Tag: Foreign Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : 2023 Uzbek presidential elections – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : 2023 Uzbek presidential elections – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 July 2023.

    Deputy Ambassador Brown urges Uzbekistan to implement the recommendations made by ODIHR observation missions.

    The UK welcomed the invitation from Uzbekistan for ODIHR to conduct an election observation mission for the 9 July Presidential election.

    The UK notes the preliminary results of the observation mission, which found that the election took place in a calm and technically well-prepared atmosphere and suggested several areas of improvement from previous ODIHR recommendations, which the UK welcomes.

    However, the UK also wishes to express its regret that ‘serious irregularities were observed’ by international observers on election day; that ODIHR assessed that the election campaigns did not offer citizens ‘alternative political choices’; and that the incumbent enjoyed undue advantage.

    The UK urges Uzbekistan to implement the recommendations put forward both following this election observation mission and from previous missions, including ensuring that the political environment allows for genuine competition and that alternative political views are freely presented to the electorate.

    The UK welcomes the reform programme initiated by President Mirziyoyev since 2016, and urges Uzbekistan to continue with the implementation of democratic reforms, drawing on the considerable expertise of the OSCE. Uzbekistan is a key partner to UK and we will continue to offer support.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Media Freedom Coalition statement on the attack on journalist Elena Milashina and Alexander Nemov [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Media Freedom Coalition statement on the attack on journalist Elena Milashina and Alexander Nemov [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2023.

    26 members of the Media Freedom Coalition have issued a joint statement following the attack on journalist Elena Milashina and Alexander Nemov.

    The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition strongly condemn the attack on renowned independent Russian journalist Elena Milashina and respected lawyer Alexander Nemov in Russia’s Republic of Chechnya on July 4, 2023, and call for accountability for the perpetrators. Freedom of expression, press freedom and the safety of journalists and media workers are indispensable for the flourishing of free, pluralistic, inclusive and democratic societies. The assault on Elena Milashina is an affront to media freedom everywhere.

    We echo the widespread condemnation of this attack in Russia and around the world and call on the Russian federal authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack on Elena Milashina and Alexander Nemov. Those responsible for this crime must be held to account. In this regard we note with concern that the charges against the accused do not include the impediment of the professional activities of a journalist, which is included in the Criminal Code.

    Journalists play a crucial role in holding governments and powerful people and institutions to account while informing the public about matters of public interest. The Media Freedom Coalition continues to promote media freedom, the bedrock of democracy and human rights, and to protect the ability of journalists and media workers to carry out their work without fear of violence, intimidation and threats to their lives or safety. We call upon all states and other actors to hold to account those who jeopardize the safety of journalists and media workers.

    Signed:

    Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States

  • PRESS RELEASE : Situation in Sudan – joint statement from members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Situation in Sudan – joint statement from members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2023.

    Members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI), issued a joint statement on the situation in Sudan.

    This is a joint statement by members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI). The following Alliance members support this statement: Australia, Colombia, France, Kosovo, Liberia, Luxembourg, Republic of Korea, Spain, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Nadia Murad, Dr Mukwege, Mukwege Foundation and Global Survivors Fund. Lord Ahmad announced the statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on 14 July.

    As members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, we are deeply concerned by the increasing reports of sexual violence, including rape, in the context of the conflict that erupted in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on 15 April 2023.

    All too often, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by conflict. Together, we urge all parties to the conflict to end the violence, including sexual violence.

    The provision of prompt and quality services for survivors of sexual violence must be prioritised. We stress the urgency for parties to the conflict to ensure unimpeded, safe humanitarian access to all in need. This requires enabling the free movement of humanitarian workers and humanitarian supplies that will cater for people’s basic needs, including the provision of medical assistance and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual violence.

    Sexual violence must stop and survivors must be supported. As members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, we will continue working to end conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan and across the globe.

    The Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said:

    As an Alliance, we raise our voice, shining a light on appalling reports of sexual violence in Sudan and calling for an end to violence, support to survivors and safe humanitarian access.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Former First Minister of Scotland visits PH to reaffirm UK’s support to Peace Process in Bangsamoro [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Former First Minister of Scotland visits PH to reaffirm UK’s support to Peace Process in Bangsamoro [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2023.

    Lord Jack McConnell reaffirmed the UK’s strong commitment to bringing international expertise on devolution & democratic governance to support the BARMM peace process.

    On 10-13 July, former First Minister of Scotland, Lord Jack McConnell, visited the Philippines for engagements with the national government, leaders in the Bangsamoro region and members of the international community.

    On the national level, he met with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senator Robinhood Padilla, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., and Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

    He also visited Davao City together with His Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA) to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, where they met with the Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA), other BARMM Ministers, sectoral and community representatives of the Council of Leaders and civil society organisations.

    He discussed international support for the peace process with members of the International Contact Group (ICG) and UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.

    Speaking after the visit, Lord McConnell said:

    At this crucial period, it is important to stay true to the commitments made in the journey to achieve peace in the Bangsamoro region. The cornerstones of a sustainable peace will be upholding democracy, good governance, and inclusion. We trust that our friends and partners in the national government and the Bangsamoro will be steadfast in their commitment to achieve a stable, progressive, and peaceful transition. The UK reiterates its unwavering support in overcoming challenges and delivering the economic and social dividends of peace.

    Lord McConnell has been visiting the Bangsamoro region and sharing his experience of leading a devolved parliament since 2014. He served as first Minister of Scotland between 2001 and 2007.

    The visit was in collaboration with British Embassy Manila and its implementing partners, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). In April 2020, the British Embassy Manila launched Integrated Security Fund (CSSF) programme to support the peace process with a total value of £15m.

    The programme primarily focuses on three interconnected programme strands on the governance track of the Bangsamoro Peace Process; namely, strengthening democratic stability and institutions for the new regional parliament, strengthening women’s political participation and increasing awareness of BARMM Parliamentary systems.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK condemns the DPRK’s launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK condemns the DPRK’s launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

    Colleagues,

    I thank Assistant Secretary General Mohammed Khiairi for his briefing. I welcome the participation of the DPRK at this Council for the first time since 2017. The United Kingdom condemns the DPRK’s launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile.

    This was the twelfth ICBM launch since the start of 2022. It was the second test of a solid fuel ICBM, and the fourth ICBM test this year. It came in the wake of a failed military reconnaissance satellite launch on 31 May.

    The DPRK’s actions violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and demonstrate flagrant disregard for the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. We must be firm and united in our response to these violations. Inaction by this Council cannot continue.

    It is clear from listening to statements today the council members share deep concern about the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

    With this in mind, I call on the DPRK to, first, abandon its illegal nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes, which are impoverishing its people and destabilising the region. Second, to return to compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.  Third, to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. And finally, to take up repeated and unconditional offers of dialogue.

    Allowing diplomats and NGOs back into the country is an important part of this process. Diplomacy is the only route to making progress towards a sustainable peace on the Peninsula.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK supports the International Criminal Court to deliver justice for the people of Darfur – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK supports the International Criminal Court to deliver justice for the people of Darfur – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 July 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Sudan International Criminal Court investigation.

    I thank Prosecutor Karim Khan for his 37th report on the Situation in Darfur and his briefing today, and I welcome the ICC’s unwavering commitment to help deliver justice for the people of Darfur. I also recognise the participation of the Representative of Sudan at this meeting.

    The UK welcomes the progress made in the trial of Mr Abd-Al-Rahman. This case is testament to the victims’ courage and patience to tell their stories after two decades.  We urge all parties to help maintain the trial’s momentum.

    We regret, however, that from the October 2021 military coup until the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, there was an almost complete failure by the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the ICC.

    Furthermore, we share the Prosecutor’s concern over the impact of the current conflict on the ongoing investigations, including the apparent release from custody of ICC suspects.

    We are also deeply troubled by today’s reports of continued violence and mass graves outside the capital of West Darfur.

    The UK shares the Prosecutor’s assessment that the current conflict stems in part from the failure to ensure justice and accountability on the part of those who hold power in Sudan. Their disregard for international obligations and for meaningful justice for past crimes has helped sow the seeds for this latest cycle of violence and suffering.

    All sides are responsible for the crimes they commit, and we remind the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces that the ICC’s mandate in Darfur is ongoing.

    We welcome the Prosecutor’s decision to commence investigations into offences committed in the current conflict – including in particular ethnically-targeted killings and sexual violence.

    In closing, the UK would like to reiterate our support to the Court to deliver justice for the people of Darfur.  At the same time, we underline this Council’s call for an immediate end to the current hostilities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 July 2023.

    Deputy Ambassador Brown remembers the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting that we must learn the lessons of history.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    On 11 July we paused to remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to honour the survivors.

    Mr Chair, 28 years ago in Srebrenica, genocide took place in Europe for the first time since 1945. The genocide claimed the lives of over 8,000 mostly Muslim men and boys, and led to the displacement of over 20,000 women and children who were forcibly expelled from their homes. We honour the memory of those killed, and pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by their families and by survivors. We stand with the families in their ongoing fight for justice.

    The UK is committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its efforts to build a secure, stable, inclusive society, and heal the fractures caused by conflict. It is regrettable that we continue to see divisive and dangerous nationalist rhetoric, threats of secession, and open challenges to the constitutional order established by the Dayton Peace Agreement. The UK is committed to a single, sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will continue to take action in support of that. We also continue to urge political leaders to condemn any glorification of the perpetrators of war crimes, and to take action against genocide denial.

    Mr Chair, as was the case in 2022, we remember Srebrenica this year in the shadow of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We must learn the lessons of history. Terrible events such as the genocide at Srebrenica show the consequences of inaction. We owe it to the victims to create societies that are stable, inclusive and cohesive, and to fight against prejudice, hatred, fear and division wherever we find it. The greatest tribute we can give to those who lost their lives is to do everything we can to prevent such a horrific crime from ever being repeated.

    As our Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans, James Heappey, said during the UK National Srebrenica Memorial Day Ceremony earlier this month, we will never forget Srebrenica. We can demonstrate that best by doing everything in our power to ensure that the senseless violence of 28 years ago is truly a thing of the past.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Annual Progress Report on the OSCE Gender Action Plan – UK statement [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Annual Progress Report on the OSCE Gender Action Plan – UK statement [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 July 2023.

    Deputy Ambassador Brown thanks Secretary General Helga Schmid for presenting the Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the OSCE 2004 Gender Action Plan.

    Thank you, Secretary General, for your presentation of the Annual Progress Report to the Permanent Council today.

    As you mention in your Report, gender equality, empowering women in politics, and combatting all forms of violence against women and girls are crucial to the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security and stability. We appreciate the work of the organisation to ensure a gender perspective is included in all aspects of peace processes and conflict resolution, including in mediation.

    The UK recognises the exceptional challenges faced by the organisation in promoting gender equality during the 2022 reporting period. Horrific levels of conflict-related sexual violence are being perpetrated in the OSCE region through Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine – as documented in successive Moscow Mechanism reports. There has been an alarming increase in reports of gender-based violence in temporarily Russian controlled areas – including abuse and harassment, sexual exploitation and economic abuse. At the same time, women are often the first responders to conflict. In Ukraine, women have been essential to the effective humanitarian, political, and security efforts in the defence of their country.

    In this difficult political and regional context, the OSCE has delivered some excellent initiatives during the reporting period to promote gender equality. In particular, I would like to highlight the OSCE’s work in building women’s leadership in peace processes and conflict resolution, and targeted support and lifesaving assistance to women in Ukraine. The launch of the first OSCE Women Peace Leadership Programme was an important step in strengthening meaningful participation in peacebuilding. We commend initiatives such as the OSCE WIN programme bringing together human rights defenders from Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina, sharing best practice on accountability and protection of survivors.

    The OSCE continues to have a key role to play in implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. We appreciate the ongoing work of the OSCE field operations in supporting participating States in developing and implementing National Action Plans, including the examples in Serbia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan highlighted in the Report. The UK will continue to make efforts to improve our own record on WPS – including through increasing representation of women in our diplomatic, development, security and defence fields. As we know from hard-earned experience, the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women – in all their diversity, and at all levels of decision-making and leadership – leads to better outcomes during and after conflicts.

    The UK is also pleased to note the progress made towards achieving gender parity in some – though not all – staff categories across the OSCE, and the launch of new initiatives focused on recruitment practices and standards of conduct. We were pleased to be able to support, through extrabudgetary funding, the development of staff training modules on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), supporting the Staff Instruction on PSEA issued last year.

    Secretary General, I would like to thank once again all those who contributed to advancing gender equality and the WPS agenda in the OSCE over the reporting period. In particular, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Gender Equality Champions of 2022. This recognition of your key roles in promoting gender equality across the OSCE region is well-deserved.

    Mr Chair, on behalf of the UK I would like to thank North Macedonia for your continued focus on gender equality as Chair this year, as well as Poland for their efforts during 2022. It is essential that gender continues to be fully integrated into this organisation’s work.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – General comment on human rights situation in Columbia [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – General comment on human rights situation in Columbia [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 July 2023.

    Statement on technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights in Colombia. Delivered by UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    Let me begin by thanking Colombia for presenting this timely and important initiative to the Council. We have valued their openness and transparency throughout the negotiations.

    Colombia serves as an important example that resolving enduring differences is only possible through peaceful dialogue. We commend Colombia’s ongoing collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the intent of this text to strengthen this relationship.

    The Colombian people have achieved substantial progress since the signing of the 2016 Peace Agreement. Yet, as we recognised at the Security Council yesterday, several challenges remain to ensuring full implementation of the Peace Agreement and to securing lasting peace in Colombia.

    The security situation has been given repeated attention by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and is detailed in the Truth Commission’s final report, a vital milestone on Colombia’s path to peace.

    We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Truth Commissioner’s hard work and to the thousands of victims who gave evidence for their courage. We urge all parties to implement the Commission’s recommendations, and to support the committee that will supervise their implementation.

    That is why the UK supports the appointment of an international human rights expert and the provision of technical assistance to support Colombia and relevant actors as they look to implement the recommendations of the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence, and Non-Repetition.

    It is only right that international partners pursue and strengthen their assistance for Colombian-led efforts to tackle the underlying causes of violence and to securing lasting peace.

    Mr President,

    The UK has co-sponsored this draft resolution. We urge all members of the Council to join us in fully supporting without reserve Colombia’s request for assistance in the field of human rights.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by OSCE Head of Centre in Ashgabat – UK response [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by OSCE Head of Centre in Ashgabat – UK response [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 July 2023.

    Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown voices UK support for the OSCE Centre’s work in Turkmenistan, especially on border capability, gender equality, and climate.

    Thank you, Chair. I would like to welcome you, Ambassador MacGregor, back to the Permanent Council, and thank you and your colleagues for your report and for the work undertaken at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat over the last year.

    We are pleased that the Centre has increased the number and reach of its projects in Turkmenistan, especially among women participants. We are also pleased that, particularly through the visit of the OSCE Secretary General, the visibility of the Centre has remained high.

    The United Kingdom and Turkmenistan have a close and productive relationship. This year we held the second annual Structured Dialogue with Turkmenistan, and last week, our Minister for Europe and Central Asia visited Ashgabat and met government interlocutors. We are committed to building cooperation across human rights, security, climate, economy and trade.

    Chair, I would like to focus my remarks on three areas of the Centre’s work. First, on border capability, which has continued to develop since the last report and has the UK’s full support. The UK has been continuing its dialogue with Turkmenistan on the situation in Afghanistan, and recently our Minister for Europe discussed with the Turkmen Foreign Ministry the issues arising from terrorist threats emerging from Afghanistan. We are committed to working with Turkmenistan and the OSCE to mitigate these challenges.

    Second, on gender equality. We are pleased that the work on promoting gender equality and support for victims of domestic violence has continued. The UK works through the UNFPA on gender-based violence and support for victims, and we co-chair the development partners group on gender issues. We are glad that the OSCE Centre has been able to work with this group. Nonetheless, the UK strongly urges Turkmenistan to address gender based violence and we encourage the Turkmen authorities to legislate accordingly.

    Finally, on climate. We welcome the Centre’s dialogue on climate change issues and work with the Turkmen authorities to develop regulations for the supply of renewable electricity to the national power grid. My ambassador met the Turkmen Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection at the climate change conference here in Vienna last week, and briefly discussed areas of cooperation. We welcome the Turkmen authorities’ engagement on climate change issues and encourage the Centre to look for opportunities to raise the issue of methane emissions in future discussions.

    Chair, to conclude, we were pleased to see the host government provide renovated premises to the field mission for the next ten years. This allows for some financial savings, and provides some security. But it is important to underline again the negative impact the continued non-agreement of the Unified Budget is having on the work of OSCE field operations, as highlighted in this Report. It is vital that field missions are adequately financed. We urge again participating States continuing to obstruct agreement of the Unified Budget to look beyond a narrow national focus, and to ensure all OSCE institutions have the funding they need to be able to effectively fulfil their mandates.

    I would like to once again thank you, Ambassador MacGregor, and your team for your report, and wish you every success in future.