Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 February 2023.

UK Minister for Development signs an agreement with the US to help children around the world secure twelve years of quality education.

• Minister for Development signs a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US to strengthen work supporting the most marginalised children into basic education
• The MoU will particularly target girls, whose education is disproportionately affected by conflict and other crises such as extreme weather
• The announcement comes as Andrew Mitchell finishes a two-day visit to Washington DC including meetings with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, World Bank President David Malpass, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop.

Minister for Development, Andrew Mitchell, has signed an agreement with the US today (Friday 3 February) to help children around the world secure twelve years of quality education.

The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will particularly support girls, who are disproportionately affected by marginalisation, conflict and crisis, including extreme weather events such as flooding and drought.

The agreement will create a coalition of donors and partner countries to champion core education such as basic literacy and numeracy, help education systems deal with emergencies, and provide alternative education spaces where children can continue their education, safe from violence.

It will also support comprehensive education for girls on reproductive health, sexuality and relationships, and help address gender-based violence in and out of schools.

Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell said:

Twelve years of quality education, particularly for girls, is one of the best ways to tackle the problems facing the world today, such as poverty, climate change and inequality. But the impact of Covid-19 on education systems has been catastrophic. This generation of students are at risk of losing so much in lifetime earnings as a result of school closures.

I am delighted to sign this new agreement allowing the UK and US to work even more closely together to support children’s education around the world. The global community must work together, as never before, to support the recovery of education systems.

Both countries will build on the already close collaboration between them in this area, by sharing further expertise on staffing, technologies and resources to help children on the ground.

Girls are two and a half times more likely than boys to drop out of school when affected by conflict or crises, and if current trends continue, climate change will have been a factor in preventing over 12 million girls completing their education by 2025.

The announcement comes as Andrew Mitchell finishes a two-day visit to Washington DC for meetings with USAID Administrator Samantha Power.The Minister also met World Bank President David Malpass, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop to discuss how to ensure the international system is fit for purpose to support developing and vulnerable countries through multiple crises.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2023.

Statement delivered by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council briefing on Iraq.

Thank you, Madam President. Let me start by thanking Japan for a highly professional and effective presidency in the month of January, and let me assure you and your team of our full support for your presidency this month. Thank you to the Special Representative for her briefing and to Dr Ahmad for the messages he brought forward today.

The UK commends the vital work of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. As the Special Representative said, we also commend the longstanding commitment of successive Iraqi governments to working closely with the UN Mission.

We welcome the formation of the new Government of Iraq and Prime Minister Sudani’s focus on the delivery of services that the people of Iraq need. The UK will continue to support the Iraqi government on the range of challenges it faces. Key amongst these challenges are securing the country’s economic stability and the need for climate action, including energy transition and green economic reform. We hope to see the Government propose and pass a sustainable budget which stimulates investment in Iraq’s future. We encourage the government’s continued focus on tackling corruption, as the Special Representative said, and we echo the Special Representative and others on the importance of human rights and accountability.

Another central challenge is Iraq’s security. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in their efforts to ensure the safety of Iraqi civilians, not least in the ongoing fight against the scourge of Daesh, and to safeguard the security and sovereignty of Iraq.

We welcome Prime Minister Sudani’s work to reinforce the security of Iraq’s borders. We commend Prime Minister Sudani’s engagements throughout the region and his government’s efforts to encourage regional stability through broader bilateral relations. We encourage further regional dialogue, including on crucial transnational issues such as water security and the adverse impacts of climate change. And we welcome UNAMI’s important role in support of these efforts. Continued close cooperation between the government of Iraq and regional partners is important to reinforce both Iraqi and regional security and stability.

We welcome ongoing contact between Baghdad and Erbil to settle outstanding issues of concern. We encourage all sides to engage in dialogue to resolve differences where they exist, including on the hydrocarbon law and the budget. We also welcome and encourage dialogue between the Kurdish political parties, and we will continue to emphasise the urgent importance of passing a law facilitating elections in the Kurdistan region this year.

Finally, we would also like to thank the Special Representative for her update on missing Kuwaiti and third country nationals, and missing Kuwaiti property. We welcome and encourage the commitment of all parties to making further progress on this important issue.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2023.

Ambassador Neil Bush says that the link between the repression of fundamental freedoms in Russia, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is clearer than ever.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2023.

Ambassador Neil Bush highlights the appalling and long-lasting impact Russia’s invasion has on Ukraine’s children.

Thank you Mr. Chair. As we gathered in this Council last week, Russia had just launched its latest wave of mass long-range attacks across Ukraine. The tenth such wave since October 2022. Local officials reported at least 11 people killed.

Just three days later, Russia shelled residential areas in Kherson. According to local authorities, Russian attacks hit a bus station, post office, bank and residential buildings. These buildings are the fabric of everyday life, yet ordinary Ukrainians are risking their lives to access basic services that we take for granted. In these attacks alone, three people were killed, and ten injured. On the same day, a Russian missile hit an apartment building in Kharkiv. An elderly woman’s body was pulled from the rubble. Three others were injured. And once again, as we meet today, we hear reports of a missile strike on a civilian building in Kramatorsk, killing three and injuring eighteen. This vicious cycle has to stop.

Mr Chair, I wish to focus my statement today on the appalling and long-lasting impact of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine’s children.

It is not possible to confirm the exact number of children that have been direct casualties. But the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has verified that, as of last month, Russia’s invasion has killed more than 400 children, and injured over 800. The true toll is likely to be significantly higher. These numbers document only some impacts of Russia’s invasion. They do not account for the childhoods that have been stolen – including children who have endured sexual violence and other abuse. Or the children that have lost family members too soon. Or the devastating and long-term impact on the mental health of this younger generation.

Every child in Ukraine will have suffered because of Russia’s invasion. Hundreds of thousands of children have been forced from Ukraine. Either fleeing to other countries of safety, or through reported forced deportation and abduction by Russian armed forces – sometimes without their parents’ knowledge. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, Russia is violating fundamental child protection principles by giving Russian passports to unaccompanied child refugees. We are deeply worried by these reports.

Indiscriminate Russian attacks have destroyed countless schools and disrupted education, denying children vital structure and risking life-long consequences on learning. At the same time, many parents and caregivers are reluctant to send children to school due to safety concerns. Frequent power cuts prevent online learning. In temporarily Russian-controlled areas, the Russia-imposed school curriculum propagates disinformation and teachers are punished for teaching in Ukrainian.

And as we know all too well, children suffer disproportionately from lack of power, heating, and water caused by Russian attacks. Families have been forced to use candles, gas burners and generators to have light and to keep their children warm. In the middle of winter. Their struggle is the result of one man’s choosing.

Mr Chair, as we speak, a Russian court is considering the appeals of four Crimean Tatars who were arrested on politically motivated charges. We stand in solidarity with Seytumer and Osman Seytumerov, Amet Suleymanov and Rustem Seytmemetov. Russia must cease this treatment immediately and release all those wrongfully detained.

The Ukrainian people have paid, and continue to pay, an unconscionably high price for their freedom and for their future. We are determined to help Ukraine to bring a swift end to this heinous war – to end the suffering of so many. And we will support Ukraine to ensure that Russia’s egregious human rights abuses and violations will not go unpunished and that the perpetrators of war crimes face justice. We will not stop until Ukraine prevails.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2023.

The UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong met in London.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

The Foreign Secretary and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong had a warm and productive meeting in London today.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the UK’s commitment to work alongside Australia to support Pacific Island states’ priorities, particularly on the climate emergency and economic development. He looked forward to visiting in the coming months.

The Foreign Secretary also welcomed Australia’s recent sanctioning of leading figures in the Iranian and Myanmar governments, alongside similar sanctions imposed by the UK.

He and Foreign Minister Wong agreed that these were a clear illustration of the UK and Australia as staunch defenders of freedom and democracy.

Both looked forward to continuing discussions alongside their defence ministers tomorrow. They agreed the summit in Portsmouth would cement the UK-Australia relationship as modern and forward-looking, in the face of growing global challenges.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Member States Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan.

Thank you, Martin, and thank you to your IASC colleagues for this important briefing.

The UK welcomes your mission to Afghanistan just as we welcome that of the Deputy Secretary-General previously. We believe that regular senior UN level engagement, in close coordination with NGOs, will be important in the weeks and months ahead as we navigate a way forward.

As you have told us, the consequences of the Taliban’s edicts on the humanitarian community’s ability to tackle one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises are painfully evident.

Female humanitarian workers play a critical role in accessing Afghan communities in need: they reach populations their male counterparts cannot.

The consequences of the edicts will not be limited to our ability to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. They will also have a wider impact across our collective interests – across counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and regional stability.

The Taliban’s systematic attempts to erase women from society will have clear costs on Afghanistan’s economy, stability and security. We are clear there can be no movement on recognition until the Taliban meets the expectations of the international community which have been set out repeatedly in successive Security Council resolutions.

We must remain united, firm and unequivocal in our message to the Taliban: aid delivery without the participation of women cannot be normalised, and impairs the entire population – not only women and girls.

So the UK calls on the Taliban to guarantee the safety and status of all humanitarian staff, female and male, international and national. Their critical role needs to be understood at all levels – from national representatives to provincial security forces and district level officials.

As we continue to monitor development in Afghanistan, the international community needs to listen and respond to the voices of Afghan women. Their voices must be heard at all levels of the humanitarian response. That means high levels of transparency from humanitarian partners on the challenges they are facing in ensuring that women are able to access and participate in the delivery of assistance.

We should continue to use evidence-based arguments to demonstrate to the Taliban the impact of their edicts.

So Martin, to close, the UK calls on the Taliban to reverse their damaging edicts and take action to ensure all communities have access to aid and basic services.

And we, the UK, will continue to support the humanitarian community as you engage the Taliban on these challenges in the weeks and months ahead.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2023.

Delivered by Ian Stubbs (UK delegation to the OSCE) at the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation.

Thank you, Mr Chair. A year ago, the UK, along with many others in this room, raised our deep concern as Russia massed extraordinary levels of military forces along Ukraine’s borders and in illegally annexed Crimea. By this time, Russia had deployed over 60 Battalion Tactical Groups in the vicinity of Ukraine’s borders and the build-up of its forces and support elements was continuing.

As part of this build-up, Russia and Belarus were conducting Exercise Union Resolve in proximity to Ukraine’s northern borders. Despite attempts to hide the true objectives of the exercise from this Forum, their superficial and disingenuous briefings did little to allay fears and reduce tension – instead increasing suspicion amongst the international community that Russia, aided and abetted by Belarus, was indeed preparing to invade its sovereign neighbour Ukraine.

Mr Chair, the actions of Russia and Belarus that day were just one example of the nefarious and deliberate decisions taken to systematically weaponise Confidence and Security Building measures, including the Vienna Document, to support preparations for the invasion. Russia sought to use these international commitments – which were created to avert escalation, reduce military tension, and build mutual trust between countries – to deceive, undermine and destabilise this organisation.

Mr Chair, in the FSC that day, and not for the first time, we warned that any Russian military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake, one which would come at severe cost. The UK and partners were clear that the only way forward was for Russia to deescalate and pursue a path of diplomacy.

In response, our Russian colleague, who no longer has the courage to remain in this room, expressed “astonishment” at our concerns and reminded us that Russia had stated “at the highest level” that it had no plans to “invade” Ukraine. This was but one lie amongst the torrent peddled by the Russian delegation as it deliberately undermined this Forum, the principles under which we convene, and every participating State in this room. Let us be clear, the campaign of lies, threats and propaganda perpetuated by our Russian colleagues during the build-up to Russia’s illegal invasion demonstrates their own complicity; one which is recorded in the archives of this organisation and so committed to the annals of history. No amount of disinformation can overwrite the lies and deceit.

Mr Chair, on this day last year, the Russian military leadership had already convinced Putin that overwhelming victory was certain – the decision to invade had been made. They were certain the lauded Battalion Tactical Group concept would bring about a swift and decisive defeat of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. And that they as the invader would be welcomed with open arms.

Instead, the poor leadership, discipline, equipment, logistics, and training of Russia’s military contributed to abject failure of the concept. Russia’s ability to conduct combined arms manoeuvre warfare quickly collapsed, and in its place, early 20th century tactics of mass attrition, absent of any effective command and control. Russia’s Battalion Tactical Groups now replaced with convicts and criminals.

Frustrated, the Russian military has unleashed horrendous violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure; it has reduced entire cities, towns and villages to rubble; and attacked Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to deprive families of shelter, light and heat through the winter.

However, despite these horrendous actions, Russia’s invasion has, above all else, demonstrated the strength, resolve and determination of the Ukrainian people as they defend their homeland. With support from their friends and international partners, Ukraine has shown that agility, ingenuity, mission command and effective operational and tactical planning can wield devastating effect against a barbaric invader.

As we continue our support of Ukraine in their heroic resistance, we recognise that while it is important to equip them to defend the land they currently hold; it is just as important to equip Ukraine to push Russia out of Ukrainian territory. Alongside our Allies and partners, the UK’s accelerated package of military assistance, including the provision of Challenger 2 tanks, is recognition of this.

Mr Chair, we do not underestimate the continuing threat posed by the Russian Federation but, Putin and his military leadership should not underestimate our determination and will to support our Ukrainian friends as they fight to liberate their homeland. Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence will be fully restored.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2023.

Neil Holland has been appointed Head of the United Kingdom’s Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna.

Mr Neil Holland has been appointed Head of the United Kingdom’s Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), in succession to Mr Neil Bush who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Holland will hold the personal rank of Ambassador and will take up his appointment during April 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Neil Holland

Married to: Sarah Holland

Children: Four

Dates	Role
2022	FCDO, Crisis Response, Directorate for Defence and International Security
2020 to 2021	UK Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe (CoE), Strasbourg
2017 to 2020	FCDO, Director of Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps
2013 to 2017	Dublin, Deputy Head of Mission
2008 to 2013	Washington, First Secretary, Political
2005 to 2008	Berlin, First Secretary, Political/Military
2003 to 2004	FCDO, Head, NATO Section
2001 to 2003	FCDO, Head, Budget Management, Resource Budgeting Department
1993 to 2001	Private Sector, various roles in Financial Services in the UK and Australia

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2023.

A joint statement from 22 Foreign Ministers and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs on the two year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar.

A joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, and the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Armenia, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, the Federated States of Micronesia, Georgia, Ghana, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, on the two year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar:

On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup d’état and seized power against the will of the people, plunging the country into a deep political, economic and humanitarian crisis.

Over the last two years, the people of Myanmar have courageously demonstrated their commitment to a democratic country, demanding respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and showing determined resilience in the face of unspeakable atrocities.

Since the coup, the military regime has violently cracked down on any form of opposition, including peaceful protests. Credible reports indicate that thousands of civilians, including children, have been jailed, tortured and killed.

There are mounting reports that air strikes, bombardments and the mass burning of villages and places of worship have targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure. Reports of torture and sexual violence by the security forces are widespread. The prolonged conflict has seen thousands of civilian casualties, over 17 million people in need and 1.5 million people displaced from their homes.

We welcome and support the central role of ASEAN in addressing the crisis in Myanmar, including the efforts of the ASEAN Chair and ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar.

We welcome the UN Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022) on the situation in Myanmar which calls for the immediate cessation of violence and the upholding of universal human rights, the provision of full and unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. It calls on the military regime to effectively and fully implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, and to immediately release all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. It reaffirms our support for the ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar and the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar and encourages their close coordination. It also urges all parties in Myanmar to work constructively with both Envoys to commence dialogue to seek a peaceful solution.

The military overruled the democratic wishes of the people of Myanmar as expressed in the November 2020 General Election, when they seized power on 1 February 2021. We reiterate our call for the return of Myanmar to a democratic path. The military regime must end violence and create space for meaningful and inclusive dialogue to allow for any democratic process to resume.

We once again call on all members of the international community to support all efforts to hold those responsible for human rights violations and abuses to account; to cease the sale and transfer of arms and equipment which facilitate atrocities; and to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of Myanmar’s people, including its most vulnerable communities.

We remain resolute in our support for all those working peacefully towards an inclusive and democratic future for the people of Myanmar.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2023.

The UK announced sanctions to increase pressure on the Myanmar military junta, coinciding with the 2-year anniversary of the coup that ousted an elected government.

Companies supplying the Myanmar Air Force with the aviation fuel to carry out its relentless bombing campaign against innocent people have been targeted by the UK in the latest round of sanctions, announced to coincide with the second anniversary of the brutal coup that ousted Myanmar’s elected government.

Two companies and 2 individuals, all associated with what is known as the Asia Sun group, and integral to the aviation fuel industry in Myanmar, have been sanctioned. The group supplies fuel to the Myanmar Air Force enabling its barbaric air raiding campaign in an attempt to maintain power, killing thousands and displacing hundreds of thousands of Myanmar’s people in the process.

The first of February 2023 marks 2 years since the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically-elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and installed a military regime. Since then, they have used violence and atrocities to maintain power and supress any opposition voices.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Our sanctions are meticulously targeted to deliver maximum impact, reducing the military’s access to finance, fuel, arms and equipment.

The junta must be held to account for their brutal crackdown on opposition voices, terrorising air raids and brazen human rights violations.

The UK has led a strong, coordinated international response to support the people of Myanmar, their democratic demands and right to fundamental freedoms.

The UK has worked with partners including Canada, the United States and the European Union since the coup to impose coordinated and targeted sanctions against the military regime, its business interests and those who facilitate and profit from its brutal campaign.

Since the coup, the UK has now sanctioned 18 individuals and 30 entities, targeting those responsible for the coup, the subsequent violence, and those facilitating it. These sanctions raise the cost for those aligned with and supporting the regime’s campaign of terror. The UK will continue to use economic statecraft to restrict the military’s access to finance and arms and increase the pressure on them to engage with calls for a return to democracy.

As part of its commitment to a free and open Indo Pacific, the UK has led the international community’s work to support a peaceful resolution in Myanmar and a return to democracy; and pushing for progress towards accountability and justice. It has also played a key role in calling on countries around the world to end the sale and transfer of arms and equipment which facilitate the military’s atrocities.

At the United Nations, the UK successfully passed a Security Council Resolution on the crisis, the first of its kind, to apply further pressure on the military junta to end its violence. It also strongly supports ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus, which demands the military immediately ceases its violence and engages in constructive dialogue with all parties.

Background

Those sanctioned today are:

• Asia Sun Trading Company Limited and Cargo Link Company Limited, both part of what is known as the Asia Sun group which dominates the aviation fuel sector in Myanmar and are involved in the transfer of aviation fuel to the Myanmar Air Force
• Zaw Min Tun: Director and sole shareholder of Asia Sun Trading
• Win Kyaw Kyaw Aung: former Director and shareholder of Asia Sun Trading

Myanmar is the region’s most desperate humanitarian crisis. Following the coup, over 17.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including over 1.5 million displaced, of which more than half a million are children.

Humanitarian access is extremely challenging. The UK has led international efforts to channel resources to non-governmental organisations based in Myanmar which are on the frontline, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Asset freeze

An asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person.

Travel ban

A travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971.