into gangs, indiscriminate sniper fire in civilian areas and high food insecurity. All of this has contributed to what the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called “a living nightmare”. It is tragedy that the Haitian people – and women and children in particular – continue to experience this horror on a daily basis. It should be a wake up to the international community

We strongly support the High Commissioner’s appointment of an expert on human rights in Haiti earlier this month following the request of the Human Rights Council.

As set out in the Secretary-General’s report, it is clear that the Haitian National Police remains over-stretched and under-resourced to tackle the immense security challenges it faces. There needs to be a coordinated international effort to assist in Haitian-led efforts to tackle the underlying causes of gang violence. We recognise the need for a response to Haiti’s request for further international assistance and we support further Council discussions on this.

Colleagues, we note the installation of the High Transitional Council as a positive step towards implementing the 21 December political accord. We welcome recent moves towards a broader political dialogue and call once again on all actors to redouble their efforts to reach a consensus. This Council should be ready to consider further sanctions designations of those who seek to undermine the peace and stability of Haiti.

Above all we must support every effort for Haitians to come together to overcome the political impasse and to agree a roadmap that creates conditions for successful democratic elections and for a better long-term future for Haiti.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 April 2023.

Today marks Israel’s 75th birthday, also known as Yom Ha’atzmaut.

The UK and Israel share extremely close ties as seen through the developing economic and technological relationship between the two nations.

The UK is proud to be linked to Israel’s thriving technology industry – from cybersecurity, fintech, and healthcare, to energy and climate tech. UK companies have established partnerships and collaborations with Israeli companies in the tech sector. Over 400 Israeli technology firms have set up offices and operations in the UK – more than in any other European country. The British Embassy’s very own ‘Tech Hub’ – the first of its kind in any British Embassy anywhere, supports many.

The UK is one of Israel’s most important trading partners, with trade between the two countries reaching over £7 billion annually in 2022. The current UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement was one of the UK’s first trade continuity agreements signed after Britain left the European Union, and ensures tariff-free trade on 99% of the value of goods traded between the two countries. The UK is currently negotiating an upgraded, ambitious Free Trade Agreement, which will focus on services and innovation where both Israel and the UK can excel.

For the past 75 years, the UK has been clear about Israel’s right to exist and is unequivocal in supporting Israeli security and right to self-defence, in the face of threats from its neighbours, particularly Iran. The UK has often stood at the UN defending Israel against unwarranted and disproportionate criticism.

The UK has consistently supported the establishment of a two-state solution, with Israel and a future Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security. This policy is a fulfilment of the Balfour Declaration but also results from a sincere belief that lasting security for Israel – preserving its Jewish and democratic character – requires a solution that offers equal rights and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.

As we reflect on the past 75 years of friendship between the UK and Israel, we are also looking ahead to the future. Last month the UK and Israel signed the 2030 roadmap for UK-Israel bilateral relations. The roadmap sets out our ambitions for cooperation over the next decade, as part of an innovative and forward-looking strategic partnership. It includes a new £20 million Scientific and Innovation programme, funded by both governments.

UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

The strong ties between the UK and Israel over the past 75 years is a testament to the strength of our close and historic relationship.

The UK and Israel stand together, defiant in the face of the malign influence of Iran in the region, and against the wider scourge of antisemitism.

I am happy to celebrate the significant milestone of Israel’s 75th birthday. Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!

Neil Wigan, British Ambassador to Israel, said:

I am proud of the strength of the UK-Israel relationship. Whether it’s our trade, tourism, technological collaboration, culture or security, both countries will continue to work together.

I know that the past 75 year relationship is just the beginning of what is an ever-evolving, ever-closer relationship.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 April 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Sudan.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 April 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 April 2023.

The UK Government is commencing an evacuation effort to help British nationals leave Sudan from today

UK military flights are due to depart from an airfield outside Khartoum, supported by senior diplomats from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Flights will be open to those with British passports and priority will be given to family groups with children and/or the elderly or individuals with medical conditions.

At this stage we will contact those who are eligible for evacuation directly and British nationals should not make their way to the airfield unless they are called.

The safety of all British nationals in Sudan continues to be our utmost priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our travel advice. The situation remains volatile and our ability to conduct evacuations could change at short notice.

We are working with international partners to arrange this departure and thank them for their co-operation. We are also working on other potential options for helping British nationals leave Sudan, including from other points of exit.

The UK government has updated its travel advice to reflect the provision of these flights. The situation in Sudan continues to be volatile.

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The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 April 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Effective Multilateralism.

At the outset let me echo the strong concerns set out by the Secretary-General about the situation in Sudan and the call for an immediate end to the violence. We have requested a Council meeting to address the situation tomorrow.

I join others in thanking the Secretary-General for his briefing.

Minister Lavrov has called this meeting to share the Russian vision for the future of multilateralism.

We’ve seen what Russia’s idea of multilateralism means for the world. More than a year into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Putin has brought unimaginable suffering to that country, while trampling over the UN Charter. Thousands of Ukrainians have been killed. Millions have been displaced. Across the world, billions have faced rocketing commodity prices and food insecurity.

It has been an unmitigated disaster for Russia, too.

Neither Russia nor its neighbours feel safer.

Trust in Russia’s promises to other States and to its own people is at a catastrophic low.

Again and again the UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn Russia’s invasion. President Putin can count the supporters of his war on one hand.

Russia has severely damaged its reputation in the international community, and now President Putin is threatening to move nuclear weapons into a neighbouring State.

For Russians the world is getting smaller. Many tens of thousands of Russian men and women have been killed. Hundreds of thousands have been mobilised against their will, millions are fleeing the country to escape the draft. Independent journalists have been arrested, free speech has been crushed. Russia’s economy is shrinking, its army is in disarray, reliant on Wagner – an unaccountable mercenary group whose existence was denied a year ago, but who now offers your Ministry advice on you Security Council presidency.

A Russian generation has lost its future, and the Russian Government can’t even explain why. Russia’s justifications for the war – defeating Nazis and defending against bioweapons – are obvious falsehoods. Russia’s claims to Ukraine’s territory will never be recognised. For all of Mr Lavrov’s claims about effective multilateralism, I see nothing effective nor multilateral in Russia’s foreign policy.

Multilateral institutions can and should evolve – the Security Council included, and we support reforms to make it more effective and representative. Change must be underpinned by respect for basic principles of the Charter, above all the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The world also needs a free and safe Ukraine that can return to supplying the world with food. The UK will continue to stand together with Ukraine as it lawfully defends itself.

Foreign Minister Lavrov claims he is interested in ending the conflict as soon as possible. To do so, Russia must immediately remove its troops from all Ukrainian territory.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 April 2023.

The UK, US and EU are today announcing further sanctions on Iranian regime officials responsible for human rights violations, including from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The UK has designated more than 70 Iranian officials and entities for human rights violations since October 2022, with the total number of Iran-related designations amounting to more than 300. The list includes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in its entirety, the Iranian Prosecutor General and the Morality Police.

The UK, US and EU have taken consistent and coordinated action to hold the regime to account, announcing sanctions on a monthly basis on those response for human rights abuses. The latest UK sanctions are against 4 IRGC commanders, under whose leadership IRGC forces have opened fire on unarmed protestors resulting in numerous deaths, including of children, and have arbitrarily detained and tortured protestors.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The Iranian regime are responsible for the brutal repression of the Iranian people and for exporting bloodshed around the world. That’s why we have more than 300 sanctions in place on Iran, including on the IRGC in its entirety.

The UK and our international partners are again making clear today that we will not overlook the regime’s brutal oppression. We will continue to take a range of action to hold the regime to account for its actions.

Those sanctioned include:

• Mohammad Nazar Azimi: IRGC Commander Najaf Ashraf West HQ, responsible for the violent repression of protests in Kermanshah Province, with IRGC forces using machine guns against unarmed protestors resulting in multiple deaths
• Habib Shahsavari: IRGC Commander provincial corps West Azerbaijan Province, responsible for repression of protestors in Mahabad and Piranshahr, with IRGC forces using heavy weapons that resulted in multiple deaths. IRGC forces are accused of the death of protestors following torture in detention facilities
• Mohsen Karimi: IRGC commander Markazi Province, responsible for the violent repression of protests, including 19-year-old protestor Mehrshad Shahidi who was reportedly beaten to death in an IRGC detention centre, and the arrest of women for failing to wear the hijab (head covering) in public
• Ahmad Kadem: IRGC Commander of the Operational Base Karbala, responsible for the repression of protests in the town of Izeh, Khuzestan Province, during which a 10-year-old child was shot and killed. IRGC forces under the command of Kadem in Kohgilyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province are blamed for the abduction of a child labour activist who subsequently died after torture

The UK has also played a leading role in international efforts to hold the Iranian regime to account for its repression, for example through working with partners to kick Iran off the UN Commission on the Status of Women and to establish a UN-led investigation into the response to the protests.

These sanctions will ensure that the individuals on the list cannot travel to the UK and any of their assets held in the UK will be frozen.