Tag: Foreign Office

The United Kingdom welcomes the fair, balanced, and well-evidenced preliminary report issued by ODIHR on the Majilis elections, which took place on 19 March. As the report notes, these elections were the next step in the important process of political reform set out by President Tokayev after the tragic events of January 2022. We welcome this process of reform and the increased choice for voters, as well as the implementation of previous recommendations made by ODIHR. We equally support ODIHR’s recommendations for further reform, which are required if parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan are to be aligned in all areas with international standards of democratic governance.

We note ODIHR’s findings around the protection of fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly, particularly around developing a more open, analytical and investigative approach by broadcast media, and the holding of public events, both of which should aid voter awareness and understanding. We also note ODIHR’s recommendation on the importance of securing transparency in the counting and tabulation process, where observers reported incidents of procedural irregularities and a disregard for safeguards. The publication of disaggregated data for the turnout and results of individual polling stations would be a welcome step in demonstrating transparency.

The United Kingdom thanks the observation mission and encourages Kazakhstan to consider these constructive recommendations as it continues on its path of legislative, political and economic reform. As our Foreign Secretary made clear in his visit to Astana on 18 March, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Kazakhstan in these efforts, fundamental to further reinforcing Kazakhstan’s long-term security and prosperity and meeting the aspirations of its people. In this regard, we strongly welcome President Tokayev’s speech to the new Majilis on 29 March, where he again reinforced his commitment to working together with the Majilis to continue political and institutional reform, strengthen human rights protections, and build a diverse, open, and competitive economy.

Thank you Mr President

We are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Mali. The Malian authorities’ obstruction of MINUSMA’s Human Rights Division, including expelling its Director, undermines the UN’s critical efforts to monitor, report on, and investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses. We urge the authorities to facilitate the UN’s work, as mandated by this Council and the UN Security Council, by allowing unrestricted access for investigations to take place.
A year on from the horrific massacre in Moura, we hope the UN will issue its report and shed light on what happened. Long-term stability requires accountability and justice.

Mr President,

We welcome the report of the Independent Expert. The statistics on sexual and gender-based violence are shocking and must be addressed without delay. We urge the Malian authorities to quickly adopt new legislation on this issue.

We note the Expert’s reference to credible reports of Russian military and security personnel – namely the Wagner Group – committing human rights abuses in Mali. There must be accountability.

Mr Tine,

We noted the press statement issued by UN experts in January of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by government forces and Wagner Group. What is your assessment?

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom remains resolute in our commitment to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance.

We believe that many of our greatest strengths derive from the diversity of our population.

We acknowledge that not everyone living in the UK has experienced tolerance and inclusion. We are working to do more to tackle negative racial disparities, promote unity and build a fairer Britain for all.

Last year we announced our Inclusive Britain action plan. This strategy has three aims: to build a stronger sense of trust and fairness in our institutions; to promote equality of opportunity; encourage aspiration and empower individuals; and to encourage and instill a sense of belonging to a multi-ethnic United Kingdom that celebrates its differences, while embracing the values that unite us all.

Our vision for 2030 is to level up our country, closing outcome gaps between ethnic groups in education, employment, health and criminal justice, and ensuring that no matter where anyone lives in the UK, whatever their ethnic or socio-economic background, they fulfil their full potential.

We are committed to taking further meaningful action domestically and internationally. Supported by further innovation from the public, private and voluntary sectors, we will encourage everyone in society to play their part in ensuring that we live in a fairer, better world.

Thank you, Mr President.

Thank you, President, for convening this timely debate. Your own personal leadership in delivering the Maputo Peace Accords offers many valuable lessons for “Silencing the Guns” across the African continent. I am grateful to our briefers for their presentations.

President, the human and financial costs of conflict are unsustainable. Done well, development is the best form of prevention.

Durable peace, security and development can only be secured through integrated solutions, which bring together the breadth of UN and African Union development expertise. This also means ensuring countries can access adequate development financing to take action. And as President Nyusi said development and security need to be underpinned by respect and defence of human rights.

I will make three additional points:

First, the United Kingdom is committed to long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with African countries to promote economic development. In this context, the Prime Minister will host the UK African Investment Summit in London in April 2024. The Summit will promote two-way trade and investment with African countries to create jobs and growth. The Summit seeks to support initiatives to encourage intra-African trade integration and women’s economic empowerment. We know that economic growth and stability contribute to longer-term peace and security.

Second, the United Kingdom strongly supports increased collaboration in the UN on development, and peace and security. So, in addition to this Council’s work on peace and security, this means complementary and mutually reinforcing peacebuilding and development responses. Yesterday’s discussion in the Peacebuilding Commission on Mozambique’s recent journey was a good example of this. Root causes of conflict and violence need to be addressed based on holistic analysis and the use of integrated solutions.

Third, the United Kingdom continues to encourage enhanced partnerships between the UN, African Union, the African Development Bank, the World Bank and regional partners. We partner closely with the African Union on shared priorities such as strengthening health systems and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The UK is proud to support the AU’s Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation. This is an important continental tool to help prevent and manage conflict.

President, the UK will remain a committed partner for advancing development, peace and security across the African continent, including support of the implementation of the “Silencing the Guns” initiative.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador Aggeler to the Permanent Council – thank you to you and your team for your work over the past 12 months, and for this comprehensive report.

The United Kingdom highly appreciates the work and added value of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was delighted to be able to visit Sarajevo earlier in March and witness first-hand some of the excellent work the Mission is supporting on the ground.

Mr Chair, the UK remains committed to supporting a stable, secure, and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will continue to work with the authorities to tackle threats to its democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We condemn the continued polarisation and inter-party confrontation, which heightens the risks of destabilisation. Dangerous and divisive nationalistic rhetoric and hate speech only serves to hurt the country and its citizens.

We urge the authorities to pass key legislation on rule of law as part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path, including laws on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.

The UK welcomed the peaceful conduct of the October 2022 general elections, and was pleased to note the International Election Observation Mission’s (EOM) findings that elections were well-organised and competitive, and that fundamental freedoms were respected. However, we share the concerns expressed by the EOM around segmentation of the vote along ethnic lines, and divisive rhetoric during the election campaign. We are concerned about apparent impunity for electoral fraud, an issue which undermines trust in the democratic process. The UK also regrets that it was necessary for the High Representative to use his Executive ‘Bonn’ Powers in support of political functionality. The UK is committed to supporting the OSCE and Bosnia and Herzegovina in continuing the necessary reforms ahead of local elections in 2024.

The UK supports the OSCE Mission’s continuous efforts on reconciliation, and its assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in building a stable, democratic and peaceful state. In particular, the UK welcomes the OSCE Mission’s commitment to tackling corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As highlighted in the Report, there has been progress – particularly in the establishment of three cantonal anti-corruption offices. The UK will continue to act in support of civil society and the general public to hold authorities to account, on issues ranging from corruption to the legacy of conflict.

Reform of law enforcement legislation is another important area in which we welcome the Mission’s efforts. We urge the Mission to continue to speak out against proposed laws which limit citizens’ human rights and free speech. The series of retrograde legislative moves in the Republika Srpska entity – which, if enacted, would restrict fundamental freedoms for media, civil society, and LGBT+ individuals – are a backwards step. These actions are a shift away from European values and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path.

The UK warmly welcomes the Mission’s strong engagement in peace- and trust-building initiatives, connecting neighbouring communities and strengthening inter-ethnic relations. We highly value the insight and information provided by the nine Field Offices across the country. I was particularly pleased to visit earlier this month the OSCE Mission-supported programme in the Majevica region, engaging with five municipal administrations working together towards common interests in ecology and tourism.

Finally, I want to focus on gender, which is essential in all areas of the Mission’s work. We highly appreciate the Mission’s engagement in gender equality through education, gender equality in political life, and your strengthening of gender mainstreaming across all aspects of the Mission’s work. Achieving gender equality is essential to more informed thinking and policies that benefit all of our populations.

Mr Chair, at this critical and dangerous time for European security, it is more important than ever to focus our efforts on building a peaceful, prosperous and thriving Bosnia and Herzegovina, working in the interests of its people. Further economic, social and political progress must build on the many years of reforms. It is vital at this time that all institutions and entities work together with the international community to improve the lives of the country’s citizens. There is no time to waste on threats and barriers to engagement – the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve far more. The UK will remain a friend to all citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will continue to work across the entire country for the good for all.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Thank you, Ambassador Hasani, for your presentation on your recent work and proposed future activities.

When you last addressed this Council in November, we lamented the humanitarian catastrophe stemming from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as the wide-ranging impacts on Ukraine’s economy and environment. Now in the second year of Russia’s full scale invasion, Russia’s actions continue to have a devastating effect both in Ukraine and globally – with direct impacts on food and energy security. We welcome your office’s on-going efforts to mitigate these effects.

That is why we are pleased to support your work in helping the Ukrainian authorities respond to these environmental challenges through the project “Assessment of environmental impacts of the war against Ukraine and options for remediation”. This project is important for helping the international community understand the true extent of damage caused, and for efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions in Ukraine. We look forward to receiving this project’s first annual assessment in the coming weeks.

We also welcome your specific focus on energy security in Ukraine. In response to failures on the battlefield, we have seen increased Russian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure since October – a desperate and futile attempt to break the will of Ukrainian people.

More broadly, your proposed work to help participating States diversify their energy supplies can help bolster energy security and build resilience against those seeking to weaponise energy supplies. In this regard, we welcome the specific focus in Central Asia, and look forward to receiving lessons learned from the scoping mission on energy security and geothermal resources in Kyrgyzstan.

The work you are doing to address the use of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets as tools to launder criminals’ proceeds is vital. We agree that serious and organised crime, as well as corruption, represent the biggest threats for law enforcement authorities in South-Eastern Europe. This is why the UK is pleased to be able to support the extra-budgetary project on strengthening the fight against transnational organised crime in South-Eastern Europe that provides support to the entire asset cycle.

Finally, we welcome your work to integrate a gender perspective in key projects, including building the capacity of Central Asian women and realising their full potential as leaders and agents of change in the energy transition. As we have said many times in this forum, outcomes will always be limited if only half the talent is included in solving problems. And as our Foreign Secretary said at the recent launch of our new Women and Girls Strategy, we can only build a safer and greener world if we put women and girls at the heart of our efforts. The diverse voices, knowledge and leadership of women and girls are essential to local, national and international decision-making.

Before closing, I would like to add that we too share your regret that consensus on the Permanent Council Decision on the theme, agenda and modalities of the 31st EEF of the OSCE was unable to be reached. At the Prep Comm earlier today Russia again stood alone in opposing the draft decision. This, despite the CiO’s hard work to meet the unjustified concerns of the Russian delegation. We are forced to conclude that – as with so much of the organisation’s work – Russia simply wants to attempt to frustrate the OSCE’s ability to operate.

Ambassador Hasani, thank you again for your report, and we look forward to supporting you in the year ahead.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Russian forces took full control of Bucha by 5 March 2022, and remained there until 30 March. That is one year ago, today. Since then, Bucha has become synonymous with the some of the most despicable horrors unleashed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. My statement today will set out just some of the cruelties the people of Bucha were forced to endure.

When Ukrainian forces liberated Bucha, and foreign journalists arrived shortly after, they saw dozens of dead bodies. First on the streets. Then in gardens, apartments, basements, vehicles, forested areas and improvised individual and collective graves. Many bore signs of summary execution. According to the OHCHR, some civilians were “killed on the spot” and others were detained before being executed – sometimes “several weeks later”. Over time, more and more bodies have been recovered in Bucha. As of 13 September 2022, Kyiv’s regional police force put the total death toll at 422.

Mr Chair, innocent civilians are at the heart of this suffering. People like 69 year old Valeriy, who was killed in his own garden. People like 14 year old Yurii, who was shot in the arm by the same Russian soldier who killed Yurii’s father at a Russian checkpoint. And people like 52 year old Iryna who was found dead, on the side of the road – like so many others. Photos of Iryna’s muddy upturned hand, and her bright red fingernails, became a potent symbol of the human suffering in Bucha.

Two Moscow Mechanism reports have documented clear patterns of serious violations of international humanitarian law, “attributable mostly to the Russian forces”. This includes in Bucha, where experts noted reports of bodies found with their hands tied behind their backs, including in the basement of a children’s health centre; a mass grave containing more than 70 bodies; bodies bearing obvious signs of torture and mutilation; and of torture chambers discovered in a summer camp. In one village in the Bucha district, 18 mutilated bodies of men, women and children were reportedly discovered, some with their ears cut off, others with their teeth pulled out.

The growing body of evidence shows that Russian authorities have committed a wide range of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. In Bucha, Irpin, Izyum, Kherson and more. Too many more. The atrocities committed in these locations will forever be a moral stain upon the Russian armed forces. And a moral stain on the Russian diplomats who continue to peddle the Kremlin’s lies to obscure and distract from these crimes. Lies which will never work.

The UK is fully committed to holding Russia to account for its illegal and barbaric actions in Ukraine. These should be independently investigated. Alongside supporting the International Criminal Court, the UK, United States and European Union have established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group in support of Ukraine’s domestic war crimes prosecutions. Those responsible will face justice.

Mr Chair, when President Zelenskyy was asked recently about his worst memory of Russia’s invasion, he answered “Bucha”. We will never forget those who have been killed in Putin’s barbaric, senseless invasion – including those in Bucha. We will never abandon those who remain. We will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes. Ukrainians have shown tremendous courage and resilience in the face of such wanton destruction and evil. Ukraine will prevail, rebuild and flourish.