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  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the Occasion of the 12th Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the Occasion of the 12th Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    The UK, US, France, and Germany have issued a joint statement on the occasion of the 12-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising.

    The following statement was released by France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on the occasion of the 12-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising:

    Today marks the beginning of the 13th year since the Syrian people peacefully rose up to demand their freedom and dignity, calling on the Assad regime to respect their inalienable rights and to stop human rights violations.  Almost a quarter of a million Syrian civilians have been killed since then, the vast majority of them by the Assad regime, which met its people’s demands with atrocities that continue today.  The ongoing conflict has created a permissive environment for terrorists and drug traffickers to exploit, further threatening regional stability.

    This year’s anniversary comes on the heels of a series of devastating earthquakes that claimed the lives of nearly 10,000 Syrians inside the country and across the border in Türkiye many of whom sought refuge there after fleeing the Assad regime.  In light of this catastrophe, we renew our call on all parties in Syria to observe their commitments under ceasefire agreements, work towards a sustained calm, permit unhindered humanitarian access and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid through all modalities, including the continued authorization of the cross-border mechanism by the UN Security Council, and address the increasing need for assistance after over a decade of war and abuse. To respond to this humanitarian crisis, we have issued emergency exemptions to our sanctions policies which facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and disaster relief to earthquake affected areas, while preventing the Assad regime from benefiting from this assistance at the expense of the Syrian people.

    As we focus on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs following the tragic earthquakes, we recall our joint goals to advance a UN-facilitated, Syrian-led political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and to improve the situation on the ground for millions of Syrians in other ways, including the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees.  We remain committed to supporting Syrian civil society and ending the human rights violations and abuses the Syrian people have suffered – from the Assad regime and others – long before the earthquakes struck.  The international community must work together to hold the Assad regime and all perpetrators of abuses, violations, and atrocities accountable.  We welcome ongoing efforts by national courts to investigate and prosecute crimes committed in Syria.  Furthermore, we call on all parties to release and/or clarify the fate and whereabouts of over 155,000 persons who, to this day, remain unjustly detained or missing in Syria.

    We are not normalising relations with the Assad regime, nor are we funding reconstruction of the damage inflicted by the regime during the conflict or lifting sanctions.  For the benefit of the Syrian people, we will not normalise until there is authentic and enduring progress towards a political solution.  As we observe the 12th anniversary of the Assad regime’s initiation of this horrendous conflict, and as we confront conflict elsewhere around the world, the plight of the Syrian people must remain front and center.  We continue to stand with the Syrian people and strongly support efforts to advance an enduring political solution, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, that is grounded in justice and accountability and remains the only way to achieve the stable peace that Syrians need and deserve.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The worsening situation in Myanmar means conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya are not in place – UK Statement at the UN [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The worsening situation in Myanmar means conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya are not in place – UK Statement at the UN [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    Statement by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN General Assembly debate on Myanmar.

    Thank you Mr. President, and the UN Special Envoy for the very sobering briefing.

    Mr. President, it has now been over two years since the military’s coup. Since then, over 3,100 people have been killed by the military regime. Over 20,000 people have been arbitrarily detained and over 17 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.

    The military regime is using increasingly brutal tactics to sow fear and repress any form of opposition. Indiscriminate air strikes are increasing. As are reports of military atrocities, conflict related sexual violence, and mass burning of villages. We condemn the latest horrifying reports of a massacre of at least 28 people sheltering in a monastery in Southern Shan State over the weekend.

    I wish to make three points:

    First, we fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to find durable and inclusive dialogue-driven solutions to the escalating crisis in Myanmar. ASEAN’s leadership is central – we welcome the renewed efforts under Indonesia’s leadership, including to fully implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. In December, the Security Council agreed resolution 2669 which sent a unified message: of solidarity with the people of Myanmar; of support to ASEAN’s efforts; on the need to end violence immediately; and on the need to release political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Today’s General Assembly discussion has echoed these messages. There is strength in this collective unity.

    Second, the military should face the consequences of their actions. Since the coup, the UK has sanctioned 18 individuals and 28 entities, including those who have committed serious human rights violations. We encourage others to do the same, and we reiterate that no country should sell arms to Myanmar.

    Finally, we cannot forget the most vulnerable. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya and other minorities remain confined to their villages and Internally Displaced Peoples camps in Rakhine State. The systemic human rights violations they have suffered for decades must end. The worsening situation in Myanmar means conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya are not in place. We thank the UN, the Government of Bangladesh, and other hosting nations for their generosity and for the lifesaving support they are providing to the Rohingya. We should support efforts to meaningfully include their voices in discussions on Myanmar’s future – a peaceful, democratic future that meets the aspirations of the people of Myanmar.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainians are forced to endure horrors in their fight for freedom – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainians are forced to endure horrors in their fight for freedom – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    Ambassador Bush shares testimonies from three of the brave Ukrainians who spoke at a recent event held by the British Embassy in Kyiv.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As my Ukrainian colleague has just highlighted, this weekend marks nine years since the illegal annexation of Crimea. Let us not forget – 2014 was the year when Russia’s aggression against Ukraine started. Russia deployed military troops to the Crimean Peninsula with the intention of taking it by force, and nine years ago today, tried to give these actions a veneer of legitimacy with a sham referendum. We have seen systematic restrictions of fundamental freedoms and violations of human rights for the people of Crimea, especially ethnic and religious minorities, ever since.

    As we know, since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, many of the practices first utilised on the Peninsula are being applied across the temporarily Russian controlled territories. We have heard countless reports of human rights violations in these areas. I would like to share testimonies from three of the brave Ukrainians who spoke at a recent event held by the British Embassy in Kyiv. I have changed the names of these individuals.

    Oleh and Dmytro lived in Mariupol, 7 kilometres from Azovstal. They heard the first explosions on 26 February 2022 and were soon without power. Before long, corpses were everywhere. They tried to leave with their families on 5 March. At checkpoints they were stripped and checked for any allegiance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They were prevented from leaving and joined a queue of thousands being subjected to ‘filtration’. Once they had their fingerprints taken and received documents permitting them to move between territories, they returned home to find their houses had been hit with explosives. The Russian forces were treating Ukrainians “like cattle”. Children were eating grass and drinking water from puddles due to shortages of food and water. They left in a convoy of 19 cars, escorted by a UN vehicle. They were allowed to leave, but to do so they had to cross a minefield.

    Petro worked for the hospital in Nova Kakhovka, Kherson, for six months under temporary Russian control. He was detained and offered the chance to collaborate. When he declined, he was taken to the basement of the national police headquarters. His photograph, fingerprints, identification, and phone were taken. He was held for 12 days in a six by four metre cell with 13 other people. There was no bed, no sink. He was allowed just two 15-minute walks per day. Sometimes, he was given leftover food from soldiers, but that was all he received. People were interrogated at night, sometimes violently in the corridors. One night, they were beaten with clubs. In his last interrogation, he was released on the condition that he left Kherson. He has been forced to leave behind everything he has worked for. He is waiting for Nova Kakhovhka to be liberated.

    Anna’s home is Oleshky, in Kherson oblast, where on 24 February fighting started around a nearby bridge. Her husband together with neighbours patrolled the town, removing unexploded bombs. On 17 March, the Russian forces took him. She has heard from a released prisoner that he is alive and in a different territory, but that he has a broken arm and has suffered a heart attack. He was reportedly charged of spying and told by the court that he would be sentenced to 10-20 years. She is waiting for his release.

    These are just three stories, but they illustrate the horrors that the Ukrainian people have been forced to endure in their fight for freedom. We thank these individuals for their courage in sharing their stories. We also join Ukraine in calling for the release of human rights activist Maksym Butkevych who was ‘sentenced’ last week in a sham trial to 13 years in prison.

    Mr Chair, the UK is proud to welcome Justice Ministers from around the world to London next week, together with the Netherlands, to provide practical support to the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine. This includes support to gather testimonies, without causing victims further distress, and to share evidence of atrocities committed on the ground. War criminals will be held to account. Justice will be served.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : This mandate renewal sends a clear message that we will not abandon women and girls in Afghanistan – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : This mandate renewal sends a clear message that we will not abandon women and girls in Afghanistan – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

    Thank you, President.

    Restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls – across political, economic and social spheres – are becoming increasingly acute. Women continue to be erased from Afghan society. Girls are still barred from secondary school.

    Today’s unanimous decision to renew UNAMA’s robust mandate sends a clear message: the international community will not abandon women and girls. The work of the mission in protecting, promoting and monitoring the rights of all Afghans, including advocating for inclusive and representative governance is more important than ever. And through it, we will work to hold the Taliban to account on its commitments.

    The Taliban’s recent decree barring Afghan women from working for NGOs has also impacted humanitarian operations. This at a time when more than 28 million people, two thirds of the population, are in humanitarian need. We commend UNAMA’s ongoing work in leading and coordinating efforts to get aid to those who need it most, in challenging circumstances.

    In closing, I want to pay tribute to the tireless work of UNAMA, UN agencies and NGO implementing partners on the ground, and to reaffirm the UK’s solidarity with the Afghan people.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on violence against children [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on violence against children [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UK delivered a statement on violence against children.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

    The United Kingdom would like to thank the Special Representative for this valuable report and for her tireless work on this agenda, in particular her efforts to shine a light on the protection of children in the digital environment.

    We note with concern the ongoing high rates of child sexual exploitation and abuse online, with girls being particularly at risk.
    In response, we are driving forward the Online Safety Bill which will mandate tech companies to proactively tackle the child sexual exploitation threat on their platforms. We have also pledged a further £16.5m up to 2025 for the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, to deliver a world in which every child can access and benefit from the digital world, safe from harm.

    Madam Special Representative,

    We are encouraged to see your advocacy work to enhance child protection online, and welcome views on how we can ensure that this is effectively joined up with broader work to prevent technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) – UK response [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) – UK response [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    Ambassador Bush commends the work of ODIHR in highlighting the terrible human cost of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. I would like to join others in welcoming Director Meccaci to the Permanent Council during this particularly grave time for human rights and international humanitarian law in the OSCE region.

    Director Meccaci, I am very grateful to you and your staff for the work of ODIHR, to highlight the terrible human cost of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last week I spoke of relentless Russian shelling, Russia’s continued attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the unspeakable cruelties many women and girls have suffered at the hands of Russian forces. Those responsible must be held to account.

    ODIHR’s Monitoring Initiative has provided valuable reporting of violations of IHL and human rights abuses in the course of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  This monitoring and reporting is vital to capture and record the scale of violations taking place. The December report shed light on alleged forced transfers and child deportation by the Russian authorities. Exposing the harm caused by a decree adopted in May 2022 by President Putin, the report detailed the newly simplified procedure to grant Ukrainian children without parental care Russian citizenship, opening a route to their ‘legal’ adoption by Russian families. The report shared accounts of parents in Kherson, who had accepted an offer from the Russian authorities to send their children for a “short holiday” to escape the war in illegally annexed Crimea, who now cannot communicate with their children or bring them back home. The fact that we do not know the true scale of how many Ukrainian children have been affected by these Russian policies is truly horrifying.

    We are grateful to ODIHR for their support to the three Moscow Mechanism reports last year. 45 participating States – supported by Ukraine – overwhelmingly united in the face of Russian aggression, triggered two Moscow Mechanism reports on IHL and human rights violations in Ukraine. And there is a clear link between internal repression of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia and the unbridled aggression and horrific atrocities Russia is inflicting on Ukraine – as outlined in the third Moscow Mechanism report last year.

    ODIHR’s unwavering support for human rights defenders across the OSCE region – particularly in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus – and those forced to live in exile has been vitally important. ODIHR’s work has provided an invaluable opportunity for OSCE participating States to hear directly from civil society, including during the Warsaw Human Dimension conference and this week’s Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting. The Human Dimension Implementation Meetings (HDIM) are an essential part of the work of the human dimension, to hold OSCE participating States to account for the commitments they have agreed to, and to provide a safe space for civil society to share their concerns. The sad reality is that Russia has at every turn sought to flagrantly undermine the successful functioning of the human dimension and HDIM over a number of years. We hope that this year a full HDIM will be held, and underscore the importance of ensuring the OSCE’s human dimension institutions are adequately funded.

    We continue to believe that strengthening our democratic institutions and practices is a continuous process, and ought to reflect the needs and interests of both men and women. ODIHR’s election observation methodology, which recognises an election is a process – not just an event – and considers the key elements of participating States’ electoral systems is excellent. We fully support ODIHR’s activity to strengthen gender equality institutions and increase women’s participation in politics and electoral processes – including through guides and toolkits focused on ‘Realising Gender Equality in Parliament’ and ‘Addressing Violence against Women in Politics in the OSCE Region’. We look forward to supporting ODIHR’s work with important elections coming up this year.

    Director Mecacci, in closing the tragic events in Ukraine, caused by Russia’s aggression, only reinforces the truth that lies at the heart of ODIHR’s work. We see clearly how internal human rights violations and the absence of genuine democracy has spillover effects across the OSCE region. The UK offers ODIHR our full support as you continue your invaluable work.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Andrew Mitchell reaffirms the UK’s commitment to helping the world’s poorest [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Andrew Mitchell reaffirms the UK’s commitment to helping the world’s poorest [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell lays out UK’s commitment to helping world’s poorest people at Glasgow conference.

    • Minister Mitchell delivers keynote speech to aid sector experts at the Scottish International Development Alliance conference in Glasgow.
    • UK Government to reaffirm its position as a global leader in development as outlined in Monday’s Integrated Review Refresh.
    • Minister Mitchell proud of role UK is playing supporting Scottish aid workers around the world.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell has reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to helping the world’s poorest people as a keynote speaker at an event in Scotland.

    Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Minister Mitchell was in Scotland to address an audience of aid sector experts at the Scottish International Development Alliance’s spring conference at Glasgow’s Trades Hall venue.

    His speech detailed how the UK Government has used its £11 billion foreign aid budget to be at the forefront of humanitarian responses including the Ukraine conflict and last month’s Turkey/Syria earthquake catastrophe, which has killed over 50,000 people.

    And Minister Mitchell highlighted the UK Government’s commitment to reinvigorating its position as a global leader in development, as set out in the Integrated Review Refresh published on Monday 13 March.

    The UK Government remains committed to spending 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) on Official Development Assistance (ODA) as soon as the fiscal situation allows.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

    The UK will go further and faster on international development, reinvigorating our position as a global leader and further driving our work around the world to improve outcomes for the poorest, and to combat climate change, poverty and some of the root causes of geopolitical instability.

    The UK remains a champion for international development and one of the most generous global aid donors, spending more than £11 billion in aid in 2021. We are the third highest G7 spenders of Official Development Assistance (ODA) as a percentage of GNI.

    The UK Government is proud that brave Scottish firefighters and medics have been at the very heart of our efforts to help the Turkish people in their hour of need.

    Scottish NGOs such as Edinburgh-based Mercy Corps and demining charity The HALO Trust are making a real difference carrying out vital humanitarian work in Ukraine, backed by UK aid.

    Our task has, of course, been made much more difficult because of the pandemic and the global repercussions of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

    In spite of all these challenges, we should not lose sight of the big impact our development assistance continues to have, saving and transforming millions of lives around the world.

    The Scottish International Development Alliance is the umbrella body for civil society organisations based in Scotland.

    Its spring conference, titled ‘Out of the Storm and Towards Global Solidarity’ was chaired by broadcaster and journalist Tasnim Nazeer.

    As well as Minister Mitchell, speakers included representatives from international NGOs such as BRAC UK and Save the Children, economic experts from UN conference on trade & development and NatWest Group.

    Minister Mitchell used his speech to outline how the UK intends to use its role as a leading global player to build on the country’s commitment to sustainable development – driving the agenda on issues that matter to people across the UK, including on Ukraine, climate change and human rights.

    He highlighted how the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, last week (8 March) announced the FCDO’s first International Women and Girls Strategy, which put gender equality at the forefront of UK foreign policy.

    Minister Mitchell also visited the FCDO’s joint HQ Abercrombie House in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, to address its 800 staff.

    Minister Mitchell added:

    Scotland’s civil society and the FCDO’s 800 staff in East Kilbride are at the very heart of shaping and delivering UK foreign policy as a force for good in the world.

    I am proud that the UK Government continues to use its influence as a leading player on the world stage to drive the agenda on issues that unite people from every corner of our country.

    Frances Guy, chief executive of Scotland’s International Development Alliance said:

    We’re delighted to be welcoming the Minister to our conference to discuss these issues and hear about his longer term vision for international development.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New support for Moldova and Georgia against “threat on their doorstep” as Foreign Secretary visits region [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New support for Moldova and Georgia against “threat on their doorstep” as Foreign Secretary visits region [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit Moldova and Georgia and announce new funding to boost regional resilience against Russian malign interference.

    • Foreign Secretary will announce new funding to boost regional resilience against Russian malign interference
    • UK to underline support for territorial integrity and sovereignty as part of work with Russia’s neighbours to deal with the threat on their doorstep
    • funding will support governance reforms and fair elections and builds on anti-corruption programmes

    The UK is ramping up its financial support to Moldova and Georgia, as they continue to suffer from the destabilising impact of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    On a visit to the 2 countries (16 to 17 March), Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will announce an extra £10 million to support economic and governance reforms in Moldova, and new funding to strengthen the security of next year’s elections in Georgia.

    Cleverly will reiterate that the UK stands with the people of Moldova and Georgia in defending their democratic choice to pursue a path of freedom, independence and sovereignty.

    Ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Few societies understand the underhand tactics of Russian malign activity more than Moldova and Georgia.

    The UK will not stand idly by while Moscow blatantly undermines their democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    We must reinforce their resilience to Russia’s hybrid threats, safeguard the democratic choices of their people and protect them from the threat on their doorstep.

    Both countries are vulnerable as they suffer from the effects of the Kremlin’s hybrid tactics, aggression and attempts to extend Russian control over the region. The Foreign Secretary will demonstrate the UK’s unwavering commitment to protecting their territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    While in Chișinău, the Foreign Secretary will announce UK government plans to bolster Moldova’s resilience to this malign interference through an additional £10 million of funding for economic and governance reforms, including in the energy sector.

    In Georgia, Cleverly will see how UK cooperation is helping to counter subversive Russian meddling, including collaboration on defence and cyber security.

    To help strengthen democracy in Georgia, the UK will also be providing £500,000 aimed at creating an environment for free and fair elections in 2024, protecting them from external interference.

    The new provisions to be announced during the Foreign Secretary’s visit build on the UK government’s existing support to both countries.

    The new pledge for Moldova comes on top of the £12 million already contributing to critical anti-corruption and transparency work in the country.

    Work is also underway to help Moldova strengthen its defences against cyber-attacks, combat pro-Russian disinformation, reform the armed forces, build a stronger economy and tackle corruption. This is accompanied by a further £10 million of support for UN agencies providing to provide essential services and financial help to Ukrainian refugees and the Moldovan citizens that are hosting them.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting 2023 and the Foreign Secretary’s bilateral meetings – an overview [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting 2023 and the Foreign Secretary’s bilateral meetings – an overview [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 March 2023.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly attended the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting at the Commonwealth Secretariat headquarters in London.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly today (15 March) reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth, a diverse network of 56 nations, at the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) in London.

    He stressed a focus on developing intra-Commonwealth trade and investment, tackling climate change, protecting the environment, and promoting the Commonwealth’s shared democratic values.

    Foreign ministers discussed progress made on shared Commonwealth objectives since they last met in Kigali in June 2022.  They also discussed tackling climate change, boosting trade and investment between Commonwealth countries, and supporting free and democratic societies.

    They reviewed plans for the next meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in Samoa in 2024, and considered a number of country-specific situations.

    The Foreign Secretary encouraged a focus on efforts that can deliver clear benefits for all Commonwealth members and where the Commonwealth has a comparative advantage.

    The Foreign Secretary set out 3 UK priorities during the meeting:

    • increase trade and investment between Commonwealth countries. Members should ensure the benefits of the Commonwealth Advantage, the 21% lower average cost of trade between Commonwealth countries, are built on and extended to new members. The Foreign Secretary stressed the need to support Commonwealth members facing challenges in attracting inward investment
    • use the Commonwealth’s powerful collective voice to continue to counter the impact of climate change, and work with small and vulnerable members, including Small Island Developing States, to build their resilience to shocks
    • support and further embed democracy, good governance, the rule of law and gender equality across the Commonwealth

    In addition to CFAMM, James Cleverly also held a number of individual bilateral meetings, including with the Prime Minister of Samoa, and with foreign ministers from Rwanda, Jamaica, Malaysia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK commends political progress in Yemen and urges for sustained efforts to address economic instability – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK commends political progress in Yemen and urges for sustained efforts to address economic instability – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 March 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Yemen.

    Thank you, President.

    I’d like to start by joining others in offering condolences to Mozambique and to Malawi for the damages that Cyclone Freddy has caused in your countries.

    Hans, Joyce, thank you for your briefings.

    As Ramadan approaches, so too does the one-year anniversary of the UN-brokered truce. The UK welcomes continued efforts toward a negotiated political settlement, and reiterates the need for dialogue to bring together all Yemeni parties.

    We urge the Houthis to engage directly with the internationally recognised Government of Yemen, and the UN. An inclusive political settlement is the only way to bring stability to Yemen.

    While we work towards long-term stability, we must also act, as others have said, to mitigate the suffering of Yemenis right now. Nearly 22 million Yemenis are in urgent need of assistance. The UK welcomes the vital role of UNVIM in facilitating commercial cargo flows into Yemen to alleviate this suffering.

    Mahram requirements in the north are excluding women from delivering and accessing assistance. As well as being an egregious injustice, this drives up the cost of living. We strongly urge the Houthi authorities to reconsider this policy.

    Efforts to address economic instability are also fundamental to reducing humanitarian need and the UK welcomes the generous financial contributions of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to address the serious economic situation of the Yemeni people.

    Houthi terrorist attacks and threats have blocked Government of Yemen oil exports, again increasing the cost of living for Yemenis. We call on the Houthis to refrain from all escalatory action.

    Arms smuggling is destabilising Yemen and the region. The British Navy, and our US and French partners, continue to interdict Iranian arms shipments. We call upon all involved to stop driving regional instability.

    Finally, we welcome the major progress made on the FSO Safer salvage operation. The UN’s procurement of a replacement vessel is a vital step toward mitigating the threat of a spill.

    But, the mission does not stop here.

    We ask the UN to share its detailed budget and for the international community to step up and fill the $34m funding gap. Without these, the operation cannot start.

    Thank you.