Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, welcomes the OSCE Mission’s continued public advocacy and work on election integrity, reconciliation and dialogue between communities.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

And welcome Ambassador Holtzapple to the Permanent Council. As you know, the United Kingdom is a strong supporter of your Mission’s work.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting a more inclusive, stable and transparent Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We are working with our international partners to support domestic institutions to respond to threats to Dayton, and to encourage constructive engagement from leaders in the wider region.  

We believe that following the recent presidential elections in Republika Srpska there is an opportunity for the new RS President to draw a line under the past and move towards a functional, stable Republika Srpska entity respectful of the BiH constitution. We encourage all politicians – including the current leadership of Republika Srpska – to work for the benefit of all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The United Kingdom strongly values the OSCE Mission’s strong public advocacy and continuing work on reconciliation and facilitating dialogue between communities. A more inclusive and cohesive society is essential to achieving a positive future for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We particularly value the insight and proactive engagement by the nine OSCE Field Offices across the country and their role towards strengthening inter-ethnic relations. This has remained especially important amid recent divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.

We welcome ongoing efforts to draft reforms to BiH’s Constitution and Election Law, to address electoral discrimination and bring BiH in line with European Court of Human Rights requirements. It is positive news that the Working Group, established to advance this process, has committed to meeting again this month to discuss reform proposals. We urge continued and sustained efforts to implement these reforms ahead of October’s general elections.

The UK is pleased to have contributed to the Mission’s programme of support for improving the integrity of electoral processes in BiH. The successful rollout of election technology is a key part of strengthening political plurality and bolstering trust in democratic processes.  

Lastly, I wanted to recognise the role played by OSCE field missions in delivering cost savings which allowed the adoption of the 2026 OSCE budget, for the first time in five years. Decisions around staffing cuts have been difficult, and we thank you for engaging so constructively with the process.

Thank you again, Ambassador Holtzapple, for your leadership of the Mission at this important time. We highly appreciate the hard work and expertise of your team, and wish you continued success.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 10 Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Mali’s continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the mandate of the Independent Expert. Respect for human rights, justice and accountability is fundamental to achieving lasting security and stability, and we urge the government of Mali to maintain their engagement with the Independent Expert.

The human rights situation remains concerning. We are troubled by ongoing reports of violations and abuses affecting civilians, including women and children. As the Independent Expert notes, armed opposition groups violate international humanitarian law with impunity. Restrictions on civic space, the detention of opposition figures and journalists, and limitations on political participation are also of concern.

The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Malian people. This financial year, the UK is providing around $55 million in assistance, including support for health, education, and humanitarian assistance for those displaced by conflict.

We welcome efforts taken by the government of Mali to address challenges facing the Malian people and encourage them to take further steps to strengthen the protection of human rights and end impunity.

Mr Vice President, what further steps could the international community take to support Mali in strengthening accountability and protecting civic space?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Statement for the Item 10 Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the oral update by the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Delivered at the 61st Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Madame Vice President.

The UK thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her update on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the challenges and concerns that she has raised. We urge the DRC government to engage with these.

The UK remains gravely concerned by the situation in eastern DRC, where the security and human rights situation continues to deteriorate, driven by M23’s advances with the support of the Rwanda Defence Force.

Intensifying armed conflict has displaced more than 5 million people, and widespread human rights abuses and violations are being committed by all parties to the conflict. We remain particularly concerned by the scale of conflict-related sexual violence. We remind all parties of their obligations under international law to hold perpetrators to account.

At the same time, humanitarian workers face unprecedent obstacles. We urge all parties to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access.

The UK calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately respect the ceasefire, return to the negotiating table and implement their commitments under the Doha Framework and Washington Accords.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 March 2026.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s attempts to justify its illegal occupation of Crimea. He reaffirms that Crimea is Ukraine and calls on Russia to end its occupation and cease its wider war of aggression.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Last week, Russia used this Council to “celebrate” the so‑called reunification of Crimea with the Russian Federation. Russia even claimed that this “confirms that there are alternatives to violence and hatred”.

Mr Chair that was disinformation not worthy of this forum, and it warrants a clear rebuttal.  Russia knows that its invasion, occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014 was achieved through force. And nothing in the reality of Crimea today supports the narrative Russia presented here last week.

In the drafting of the Helsinki Final Act, the USSR itself was insistent on the inviolability of frontiers in Europe. It is notable that Russia is now the State seeking to erode this foundation of our collective security.

Indeed, Russia’s actions in Crimea in 2014 violated multiple Helsinki principles, including: sovereign equality; the inviolability of frontiers; territorial integrity; refraining from the threat or use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The events of 2014 were not a spontaneous expression of popular will. They followed an anti‑constitutional seizure of territory, conducted under military occupation, and accompanied by systematic pressure on local populations. This included Crimean Tatars, whose fundamental rights have since been routinely violated.

Twelve years on, Russia’s attempts to retroactively justify its actions do not alter these facts. Nor do they change the reality that Crimea’s occupation marked another milestone – alongside Russia’s actions in Moldova and Georgia – in Moscow’s assault on European security. Russia’s actions of 2014 culminated in the full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and of course continue today.

Independent reporting shows that the tactics Russia employed in Crimea have since been applied across other occupied areas of Ukraine: methods like detention, disappearances and deportations, targeting Ukrainian communities and attempting to erode Ukrainian identity.

And Russia’s continued large‑scale aerial assaults across Ukraine demonstrate how this same pattern of coercion and disregard for civilian life continues today. Earlier this week, Russia launched nearly one thousand drones and dozens of missiles in the largest attack over a 24-hour period since the war began. Among the sites damaged were Lviv’s 16th‑century Bernardine Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and a maternity hospital. These attacks are part of a sustained strategy of intimidation that demonstrates, yet again, Russia’s contempt for peace talks and its refusal to resolve disputes through diplomatic or lawful means.

Mr Chair, OSCE participating States have repeatedly reaffirmed the Helsinki Final Act and underlined that its principles are non‑negotiable. Russia agreed to these principles freely; in fact, it strongly advocated for some of them. It cannot choose to invoke them when convenient while discarding them in practice.

The United Kingdom reaffirms that Crimea is part of Ukraine, today as in 2014. We call on Russia to meet its OSCE commitments by ending its occupation of Crimean territory, and all occupied territory, and ceasing its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 March 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the conflict in the Middle East and its impact upon civilians.

Together with partners, we continue to strive for a swift resolution to this crisis.

And we cannot let this current period of crisis in the region distract us from the need to make progress on the 20-Point Plan for Gaza, or from the deeply concerning trajectory in the West Bank.

So I will make three points.

First, the parties and this Council, through resolution 2803, have expressed their backing for President Trump’s 20-Point Plan. 

But Gaza today remains unacceptably divided. 

Repeated violations of the ceasefire are costing lives and undermining progress for peace.

It is essential that swift progress is made to implement Phase 2. 

Hamas has no future in the governance of Gaza. It and other militant groups must demilitarise. 

And I welcome and fully support High Representative Mladenov’s remarks on the importance of full decommissioning.

Swift progress also means the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza being given full support to lead the day-to-day administration of Gaza during the transition to Palestinian Authority governance, delivering for the Palestinian people’s immediate needs and the crucial recovery efforts needed across the Gaza Strip.

Second, Resolution 2803 is clear on the need for the full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

Yet for weeks, Israel has restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to one single crossing. 

Last week, 1,063 trucks were offloaded, just one quarter of the weekly target of 4,200 trucks.

And Israel’s closure of the Rafah crossing on 28 February for 18 days delayed life‑saving medical evacuations for thousands. 

This is wholly unacceptable.

A lack of essential goods is driving up commercial prices, while shelter materials, critical medical supplies, fuel, and repair equipment remain blocked by Israel under long‑standing dual‑use restrictions.

At the same time, the Government of Israel’s de-registration measures are shrinking the space for international NGOs in Palestine

The UN and its partners, including UNRWA and International NGOs, must be able to operate unimpeded in Gaza, with access to all parts of the Strip and the supplies needed to deliver essential and lifesaving services.

Finally, we cannot successfully implement the 20-Point Plan without resolving the situation in the West Bank.

The UK has repeatedly and strongly condemned Israeli steps to expand control over the West Bank. 

We have been clear. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. 

And the severe economic restrictions imposed by Israel are significantly undermining peace efforts.

The UK is appalled by recent killings, reports of sexual assault, torture, and degrading treatment of Palestinians at the hands of violent settlers. 

We strongly condemn settler violence and terror, including the spate of attacks on West Bank villages over the weekend.

Since February 28, we have seen 6 Palestinians shot dead by settlers, as well as the killing of Palestinian children by Israeli forces. 

This is completely unacceptable, as is the apparent lack of accountability for countless reports of human rights violations at the Sde Teiman facility.

The Israeli government must take concrete steps to prevent any such egregious actions and ensure accountability. 

Impunity for such horrific actions is inconsistent with international law.

President, we still have the opportunity to end the cycle of violence and build a better future for the region, a better future for the next Israeli and Palestinian generations. 

A two-state solution is the only way to achieve this. There is no alternative.

Together, and urgently, we must preserve the land and the people of Palestine so that a two-state solution remains viable.

To promote peace, security, and stability, the Israeli Government must reverse the Security Cabinet’s decision to expand control over the West Bank and take urgent action to halt the escalating violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford reaffirms the UK’s commitment to tackling anti Muslim hatred and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination and the enjoyment of human rights for all.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The United Kingdom reiterates its firm commitment to tolerance, non‑discrimination, and the full enjoyment of human rights for all. These principles are at the heart of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. When they are undermined, our societies become less cohesive, less resilient, and less safe.

We thank Türkiye for raising this important issue today. Anti‑Muslim hatred is a serious and persistent problem across the OSCE area. No one should face intimidation, discrimination or violence because they are Muslim or perceived to be Muslim.

According to the UK’s most recent official statistics, 45% of police-recorded religious hate crimes targeted Muslims – a level that has been high for many years. This month, the UK Government adopted a new non‑statutory definition of Anti‑Muslim Hostility. This definition was informed by the work of an independent expert working group and a broad evidence‑gathering process.

The definition has a clear purpose within the UK: to improve understanding of unacceptable hostility targeting Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim, and to provide a practical framework for action. The definition helps public authorities, employers and services recognise when behaviour crosses the line into targeted hostility, unlawful discrimination or prejudicial stereotyping intended to encourage hatred.

Domestically, this sits alongside wider work to tackle all forms of religiously motivated hate crime and to strengthen social cohesion. The UK continues to support security measures for places of worship, to fund monitoring and victim‑support services, and to promote dialogue between communities. We recognise that antisemitism, anti‑Muslim hatred and other forms of hatred often rise together and must be addressed together.

Internationally, the UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all, and to implementing our OSCE human dimension commitments. We will continue to support ODIHR and the OSCE’s Personal Representatives on tolerance and non‑discrimination, and to share good practice, including on the  implementation of non‑statutory definitions at a national level such as the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and, now, our definition of Anti‑Muslim Hostility.

Across the OSCE region, we must resist efforts to instrumentalise religion for political ends, and we must confront disinformation and narratives that inflame tensions between communities. The United Kingdom will continue to work with participating States, OSCE institutions and civil society to ensure that every individual can live free from fear, and that diversity is recognised as a source of strength, not division.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

Ecuador and UK hold political consultations in London, reaffirming strong ties and advancing cooperation on security, trade, environment and education.

Delegations from Ecuador and the United Kingdom held their first Bilateral Political Consultation in London on 19 March 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, Ambassador Alejandro Dávalos, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean), Chris Elmore MP.

Noting the strong and historic partnership between the UK and Ecuador, the Consultation reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations and the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining regular political and technical dialogue.

A range of bilateral issues were discussed, with particular emphasis on security, trade & investment, and environment & climate cooperation. During the meeting, both authorities reflected on the growing people-people links being built between the UK and Ecuador, including through education, business and tourism.

The Consultation included exchanges on our strong trade relationship. The parties celebrated the developments made in recent years, supported by the Double Taxation Agreement and Andean Trade Agreement. Vice Minister Dávalos also highlighted the strategic importance of the banana trade for Ecuador’s economic growth, its development and labour, and on sustainability and environmental protection.

On security matters, both parties agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation against transnational organised crime, particularly through enhanced collaboration on maritime security, drug trafficking, information exchange and efforts to combat illicit financial flows. Minister Elmore stressed the UK’s commitment to enhancing regional and international security.

The parties exchanged views on other areas of mutual interest, including migration, environmental cooperation, and the strengthening of educational opportunities through the UK’s Chevening Programme and the scientific research grants offered by Ecuador in the Galapagos.

The UK and Ecuador remain committed to strengthening bilateral ties across security, trade, development, environment and climate. At the conclusion of the meeting both parties agreed to continue advancing the issues discussed, and to reconvene in Ecuador in 2027.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

The UK welcomes ODIHR Director Telalian to the Permanent Council and reiterates its strong support for ODIHR’s work on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Many colleagues wish to speak on this item; I promise to be brief.

Director Telalian, welcome back to the Permanent Council. Thank you Maria for your report and for your Office’s work providing professional and expert support to OSCE participating States, national human rights institutions and civil society.

We particularly welcome ODIHR’s reporting on the human consequences of Russia’s full‑scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The findings set out in ODIHR’s Eighth Interim Report of December 2025 again document the devastating impact of Russia’s aggression on civilians, and Russia’s continued violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

We thank you for continued work on human rights challenges in the wider region and to support civil society under pressure. We warmly welcome your vital election observation activities and ODIHR’s recent contributions to strengthening election observation in the digital age.

The UK continues to believe that a comprehensive concept of security as you outlined at the beginning of this meeting lies at the heart of the OSCE and the future peace and security of our region. ODIHR’s work across the human dimension remains indispensable. Rest assured of continued UK support in the months to come.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and its attempts to portray itself as the victim while continuing its war of aggression. He highlights rising civilian casualties, Russia’s refusal to engage seriously in diplomacy, and reaffirms the UK’s support for Ukraine’s self defence and a just, lasting peace.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

It has become routine for Russia to denounce Ukraine’s legitimate efforts at self-defence while continuing its own bombardment of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Week after week, the state that launched this war of aggression seeks to cast itself as the victim and to blame those supporting a sovereign state under attack in its defence. Colleagues should be clear-eyed about this inversion of reality.

Any loss of civilian life on either side is deeply regrettable. And the human cost of Russia’s war remains stark: UN reporting for 2025 indicates that civilian casualties in Ukraine rose by 31 per cent compared with the previous year. These figures speak to a well-documented pattern of strikes across populated areas with predictable humanitarian consequences.

The last few days have again shown how far this pattern extends. In the early hours of 14 March, Russia launched a combined assault of 430 drones and 64 missiles, killing at least 7 civilians and injuring 46 others. This was the largest missile strike since the mass attack on the 2-3rd February, and one of the largest since 2024. This mass attack comes amid a relentless daily bombardment, with Russia having already fired over 3,000 drones and nearly 100 missiles at Ukrainian cities in March alone.

Mr Chair, Russia’s projection cannot obscure the fundamental truth: Russia launched this illegal and unprovoked war against a sovereign neighbour. It could end it today by withdrawing its forces from all Ukrainian territory. Instead, it entrenches its attempted illegal annexations and imposes control through coercion and the systematic erasure of Ukrainian identity in the areas that it occupies.

The Kremlin alleges that Ukraine and its partners are obstructing diplomacy. But it has now been more than one year since the United States and Ukraine jointly proposed an immediate and unconditional ceasefire – an offer which Russia declined. Russia has turned up to talks but refused to move one inch from its maximalist positions. This is performance, not negotiation.

Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated its seriousness about achieving a just and lasting peace. The UK, the US and many partners have consistently supported immediate ceasefire proposals and continue to do so. But negotiations require good faith from all parties. Russia has shown no credible shift, no de-escalatory intent, and no willingness to take even the smallest step that would indicate genuine commitment. Its attempts to portray others as the obstacle to peace only underline its own lack of seriousness.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom will continue to stand with Ukraine as it exercises its inherent right to self-defence under the UN Charter, and to support efforts that can deliver a comprehensive, just and durable peace – one that ends this war, restores Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and strengthens European security for us all.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 March 2026.

The UK reaffirms Ukraine’s right to self defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and voices concern over external military and dual use support to Russia, stressing the need to uphold international law and maintain regional and global security.

Madam Chair, the United Kingdom reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine as it exercises its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression. Russia’s ongoing invasion constitutes a manifest violation of the prohibition on the use of force and of the most fundamental principles underpinning European and global security.

As Ukraine faces sustained and intensified attacks across its territory, recent OSCE reporting shows that Russia’s missile and drone strikes have targeted critical civilian and energy infrastructure, including medical facilities, power substations, and nuclear safety‑related electrical infrastructure, causing widespread civilian casualties, energy outages, and severe humanitarian impacts. Intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population and civilian objects is a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

In this context, the provision of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine by partners, including the UK, is fully consistent with international law. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine retains the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence in response to armed attack. Supporting Ukraine strengthens the rules‑based international order; it does not undermine it.

By contrast, Russia continues to seek illicit external support to sustain its aggression. Open‑source intelligence indicates that the DPRK has supplied munitions and ballistic missiles used against Ukrainian cities, in violation of multiple UNSC Resolutions on DPRK arms exports.

The People’s Republic of China has supplied large quantities of dual‑use goods, microelectronics, machine tools, optics, and UAV‑related technologies that fuel Russia’s weapons production. As previously reported in this forum, over 73% of Russia’s dual‑use imports since February 2022, worth approximately $16 billion, originated from China, including nearly 90% of semiconductors imported in 2023.

Iran also continues to supply Russia with weapons components and systems enabling attacks on Ukraine, including UAV (including Shahed) technologies and missile‑related items, in violation of the prohibition on Iranian arms exports reinstated by the snapback of UN sanctions on Iran in October 2025, which called upon Iran not to undertake activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and restricted missile‑related transfers for eight years.

Collectively, all these transfers represent a deliberate and persistent pattern of unlawful support to an aggressor state — support that violates international non-proliferation obligations and undermines the security of every OSCE participating State.

Madam Chair, Russia’s actions continue to endanger regional stability and global security. Russia’s violations of international law must be met with resolute, coordinated international action. The United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. So we will repeat: the provision of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine by partners, including the UK, is fully consistent with international law. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine retains the inherent right of individual and collective self‑defence in response to armed attack.

Thank you, Madam Chair.